Now that the weather is cooler, the kids are back to school and your health has taken a beating this summer due to lack of interest in exercise and over consumption of, well...everything, hopefully you have made the decision to get committed to those goals we all have regarding fitness. The next step will be to find a gym that you are comfortable with going to on a regular basis as we all know this is invaluable to our health and key to maintaining your current level of fitness or paramount to starting a new healthy lifestyle. Selecting a fitness facility can be overwhelming and frustrating and we will attempt to take off some of the pressure by providing you a list of considerations that should be important to your selection.

Location

You will be far more committed to your goals if they are geographically convenient for you.

If you have to drive by it every day to and from work, it is virtually crying out to you, “Stop! Don’t you drive by me?” This is important as it’s far too easy to create an excuse based on the fact that your gym is too far away.

Overall Appeal

Does your prospective gym have a good “feel?” Are you welcomed by a friendly, professional and knowledgeable staff member when you come in? Does it smell good? Check the washrooms and showers. Are they clean? Do the mats, carpets or flooring look clean? Does the place look run down and not attended to? Is there ample attention to details? Look for little signs that say “we care” about our facility, we look after it and we’ll look after our members too.

Type/Quality of Equipment

Check the quality of the equipment. Is it in good shape and well maintained? There’s nothing worse than not being able to complete your workout because of faulty weight equipment that is not properly cared for. If you have questions don’t be afraid to ask staff who should be willing and able to explain the pieces to you and offer you orientation or personal trainers to get you acquainted with the them. Check for availability of free weights if that’s what you like to do and any other fitness accessory that you plan to incorporate into your workout.

Fitness Classes/ Instructors

Ask to see a schedule of fitness classes and determine if they are varied enough to suit your interests and stimulating enough to refocus you when boredom may threaten your schedule. If you like Spin, ask to see the bikes to ensure that you will not receive a faulty one that disables your work out. Ask to see instructor credentials to be certain that you are paying for certified instructors only; certified instructors are trained to watch your form and technique at all times which reduces injuries dramatically. They have the ability and education to inform you of many physical concerns you may have and are also able to modify each exercise for those with issues that need attention.

Personal Trainers

Having good, qualified personal trainers on staff is critical to helping you realize your fitness goals. Though you may have a routine now, in a year from now you may find that you have reached a plateau and are in need of the experience and motivation of a personal trainer to turn things around. Having the option available of knowledgeable staff cannot be stressed enough. Unfortunately many gyms hire almost anyone who has a basic interest in fitness, so be sure to ask for credentials. The difference is enormous.

Memberships

After a thorough tour of the facility and some aggressive questioning that satisfy all your questions, you get to the prices. Remember that you get what you pay for as well, read over the contracts, ask about short term memberships that don’t tie you down if you are unsure. Many gyms offer a higher priced monthly option and a lower yearly price for a commitment. Do they include or offer personal training to get you set up and comfortable in the weight room so that you use the gym if you decide to commit to a longer period.

Additional Benefits

Make sure you ask about any other services they may offer such as quality, affordable childcare, massage, nutritional counselling, tanning, fitness testing and special discounts for students and seniors.

Written by Club Blackbelts, Lake Country’s ultimate fitness club. Club Blackbelts can be reached at 250-766-5665.