If your New Year’s resolution to join a gym didn’t get you, the mid-winter slump just might. Fear of approaching summer swimsuit season – or just a sense of hibernation-induced sloth – may have pushed you in the direction of joining a gym. But then comes the big question: What kind of gym?
Little or large?
Deciding what kind of gym to join depends on why you’re joining. Looking for a set of fun classes like Zumba or POUND to try out? One of the big chain gyms is the answer. Don’t want to exercise and feel like a zoo exhibit in front of a three-storey window overlooking gridlocked traffic filled with spectators, surrounded by numerous other sweaty enthusiasts? Then maybe a chain gym isn’t for you. That’s a big generalisation, but it really does depend on what you are looking to get out of your gym experience.
Which workout?
A gym isn’t just a room with weights and machines in it – training takes on many different forms in the modern fitness space:
Chain Gyms
Generally cater for as many different types of exercise as possible, with a variety of classes – but they can lack character and personal attention if you don’t sign up with a trainer. They do offer international-level classes though, like Zumba or POUND.
Focused attention
There are many of these types of gyms around the country that generally focus on smaller classes or personal attention – but be sure to check out the qualifications of the trainers and the setup to see if they work for you.
Punch above your weight
Boxing gyms have sprung up all over the country for a reason – boxing is a great full-body workout in a no-nonsense environment. They’re not somewhere you go on your own to workout – you’ll either join a class or do sessions with your own trainer.
Themed workouts
These gyms offer high-energy classes in an almost nightclub-like atmosphere that integrates components of interval-, functional-, athletic-, and agility training as well as core stability work into hour-long classes that are different, every time.
High voltage workout
Gyms that use Electric Muscle Stimulation (EMS) with a rigorous workout under the guidance of a personal trainer claim to achieve in 20 minutes what it takes much longer to do in a gym. By passing an electrical current through the muscles while exercising, up to 90% of muscles are activated simultaneously and the contractions are of a higher quality and more intense than a voluntary exertion can do alone.
Location, Location
Much like real estate, finding the right gym for you is as much about location as it is about the facilities. Dragging yourself out of bed at 5 am to work out is much easier when the gym is nearby – preferably less than 15 minutes away – and has enough parking spots so that you won’t have to spend half your workout time looking for one.
Scout It Out
When looking at a particular gym, set up a tour during the time you usually exercise, and bring along a list of questions. Many clubs – big and small – will gladly show you around or offer a free introductory week or class to give you a chance to experience them – and don’t be shy to take them up on the offer.
Count The Cost
If you’re signing a contract or joining via a wellness partner program, check the fine print to highlight hidden costs and penalties which may apply if you don’t meet certain criteria. For example, some gyms have a joining fee, as well as a yearly ‘Maintenance Fee’ that they charge to keep the facilities in shape and others charge for classes that you may assume would be included – since you’re most likely committing to a contract and a monthly fee, know what your options, responsibilities and rights are.
Words: Trevor Crighton | Image: Unsplash
