Choose the Right Gym for You

Congratulations! One of the healthiest decisions you can make for yourself is to join a gym.

It’s also a complicated decision. You need to pick the right place at the right time.

Consider joining a gym during a monthly special when the registration fee is waived. This can add up to sizable savings, which you may need for smaller clothes!

Look for a facility that is close to your home or work. It has to be open when you are most likely to work out.

Once you find a gym that meets those criteria, take a tour. They’re free and usually available during business hours. Look at the people working out. Do they look like you? If it’s filled with high school grads and you’re a stay-at-home mom, this might not be the right place.

Not all gyms offer childcare, but boy is it nice for parents. While you get your workout Saturday morning, the kids experience social play. Some places have incredible indoor play structures, even rock-climbing walls.

Does the facility offer group exercise? This is vital if you thrive in a social setting. Get a copy of the group exercise schedule. If you want to try something like Zumba – a  popular, Latin-inspired aerobics class  – is it offered at a time that you could attend? How big is the group exercise room? Does it have a stage? Classes in January are extremely popular. You need to be able to see the instructor from the back row.

Ask about personal training. If you’ve never worked out with weights, you want to learn the right way, the first time. Certified personal trainers can do this. But you may have to pay extra for this expertise. Some facilities will let you and a friend personal train together.

Before you sign any paperwork, inquire about a one-day pass. This gives you the chance to experience the gym firsthand. Make sure to ask about canceling your membership. Military families are often on the move. Are there penalties?

Here’s another question: Can you bring guests? This can come in handy when your 12-year-old niece comes to stay for two weeks in the summer.

And if the person waiting on you can’t answer these questions, keep looking.

The right place is out there!

Learn about Bon Secours Fitness & Weight Loss Program