After all the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping ends, New Year’s rolls around and it’s then time to shop for a gym! Here are a few questions to ask yourself to help you navigate your way into finding the perfect gym home for you!
1. What do you enjoy doing?
First of all, it’s hard to get motivated from the start … So if you choose a fitness program that you hate, you won’t stay on it long term. If you tell yourself; “I have a lot of energy, I like to dance and jump to enjoy my workout” then choose something upbeat like Zumba or a HIIT cardio boot camp. If you enjoy feeling strong and really individualize and sculpt each body part then a weight training gym is for you. If you enjoy group work and crushing your personal records then try a crossfit gym. If you like to relax a bit and have a good “me-time” during your workout, choose something like yoga or a barre class.
2. What does your schedule like?
This is important to look into, as many gyms have different hours that might not accommodate your schedule. If your schedule is very busy, and ever-changing, (sometimes you workout at night, sometimes early morning etc.) I suggest trying a gym with open hours like Anytime Fitness or Planet Fitness where you can come and go as you please. If you’re the type of person who likes to have a strategically set schedule, try a private personal training gym where you can have your hour set with a trainer every day you train. If you like set schedules, but want some flexibility then sign up for a program of classes where you can keep going at the same time, or change it up. Crossfit is good for group classes where you can come in at anytime but you have to come in during the scheduled classes so it would still keep you on a steady schedule.
3. What’s your budget?
How much money are you willing to invest in your fitness goals? If you think you can hang on your own without help from gym employees, going to a bigger open gym facility would have a smaller gym fee, but not necessarily the best customer service. If you think you need help navigating your way around the gym, it might be a good idea to invest in getting a personal trainer at a private gym to show you the ropes. If you sign up for fitness classes such as bootcamps, crossfit, yoga, barre, etc. it’s usually a flat monthly payment or pay per class and is usually not too expensive.
After setting your goals, schedule and budget, you should be able to find the perfect gym for you. Take advantage of free trials and gym coupons. This is a great way to try out a gym with no commitment and see which one best suits you.