I've decided that it's time to join a gym. I need a change of pace/scenery and with the colder months coming up, I need a place to walk that is indoors (I'm a notorious fair weather walker). I spent yesterday looking at four gyms that are closest to my home. Now I have to decide which one.
Gym#1 is the one that's closest, it's a half mile from my house - I'd probably walk there most of the time. They don't offer much in the way of classes, but the hours are good. The price is great, but the facility itself is marginal. Machines are older, place could use a fresh coat of paint. It's a really small place, privately run, not a chain. The trainer is only available with an appt. Generally, no staff is around at all. That concerns me too. But DH is willing to join this one with me and work out together.
Gym#2 is a 15 min drive, it's in a warehouse type facility, one of the chains. They offer a ton of classes, have lots of newer equipment, and the price was pretty close to the one close to home. It's almost never closed. Biggest negative is that it felt like a workout mill, like I'd just be one of hundreds coming through and I wouldn't get any peronal attention. But do I really need it/want it?
Gym#3 was nice but pricey. 15 min drive, Hours weren't that great - only open from 8-12 on Saturdays and not at all on Sundays. It's a women's only facility and the weight machines are specifically designed for women, smaller proportions, smaller weight increments, etc. Bright, clean, staff was awesome. Not too many classes, but the classes were not included in the membership price anyway.
Gym#4 was huge, offered a pool, tennis & racquetball courts plus all the normal fitness options. This one was a 20 min drive, but price was astronomical. So that one's out completely.
I'm leaning towards Gym#1, but I'd like some comments. So what do you guys think? Is personal attention that important - I mean once they show me how to use the equipment, how much does it matter? None of the gyms included personal training sessions in the price so if I decide to go that route, it'll be extra anywhere. Are newer machines important? If the place isn't as sparkling as I'd prefer, will it really impact my workout? I realize most of these issues depend on the person, but I'm kind of stumped. I didn't really fall in love with any of these places and there aren't any other options that I've been able to find (other than a Curves and that ain't happening).
What's important to you in a gym? What do you like/dislike about your gym?
I appreciate any and all comments. Thanks for listening!
Claude
"Age is a question of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter." Satchel Paige
Gym#1 is the one that's closest, it's a half mile from my house - I'd probably walk there most of the time. They don't offer much in the way of classes, but the hours are good. The price is great, but the facility itself is marginal. Machines are older, place could use a fresh coat of paint. It's a really small place, privately run, not a chain. The trainer is only available with an appt. Generally, no staff is around at all. That concerns me too. But DH is willing to join this one with me and work out together.
Gym#2 is a 15 min drive, it's in a warehouse type facility, one of the chains. They offer a ton of classes, have lots of newer equipment, and the price was pretty close to the one close to home. It's almost never closed. Biggest negative is that it felt like a workout mill, like I'd just be one of hundreds coming through and I wouldn't get any peronal attention. But do I really need it/want it?
Gym#3 was nice but pricey. 15 min drive, Hours weren't that great - only open from 8-12 on Saturdays and not at all on Sundays. It's a women's only facility and the weight machines are specifically designed for women, smaller proportions, smaller weight increments, etc. Bright, clean, staff was awesome. Not too many classes, but the classes were not included in the membership price anyway.
Gym#4 was huge, offered a pool, tennis & racquetball courts plus all the normal fitness options. This one was a 20 min drive, but price was astronomical. So that one's out completely.
I'm leaning towards Gym#1, but I'd like some comments. So what do you guys think? Is personal attention that important - I mean once they show me how to use the equipment, how much does it matter? None of the gyms included personal training sessions in the price so if I decide to go that route, it'll be extra anywhere. Are newer machines important? If the place isn't as sparkling as I'd prefer, will it really impact my workout? I realize most of these issues depend on the person, but I'm kind of stumped. I didn't really fall in love with any of these places and there aren't any other options that I've been able to find (other than a Curves and that ain't happening).
What's important to you in a gym? What do you like/dislike about your gym?
I appreciate any and all comments. Thanks for listening!
Claude
"Age is a question of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter." Satchel Paige