There are several questions you should ask yourself when it comes to deciding on whether or not to join a gym.
Can you achieve the same results from working out with some weights at home or taking a run or bike ride?
I know many people who are healthy, lean, and fit, but never or rarely step foot inside a gym. They achieve this by either working out at home using simple weights dumbbells or barbells or through a physically strenuous activity like biking, running, or walking, plus proper nutrition. While every individual’s body is unique and respond differently, keep in mind that there are other ways to get fit without having to go to the gym.
Of course, if you’re looking to bulk up and work specific muscles, a good gym offers plenty of machines and free weights for that purpose. Plus, many gyms have indoor amenities like a swimming pool and racquetball and basketball courts to cater to those types of activities, and, should you wish to pay for one, a trainer.
But a gym can also feel “soulless” and boring. Imagine biking on a forest trail or through an urban jungle like New York City and crossing over the George Washington Bridge into a more leafy New Jersey, all while experiencing the sights and sounds of a mini adventure. You can never get that type of exercise experience from a gym.
Do you know how to use the equipment in a gym?
There’s nothing more embarrassing than looking foolish from not knowing how to use the equipment at a gym, but ego aside, you should be more concerned about your safety. Gym equipment can be dangerous, and I’ve experienced plenty of aches and pains from not knowing how to use certain machines.
If you do decide to join a gym, learn how to use a machine properly. You could sign up for a trainer if you can afford it, but consult a friend or someone who has experience with using gym equipment, or just ask someone who works there. And if you’re a first-timer, never push yourself too hard in the beginning, no matter what people might suggest. You should get comfortable with a machine or free weight before you increase the intensity of your workout.
If working out with gym equipment isn’t cutting it for you, you should definitely reconsider joining one.
What kinds of gyms are there?
Like cars, there are various types of gyms out there, from the economy bare-bones model to the ultra-luxurious, full-featured one. There are female-only facilities, gyms with daycare, chains with locations nationwide, and ones with a full-service spa. And then there are grimy, unsanitary gyms with outdated equipment. Of course there are multi-level gyms with state-of-the-art machines that come with iPod docks.
But like cars, there’s no way to know if you’ll like one until you visit. Luckily, most gyms will let you wander the facility to check it out, and they will even let you use the facility for a test drive. Take advantage of them and take the time to check them out thoroughly. Make sure a gym has the equipment and amenities that you want (one of my friends will turn away from a gym if there isn’t a juice bar, even if the gym has everything else he needs). Even at a really nice facility you may find that the showers are dirty, the paper towel and toilet paper dispensers are empty, or the whirlpool hasn’t been properly chlorinated. Check out if there’s ample parking if you need to drive to one. But, whatever you do, don’t join a gym blindly or feel obligated to sign up right away. Unfortunately, I once entered into a one-year contract with an expensive gym without first exploring others, and I’ve always regretted it. Learn from my foolishness and avoid the same mistake.
If you have friends or family who are members of a gym they love going to, ask if you can tag along. You’ll get to check out a gym, see if you like working out with a partner, and you might be able to score some sort of referral discount. Regardless, check out all facilities before you sign up for one.