Ladies what do you look for in a GYM, Thoughts and opinons

I don't look for any of the things you listed. I hate classes. I especially wouldn't pay for a gym that does the same workouts as a dvd that I can buy and do at home for less $$. I look for multiple squat racks, clean showers, clean locker rooms, spinning studio and not too crowded.

Pole dancing sounds and looks ridiculous, but I really like classes in general. There's a completely different energy when you're working out with a bunch of other people than when you're using a DVD at home. I've been to some really great classes that made everybody look and feel like badasses. The room can almost vibrate with energy, and I personally push harder when I see all the people around me working their butts off, too. It's almost like being at a great concert. Yoga and weight classes I like when the instructor gives me tips to correct my form, which is something I can't get from DVDs.

Favorites: yoga, step, Zumba, Bodypump

Must-haves: clean, affordable, safe, lots of equipment available, well-trained and helpful staff

Bonuses: Rooms where floor positions are clearly marked. The only gym I've been to that had this was my favorite gym ever. (I miss you, Rittenhouse Square Fitness Club!) Keeps everybody in classes from swirling around the room smacking into each other.

Dislikes: Godawful contracts, additional sales stuff pushed on members (powders and proteins, clothes, gear, and I even went to one gym that allowed a skincare salesperson to come in and push her products. Ick.) Classes that allow kids and/or spectators. (family Zumba? Kill me now.)

Right now, I belong to the local YMCA, and it's a fantastic facility. They have a very full schedule of classes, tons of equipment, and great staff.

Edit: The No Cell Phone Rule idea is great, too.

Multiple squat racks!!!! Every gym I've been to has only 1, and it sucks. Especially when people are using the space for things that you don't need the rack for....grrrrr. Plenty of benches and free weights. Multiple hight boxes. One gym I go to has great tall boxes for box jumps and step ups, but it doesn't have any really short boxes, which I would like for certain things. My other gym doesn't have any tall boxes for box jumps...

Also, cleanliness. And bathrooms that don't smell like someone died and was left to rot for a week - gross!!

Are you starting a gym or just curious?

Also - no contracts and sign-up fees.

Oh - and no silly "girls section"

Clean!
Plenty of free weights
Space to move
Friendly & helpful staff

My gym has an impressive free weights section, which is what was most important to me. Multiple squat racks, multiple sets of dumbbells, and members consistently rerack their weights when finished with their sets. There's also a "core" room on the other side of the gym that has some light dumbbells which are great for my warm ups, and kettlebells starting at 5 pounds all the way up to 50 pounds. It also has a nice locker room which has private showers and full size lockers, That was really all I needed to consider becoming a member there, but they sealed the deal with a 25 meter pool, sauna, and steam room. They also have about 94 different cardio machines (treadmills, elipticals, stair masters, etc.) for the rare occasion I'm going to run.

Additional considerations were:
1) The staff - Are they helpful? Do they know what they're talking about?
2) The behavior of the other members - Do they wipe down equipment when they're done? Rerack the weights? Are they respectful of the space of other members?
3) Overall cleanliness and atmosphere of the gym - Am I comfortable working out in this environment?

Frankly, I couldn't care less if a gym offers classes or not. On one hand, all of the females there for the classes take up a lot of space in the locker room. On the other, I can rest assured that since they're all there for classes, I won't have to wait for availability on weight equipment. :laugh:

I would definitely join a gym that offered pole dancing classes. That is a great workout. Lots of upper body strength needed to do the tricks and all that. I love pole dancing.

Right now I go to Planet Fitness and it suits me needs. I'm not a big class person -- I used to take a couple classes at the fitness center where I worked but that's it -- so no classes doesn't really bother me.

The problem with places that offer classes and other fitness activities is the monthly fee is usually higher or they charge an exorbitant amount to take the extra classes.

An elliptical machine.

I don't go to the gym for niceties. I go to work out.