What do you expect from a gym?
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One of the gyms I go to is open 24/7 365 days a year. Requires an access chip but I love it because I hate when my preferred gym is closed on holidays. Not sure if that is doable for you, but it's something that is a must for me.
And cleanliness, which has already been mentioned. They are always cleaning at my preferred gym, the one I frequent the most. Staff are constantly wiping down equipment, vacuuming, sweeping, cleaning the bathrooms, etc. They even put their little kids to work cleaning mirrors.
Good luck! Not sure about a name. I'd think we'd kind of need to know your area in order to come up with something memorable and attention-getting to your demographics.2 -
I like my gym to be on the smallish side. That said my gym only has 2 ellipticals and it's frustrating because I like to finish my lifting sessions with about 15 minutes of elliptical and they're always taken by the cardio bunnies.
As others have said, plenty of squat racks, benches, free weights. I love, love the smaller barbells with the weights permanently attached (not sure the name of them).1 -
Great ideas given so far...
-A simple touch- my gym just started offering big containers of wet sani wipes in their own holder for wiping down equipment. I like this since it seems more people wipe down when they don't need to bother to spray a paper towel.
-It used to be every week, but now I think only ever so often they had 'Free Friend Friday' where you could bring a friend for free. Yes, subject to tour and a quick sales pitch, but it was nice to have that option.
-Low sales pitches. Advertise your services ( i.e. trainers, lessons, etc.) but don't push. Don't make people want to avoid staff in fear of a sales pitch. I worked with a trainer for a bit and he was awesome, but the sales pitch he gave me constantly made me stop going. If I know what's out there, great, but I don't want a reminder of why I need it or what body parts it would help.
- Long hours...my gym is open from 4:30 am until midnight.
- Strict rules ( and enforcement) of kids using equipment/machines. I have a hard time seeing people wait for equipment when a child is playing on it. If I could find a kid free gym, I'd love it. ( Mine has an awesome daycare, but some parents just can't say no to their kids I guess?)
-Overall...CLEANLINESS. It's not just about sanitizing things, it's removing shoe prints, hair, spilled beverages, etc.
- WORKING and WELL MAINTAINED equipment. There is nothing worse than a machine that's partially broken or pieces broken off, even if it's not needed for functioning of the machine.
- Seminars, talks, etc. on health, fitness, weight loss, etc.
- A great website with lists of classes, programs, etc.2 -
Have good racks and free weights. Please none of those idiotic 12-sided weight plates.
Also make sure the equipment is well maintained and in safe operating condition. Some of the racks and benches in my old gym had loose bolts and would wobble.
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Last time I was shopping for a gym WattBike Pro bikes were one of my priorities for choosing between the various gyms. Other high end power meter equipped bikes are available....
The bank of four bikes get loads of use while the low spec bikes sit idle most of the time - a waste of floor space.
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I used to belong to a gym for the indoor pool and indoor running track. There were two pools, one for lap swimming and one for water exercise, that were kept at different temperatures. I always thought a seasonal outdoor pool with a sun deck would be nice too. A climbing wall would be fun. My university gym had all sorts of indoor sports courts. I lift at home and prefer doing cardio outside, so I'm more interested in the perks than the standards. Whatever you do, don't put the group fitness room directly below the free weights section. I can tell you from experience dropping weights and yoga don't mix.3
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_incogNEATo_ wrote: »I'd like a 24HR Facility, an Ohio Power Bar, Competition Spec'd Bench, a Squat Rack with Safeties but narrow enough to not pinball when I unrack, and a deadlift platform WITH a jack. Please be chalk friendly and update your playlist to play more than the same 40 songs all day long.
Also, name it Training ON Improvement (TONI's)
I'm liking that idea....but it was quickly vetoed. Apparently, it's not just my gym. smh.
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goochinator wrote: »Great ideas given so far...
-A simple touch- my gym just started offering big containers of wet sani wipes in their own holder for wiping down equipment. I like this since it seems more people wipe down when they don't need to bother to spray a paper towel.
-It used to be every week, but now I think only ever so often they had 'Free Friend Friday' where you could bring a friend for free. Yes, subject to tour and a quick sales pitch, but it was nice to have that option.
-Low sales pitches. Advertise your services ( i.e. trainers, lessons, etc.) but don't push. Don't make people want to avoid staff in fear of a sales pitch. I worked with a trainer for a bit and he was awesome, but the sales pitch he gave me constantly made me stop going. If I know what's out there, great, but I don't want a reminder of why I need it or what body parts it would help.
- Long hours...my gym is open from 4:30 am until midnight.
- Strict rules ( and enforcement) of kids using equipment/machines. I have a hard time seeing people wait for equipment when a child is playing on it. If I could find a kid free gym, I'd love it. ( Mine has an awesome daycare, but some parents just can't say no to their kids I guess?)
-Overall...CLEANLINESS. It's not just about sanitizing things, it's removing shoe prints, hair, spilled beverages, etc.
- WORKING and WELL MAINTAINED equipment. There is nothing worse than a machine that's partially broken or pieces broken off, even if it's not needed for functioning of the machine.
- Seminars, talks, etc. on health, fitness, weight loss, etc.
- A great website with lists of classes, programs, etc.
these are all great suggestions, thank you!1 -
The only other thing that I haven't seen mentioned in this thread is: childcare. Probably not something you can offer off the bat, but childcare was the reason I joined my current gym.
I do pay an extra monthly fee, but it's super convenient for the weekends when my husband and I both want to go. My kids are too young to stay home alone; and what a pain to find a babysitter for every Sat/Sun morning at 8am.2 -
1. Childcare
2. Lysol wipes EVERYWHERE
3. Climbing wall
4. Boxing equipment
5. Please, God in Heaven, hear my prayer for more Smith machines at my gym. Would be a good idea at your gym, too.
6. Good luck!1 -
An indoor track, and an indoor fake turf area with sleds, tires, and prowlers. Pairs of kettlebells in various weights that go up to at least 32k.
Child care is a must for me. Lack of child care is the reason I left the gym and built a home gym.1 -
I am a YMCA member because of the childcare. My kids love the iZone and some of the Ys have indoor playgrounds. I don't feel guilty leaving my kids for an hour or two because they are having fun.
I like that they update their cardio equipment regularly, no crazy old machines. It's bright, clean, and they keep the rooms nice and cool. So it doesn't smell like a stinky gym. They have disinfectant wipes on all the walls to wipe machines down.
The locker rooms are clean, though it could use a few more benches. I don't like that the water pressure in the showers are so light, I feel like it takes forever to rinse my hair out. So decent water pressure would be nice.
I also like the complimentary coffee!
They also offer informative clinics like running, how to meal prep, a weight loss support group... it's great.
I'm not even including the kid stuff they offer like swim lessons, sports, camps, parents night out, mothers morning out, etc
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Assuming you're not a niche gym...
I expect a good array of equipment - some cardio machines, some plate-loaded machines, some free-weight racks/stations, and some functional training areas. I expect a place to stretch. I expect it to be clean and safe. I expect hours that work for people who work normal jobs. I expect the staff to re-rack weights when/as needed. I expect the staff to be smart enough to help when asked, and to keep their mouth shut when appropriate.
Beyond that, it's on me to make the most of the gym.
The bold part should NEVER ever be needed to be done by the staff.6 -
toned_thugs_n_harmony wrote: »We recently bought a space to open up our own gym in late fall/winter 2017. Just curious what you would want/except from your gym? Classes, types of machines, etc. Things you wished you had, things you don't like about your gym...any and all input is much appreciated.
Also, anyone with an awesome name idea gets a special prize.
Lots of treadmills, spin bikes and rowing machines
Big windows to see outside and get natural light while using the treadmills, spin bikes and rowing machines
In fact, what would be wonderful is if the treadmills, spin bikes and rowing machines could be in an indoor/outdoor type of area ... roof overhead, windows on three sides with great views, and the windows could be opened to get lots of fresh air.
Each piece of equipment should have its own TV as well as USB slots etc. for downloading stats, playing our own music or videos etc.
Evening spin classes during the week, and late day spin classes on weekends.
Spin classes should be held in similar area as above ... spacious, bright, fresh air, as much natural light as possible, views to the outdoor world.
Plus a few extras:
-- A small weights area
-- Climbing wall
-- Lap pools
-- Indoor/outdoor walking/running track
Well, actually ... a lot like this:
http://www.reddeer.ca/recreation-and-culture/recreation/recreation-facilities/collicutt-centre/1 -
A lap pool that always has a free lane!0
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Cutaway_Collar wrote: »Smithmachines are bad for your knees. Very bad.
Piggyscience, better than broscience.
I have incredibly bad balance, so I need the safety of it. I wouldn't pass a field sobriety test right now and I haven't had a drink since December
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toned_thugs_n_harmony wrote: »We recently bought a space to open up our own gym in late fall/winter 2017. Just curious what you would want/except from your gym? Classes, types of machines, etc. Things you wished you had, things you don't like about your gym...any and all input is much appreciated.
Also, anyone with an awesome name idea gets a special prize.
Lots of treadmills, spin bikes and rowing machines
Big windows to see outside and get natural light while using the treadmills, spin bikes and rowing machines
In fact, what would be wonderful is if the treadmills, spin bikes and rowing machines could be in an indoor/outdoor type of area ... roof overhead, windows on three sides with great views, and the windows could be opened to get lots of fresh air.
Each piece of equipment should have its own TV as well as USB slots etc. for downloading stats, playing our own music or videos etc.
Evening spin classes during the week, and late day spin classes on weekends.
Spin classes should be held in similar area as above ... spacious, bright, fresh air, as much natural light as possible, views to the outdoor world.
Plus a few extras:
-- A small weights area
-- Climbing wall
-- Lap pools
-- Indoor/outdoor walking/running track
Well, actually ... a lot like this:
http://www.reddeer.ca/recreation-and-culture/recreation/recreation-facilities/collicutt-centre/
I was thinking of adding ice rink, but thought, naw, a gym wouldn't have an ice rink. I'm glad to be proven wrong.0 -
Assuming you're not a niche gym...
I expect a good array of equipment - some cardio machines, some plate-loaded machines, some free-weight racks/stations, and some functional training areas. I expect a place to stretch. I expect it to be clean and safe. I expect hours that work for people who work normal jobs. I expect the staff to re-rack weights when/as needed. I expect the staff to be smart enough to help when asked, and to keep their mouth shut when appropriate.
Beyond that, it's on me to make the most of the gym.
The bold part should NEVER ever be needed to be done by the staff.
Shouldn't, but is.0 -
I expect squat racks, a couple places to deadlift, and a few decent benches. I like a variety of cable machines and accessories, a staff and clientele that keeps weights and dumbbells racked and the space clean. I don't care about cardio or classes as long as there is a stationary bike I'm game.0
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jennybearlv wrote: »toned_thugs_n_harmony wrote: »We recently bought a space to open up our own gym in late fall/winter 2017. Just curious what you would want/except from your gym? Classes, types of machines, etc. Things you wished you had, things you don't like about your gym...any and all input is much appreciated.
Also, anyone with an awesome name idea gets a special prize.
Lots of treadmills, spin bikes and rowing machines
Big windows to see outside and get natural light while using the treadmills, spin bikes and rowing machines
In fact, what would be wonderful is if the treadmills, spin bikes and rowing machines could be in an indoor/outdoor type of area ... roof overhead, windows on three sides with great views, and the windows could be opened to get lots of fresh air.
Each piece of equipment should have its own TV as well as USB slots etc. for downloading stats, playing our own music or videos etc.
Evening spin classes during the week, and late day spin classes on weekends.
Spin classes should be held in similar area as above ... spacious, bright, fresh air, as much natural light as possible, views to the outdoor world.
Plus a few extras:
-- A small weights area
-- Climbing wall
-- Lap pools
-- Indoor/outdoor walking/running track
Well, actually ... a lot like this:
http://www.reddeer.ca/recreation-and-culture/recreation/recreation-facilities/collicutt-centre/
I was thinking of adding ice rink, but thought, naw, a gym wouldn't have an ice rink. I'm glad to be proven wrong.
I wish the area where I live now had something like Red Deer's Collicutt Centre. It's got a place that kind of heads in that direction but not so well done.
I lived in RD for a few years and was a member at the Collicutt Centre. A person could spend a whole day there doing different things and not get bored.
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Multiple squat racks would be great!0
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I wish my gym had a couple of heavy bags. I have one at home,but it would be easier to use one at the gym while my toddler is in the childcare area.
That being said, I picked my gym because of the childcare area.
Before my daughter, I liked my old gym because it was small and comfortable. Cardio equipment in one area, machines in another, and free weights had their own room as well.
There was a room for women with free weights and exercise balls to workout with some privacy. It was popular,but I didn't use it often.
They had open courts for racquet ball,but also let us use them for mitt work when they were empty.
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It's subjective, but most gyms will have the essential weights and machines that people will regularly use. What I see where gyms differ is: child care, locker room/bathroom cleanliness, and competent and helpful staffing. If any of these 3 lack, it tends to be the difference in where people will go. And I've worked at several gyms and see how it affects members.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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toned_thugs_n_harmony wrote: »Things you wished you had
a laundromat in the next room over? it's not a joke. i can't do either where i'm living, and if i could do my laundry and my lifting all in the same saturday trip . . .
i have the run of about a dozen rec centres here, and i always go back to the ones that have:
- multiple racks or cages. not just one for bench and one for squatting.
- quiet treadmills
- the shorter oly bar and trainer plates
- a floor-based bar stand. one centre has everything else, but the bars have to be hoisted into brackets high up on the racks. i've seen people 6" taller than me have trouble with that when they're tired. it's also nervous having tired people waving vertical barbells around while you're actually using the rack. and/or a mild inconvenience having to wait out somebody's set before you can put your bar back.
things i never use include: the fixed-weight barbells.1 -
I am a YMCA member because of the childcare. My kids love the iZone and some of the Ys have indoor playgrounds. I don't feel guilty leaving my kids for an hour or two because they are having fun.
I like that they update their cardio equipment regularly, no crazy old machines. It's bright, clean, and they keep the rooms nice and cool. So it doesn't smell like a stinky gym. They have disinfectant wipes on all the walls to wipe machines down.
The locker rooms are clean, though it could use a few more benches. I don't like that the water pressure in the showers are so light, I feel like it takes forever to rinse my hair out. So decent water pressure would be nice.
I also like the complimentary coffee!
They also offer informative clinics like running, how to meal prep, a weight loss support group... it's great.
I'm not even including the kid stuff they offer like swim lessons, sports, camps, parents night out, mothers morning out, etc
Where are you a member? Your Y sounds awesome! My Y is not that great, but I love the people. I don't even think it is technically a YMCA anymore.0 -
jbirdgreen wrote: »I am a YMCA member because of the childcare. My kids love the iZone and some of the Ys have indoor playgrounds. I don't feel guilty leaving my kids for an hour or two because they are having fun.
I like that they update their cardio equipment regularly, no crazy old machines. It's bright, clean, and they keep the rooms nice and cool. So it doesn't smell like a stinky gym. They have disinfectant wipes on all the walls to wipe machines down.
The locker rooms are clean, though it could use a few more benches. I don't like that the water pressure in the showers are so light, I feel like it takes forever to rinse my hair out. So decent water pressure would be nice.
I also like the complimentary coffee!
They also offer informative clinics like running, how to meal prep, a weight loss support group... it's great.
I'm not even including the kid stuff they offer like swim lessons, sports, camps, parents night out, mothers morning out, etc
Where are you a member? Your Y sounds awesome! My Y is not that great, but I love the people. I don't even think it is technically a YMCA anymore.
My Y is the same, with the exception of the wipes. There is another nearby that is older and shows it.
OP: cleanliness and enough squat racks. My Y only has two racks and the wait last night de-railed my workout.0 -
As others have stated racks, platforms, bumper plates, etc, but my biggest need is a semi decent bench. I'm not looking for an elitefts competition bench (but I wouldn't turn it down), but it has to be usable.
I used to have a program through my insurance were I could go to many gyms. The thing I hated the most were horrible benches for bench pressing. The absolute worst were the ones at the Y. For some reason the hooks to hold the bar were static and super deep so you had to press the bar out 2" to clear the hooks, and thus lose your setup. There really was no working around it- even with a handoff it was difficult. It seems this type of bench is super common in commercial gyms but I would absolutely not join a gym where this was my only choice for benching. There were only two racks at this gym which had static supports so benching in the rack was out of the question as well. Sadface.1 -
Pizza once a month0
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