Choosing a Gym

samspam1023

Hi all!
I'm new to SL--up to this point I've only strength trained though dumbbell and body weight exercises. I also haven't gone to a gym since college, and I'm feeling overwhelmed by the idea of choosing a gym. I have several options near my house or on my way home from work.

For those of you who do lift at a gym, how did you decide which one to attend? I've done a free trial at one so far (a "big box") and I didn't like how crowded it was in the free weights section. Do I just keep trying them out until I find one that feels right?

randomtai

Keep trying until you find one you like. Also more than one squat rack is good.

LadyDeadlift

I'd look for the following:
- is there barbell equipment? squat rack, power rack
- what type of weights do they use? If all things were the same I'd go to a gym that had standard size round plates at all sizes
- what's the clientele like? e.g. what's the 'vibe' there?
- go at the time you'd likely work out, are you going to have access to the equipment you'd like?


I have a membership at my employer's gym (I work in a health system) so I haven't had to shop around and make that decision.

That said, funny thing - there's a 24-hour fitness place nearby and I mentioned it conversation to someone, talking about how they need to choose a gym. They were all, "that place? it's like abercrombie and fitch in there!" as in = not the atmosphere (meat market) they were looking for. heh.

jstout365

Yeah, different gyms will have different vibes. I live in a smallish town and there are only a few gyms besides the YMCA. I went to one when I first moved here, then had my son and stopped going. I did go to the gym on campus when I was a student the first semester, but stopped going due to schedule. Then when I got my job, they offered a stipend for going and the closest gym to the office was equal in cost to the stipend I got. They had classes and a lot of cardio equipment and a free weights section in the back. I first did classes and cardio and then started lifting again. This January I switched over to my gym's sister gym for boxing classes and now go there most often because of the equipment. My current membership gives me access to both gyms, but I like the set up at the boxing gym better.

Factors I would consider:
- Equipment - should have at least one squat rack or power rack (my preference)
- Facility cleanliness (I shower there since I go at lunch time)
- Cost
- Vibe of the patrons. (The newer gym is a much younger crowd since it is downtown in a college town)

Check a few of them out and see what you like best.

redheadmommy

I just signed up for a gym after many years,and I choose mainly based on accessibility.

I had a women's only gym very close by , and it is cost only $25, which was very appealing. Women only= less crowded weight room, less intimidating etc. Plus I am a grad student and mom of 2 and budget is tight.
At the end, I didn't chose it, because its opening hrs sucked. Closed on holidays, closes 3 pm on sunday, 5 on saturday etc.
If the gym is not open when you want to work out, you are not going to wok out as often. Look into your schedule and make sure the gym is open the hrs YOU need it.

A snapfitness opened up not far from my house, with 24 hrs access, brand new equipment, low $30 into fees and it is super empty all the time. However I would need to drive there. It is not far like 10 minutes, but I live in Canada ,and we have 6 months of snow. I know myself that I do not like to drive on fresh snow, and slippery roads in the dark. Again I know this will hold me back on cold winter evenings.

At the end I joined the YMCA , which is so close I can see it from my window. It is $40, and it is crowded, but it is open late enough every day, plus it is so close, I can walk there even the worst winter day.