Relocating and Need to Find a Gym

smittybuilt19

My job will be changing in 2 weeks and I must find a place to lift. I squat, bench, and DL.

I know I will just need to do some visiting to different facilities, but before I start aimlessly wandering do you all have any suggestions of "chain gyms" that may be friendly towards folks like me who just want to train the big 3?

I know a chain is a chain but if it helps I'll be in the Winston Salem, NC area.

antennachick

If I were you I would contact the gyms and see if they have a trial period or a free week that way you can find what works for you. Even chain gyms are going to vary depending on your location

kshama2001

AFAIK, Planet Fitness and places just for women are the only chains not big 3 friendly. The Gold's, LA Fitness, and YMCAs I've been in were big 3 friendly.

Most gyms have a day to a week free trial periods. Check out all the ones convenient to you and see what you like.

smittybuilt19

Wasn't sure about PF, I have definitely heard the negatives on lifting there. There is a Gold's, LA, and Y near my new job site so I will check those out.

I will check to see about a trial period.

There is a shabby looking place I found on Google maps, no website no reviews but a picture of what appears to be a weight room with rusty bars and plates, which could be the ticket I just don't want to get mugged haha.

FabianRodriguez94

I've only been to LA fitness once and they weren't too keen on deadlifting. Maybe it was just the one I went to.

whmscll

The LA Fitness in my area had lots of people deadlifing. So it must depend on the franchisee. To the OP, I would say start with gyms near your home or work. You'll know at first glance if they have a squat rack or not, and then you can sign-up for whatever free introductory workouts they offer to see if the place is actually for you.

shor0814

I had the same situation in January and only had an Anytime Fitness nearby. Turns out there are 2 racks and they track records for the big 3 by age group. Pleasant surprise for such a small gym. Ask around and you might be surprised.

smittybuilt19

Thanks for the advice ya'll. I'll be going back to the area later this week for drug screening, hopefully I'll have time to swing by a couple of gyms.

JoRocka

FabianRodriguez94 wrote: »

I've only been to LA fitness once and they weren't too keen on deadlifting. Maybe it was just the one I went to.

must have just been that one- I used to work out at one- and I never had any problems with it.