What to look for in a gym?

lorib642
lorib642 Posts: 1,942 Member
edited March 7 in Fitness and Exercise
I am going to check out a chain gym, Fitness 19, on Wednesday. They offer $10 monthly fees for certain days and $49 enrollment. We have other gyms near us LA fitness, YMCA, a rec center and more. The $10 got my attention, then I looked on line and saw the rest. There are no showers. I live nearby so I can shower at home. I am a very beginning beginner and don't really know what to look for for now and in the future. I think if you do the $10 deal you have to pay extra for classes. They have other deals.

Replies

  • VegasFit
    VegasFit Posts: 1,232 Member
    I am not too familiar with Fitness 19 but with any gym I would ask for a trial membership, a week if possible, to use the facilities at the times you plan to use them so you have more of an idea of what you are signing up for. $10 is a great rate but it sounds a little restrictive with "certain days." And how much additional are classes? I've toured Y's in my area and I was impressed with the facilities and the classes, same with one of my local rec centers. Another option might be checking out Groupon or Living Social deals in your area.
  • dbmata
    dbmata Posts: 12,950 Member
    In Mission Viejo I'd hit the Y or the 24 hour fitness.

    From what I read, Fitness 19 only has machines, which means if you wanted to do any sort of free weight workout, you'd be boned. I also believe the Y has a pool, and that's just awesome to have access to for cardio and recovery.
  • lorib642
    lorib642 Posts: 1,942 Member
    dbmata wrote: »
    In Mission Viejo I'd hit the Y or the 24 hour fitness.

    From what I read, Fitness 19 only has machines, which means if you wanted to do any sort of free weight workout, you'd be boned. I also believe the Y has a pool, and that's just awesome to have access to for cardio and recovery.

    Thank you. The Y has a beautiful pool.
  • ValerieMartini2Olives
    ValerieMartini2Olives Posts: 3,024 Member
    I would never pay $49 to enroll.

    I go to Charter Fitness. $10/month. No enrollment. Lots of cardio and weight machines and free weights. Friendly staff.
    Limited hours (close at 7 on weekends!) is my only major con.
  • queenliz99
    queenliz99 Posts: 15,317 Member
    If I didn't belong to LA Fitness already, my next choice would be the Y for sure:)
  • Cc215
    Cc215 Posts: 228 Member
    What do you want to do when you go there? Is there enough of whatever that is to keep you going?

    How long a membership are you tied into? If your gym doesn't end up meeting your needs can you move easily?

    If yes to both - you are golden. If no - think more carefully - I joined my gym, and tied myself to it for a year, based on the answer to the first paragraph being yes. My needs have changed - and my gym doesn't really fit me anymore - but I'm tied in for another 6 months :S
  • lorib642
    lorib642 Posts: 1,942 Member
    Cc215 wrote: »
    What do you want to do when you go there? Is there enough of whatever that is to keep you going?

    How long a membership are you tied into? If your gym doesn't end up meeting your needs can you move easily?

    If yes to both - you are golden. If no - think more carefully - I joined my gym, and tied myself to it for a year, based on the answer to the first paragraph being yes. My needs have changed - and my gym doesn't really fit me anymore - but I'm tied in for another 6 months :S

    Thank you. That is helpful
  • arditarose
    arditarose Posts: 15,573 Member
    What do you mean 10 dollars for certain days? Like you can only go to the gym on Tuesday and Thursday?
  • lorib642
    lorib642 Posts: 1,942 Member
    yes I think it is M,W,F or T,TH,Sat something like that. At least what i read on-line
  • arditarose
    arditarose Posts: 15,573 Member
    I think that is stinky but if it works for you, 10 bucks is super cheap. Though places like planet fitness are 10 bucks and you can work out when you want.

    But yeah, free weights. I'd need them.
  • lorib642
    lorib642 Posts: 1,942 Member
    I see the YMCA has a diabetes prevention and management program. I am going to see what that entails
  • dbmata
    dbmata Posts: 12,950 Member
    lorib642 wrote: »
    I see the YMCA has a diabetes prevention and management program. I am going to see what that entails

    My gym is a Y, and it's really neat how much extra support programming there is. Yoga, spin classes, and windows to the zumba room so I can watch between sets.
  • brdnw
    brdnw Posts: 565 Member
    tour it during the time you plan on going, so you can get a sense for how busy it is. If you plan on going after work at 5, then tour it after work at 5 to see if it's swarmed with people or at a comfortable level.

    Keep in mind, from january through februrary there will be 2x as many people, by March most of the new years resolution people fade out.
  • ndj1979
    ndj1979 Posts: 29,136 Member
    make sure they have power racks and allow you to squat and deadlift.
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