Signing up for a fitness center isn’t as easy as choosing what’s near you. According to Shape Magazine, your fitness center will play a significant role in keeping you motivated. Not all fitness centers are the same, and some come with extra member privileges that can help you achieve your dream physique faster than you can imagine.
If you’re tired of working out at home and wants to try going to a fitness center, here some things you need to look for:
1. Cost
This is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a fitness center. You want to pick one that you can afford. Some fitness centers and gyms are too high priced because they have an established brand name. Local fitness centers are usually priced lower, for example, Penfield Sports and Fitness in Rochester, NY. It’s a local fitness center that offers excellent value for money. If you live within Rochester, you definitely have to check out their site.
Here are some best practices when talking about the cost of fitness centers:
- Apply during discount seasons – Discount seasons are usually after New Year and after summer. This is a time where applicants are usually high and fitness centers usually offer discounted rates as motivation. Your chance of getting a good membership price increases during this season.
- Determine the extra fees – Don’t feel overwhelmed when applying for membership, and don’t be pressured by salespeople to upgrade your membership. Think carefully about the additional charges and if it’s something that you need or will use on a regular basis. Salespeople are trained to influence your buying decisions – don’t let them. Read the fine prints and determine the extra costs involved.
- Apply for shorter memberships – Be careful about fitness centers trying to trap you in long-term agreements. Falling into that trap can mean that, if ever you feel unhappy at the center, you’ll be stuck paying for a membership you won’t use.
2. Members
Some fitness centers only cater to a specific demographic. There are fitness centers targeting seniors, children, women, and men. This isn’t about discrimination, though, but more about targeting individuals who may have worries about working out in a mixed environment. Let’s say, for example, women who feel intimidated when working out in a co-ed gym. These women would be more comfortable in a gym strictly for women. However, that’s not to say that men don’t also feel intimidated by women who can lift more than them.
Fitness centers can also offer specialized programs to its members. A regular gym may not be able to attend to seniors as they need more attention and specific programs. Some fitness centers in Rochester offer water exercises, which are easier on their joints, to seniors.
Lastly, you’d also like to get an idea of how many members there are. You wouldn’t want to arrive in the gym only to find out that everything is occupied. Peak times are usually in the morning, so better find out how many people are working out during this time. It’s also a good idea to look for centers that offer a lot of cardio equipment as you’ll still get some kind of workout even when waiting for other people to finish using the equipment.
3. Equipment Availability
Find a fitness center that has the type of equipment that can support your needs. Ask if you can walk around the gym and inspect the types of equipment they have, making sure that they’re safe and not outdated. Here are some of the most commonly used fitness center equipment you should look out for:
- Dumbbells – This type of equipment is versatile in nature. Make sure that they have several sets that members can utilize, so you don’t have to wait around to use it.
- Weight-lifting machines – Most modern weight-lifting machines have options for users to emphasize the area they’re working on. Different devices provide the chance to put variations on your routines and get rid of plateauing. It’s also good to ask how often they maintain their weight-lifting machines for safety purposes.
- Cardio machines – Check if their treadmills are not outdated. Features like the heart rate monitor are useful to have so you can track how hard you’re working out. Make sure that the bikes also have pedal straps. Other cardio machines that are good to have in a fitness center are rowers and ellipticals.
- Stretching area – While it’s not exactly a piece of equipment, it’s an area that’s often overlooked by other centers. Stretching plays a vital role in your work out. If you’re not properly stretched out, you could risk getting an injury.
4. Cleanliness
A clean facility should be one of your top concerns when looking for a fitness center. You don’t want to be starting you’re membership only to find out that the facilities aren’t cleaned on a regular basis, leaving you with an icky and uncomfortable feeling afterward.
Gyms are particularly a damp area with all the sweating, which makes it a great place for germs and bacteria to thrive in. While it’s the fitness center’s job to maintain cleanliness of its facilities, as a member you should also do the following to avoid contracting any illness:
- Cover wounds with bandages – If you have any cuts or bruises, be sure to cover them up before using any equipment.
- Bring your own towel – While some facilities offer free towels for members to use, it’s always a good idea to bring your own as you don’t know how these free-to-use towels are cleaned.
- Wipe the equipment after use – Most gyms have equipment wipes for members to use before and after using a piece of equipment.
- Wash your hands – If you don’t like showering in the fitness center, make sure you at least wash your hands thoroughly after.
- Don’t go when you’re sick – If you feel that you’re going down with some kind of flu or colds, avoid going to the centers to prevent spreading it to other gym members.
5. Extra Features
Some facilities have extra features and privileges that are nice to have. They’re not necessarily essential but, these things make the overall experience better. Here are some extra features that you can look out for:
- Classes – Most fitness centers offer classes, such as boxing, Zumba, yoga, and pole dancing. These kinds of lessons can help change up your routine.
- Personal trainers – Some gyms have personal trainers that you can book during your gym sessions. Just be sure that these fitness trainers are certified.
- Pool – There are fitness centers that also have a pool, which is used for swimming lessons and aquatic exercises.
- Child membership – Some fitness centers offer exercises and membership to kids. Others provide a daycare facility for your kids while you’re working out.
Conclusion
Before you even sign that contract, be sure to read and know everything about the fitness center. A good rule of thumb is to ask for a free trial period, even for a day or two. Doing so will help you get a clearer picture of how they operate and if the fitness center makes you comfortable. Fitness centers are more than just a place to go for a workout; it’s a place to help you de-stress and get a little time for yourself, so finding the best one should be your top consideration.
