Gym Recommendations?

Just be sure to take a tour before buying in to verify that they have all the equipment you'll need and make sure you're down with their policies. Otherwise, I'm seconding that the most convenient gym is the gym for you!

tomatoey wrote: »

the one that's closest to your home or work. that's the best one, always

Easy there, tex

Different gyms can have different atmospheres, much like restaurants. Some feel like a singles bar and others like something out of a 50s noir boxing movie. Assumming that you have some reasonably proximate choices, take some tours and get a feel. I opted for a Lifetime Fitness that is 5 or so miles further away than a host of other options, but it felt more comfortable than others. I'm pleased so far, though they are damnably efficient at separating me from my money.

I love planet fitness..at first i went there because of their cheap $10mo no contract ads :-P since im shy and thought i wouldnt last a week but im hooked now. Very comfortable atmosphere, good luck finding what works for you :-)

Different gyms have different uses.
What are your goals? Do you want a personal trainer? Do you want 24 hour access? Do you want classes? What gyms are close to where you live and/or work?

I have three memberships.
- I have a membership at Anytime Fitness. This gives me 24 hour access to gyms around the country. The one close to my house recently expanded and now has three power racks. This is where I go to lift weights.
- I am also a member at a crossfit box. I go about 3 times per week, focusing on the other modalities (mobility, speed, stamina, balance). When I’m traveling, I’ll usually drop in on a box.
- I also have a membership at a big box style gym close to my office (I live an hour away). My work pays half the fee, and I like having a gym I can hit during the day.

My goals are clear, and I use each gym for a particular purpose and based on convenience.

+1 on the idea of going to the gym closest to your home. Just ensure they have the equipment you'll need and go with that.

You've gotten some great advice here. I belong to a YMCA that is about 3 miles from home vs a lifestyle that is half a mile because I like the vibe, class offerings, class times and people better. I also belong to a golf club that has a fitness center and I go there as my last resort. I hate cardio machines, their classes aren't convenient for me and it's a small free weight area. But when all I have time for is a quick 30 minute workout , it helps that it's .25 miles away. I'm with you though on not working out at home. Always way too many distractions!

I think you should pick one that you will actually go to. In my personal experience, the closest gym isn't the one I went to. I signed on with the gym closest to my home and went maybe 8 times during my contract term. Now I drive half an hour to a camp because I do much better when I have to go at a specific time or I'll miss my workout.

beemerphile1 wrote: »

beemerphile1 wrote: »

Stay away from the chains with high pressure salespeople that push long contracts.

The cost efficient options are places like the YWCA, local Jewish centers, and community recreation centers. My community owned rec center is $32 per month and I only join November - March for the benefit of an place in from the weather.

I forgot to mention that many hospitals also operate fitness centers open to the public at a very reasonable cost.

Yes, this! I'm kicking myself because apparently we have a very nice gym at the hospital right by our house and I locked into a year at another gym without actually checking it out. I just assumed it would be to expensive. I still have no idea how expensive it is, but I'm not really liking my current gym and wish I would have at least looked into it.

In response to the original question, I do find that I will be more likely to go to a gym that is closer to my house and/or on my way home from work, but if there are other options not too much farther away they are worth checking out.

First figure out your budget, and determine what amenities are most important to you. Some gyms offer day care, indoor tracks, pools, tanning beds, saunas, racquetball, etc. and those are nice unless you are fine with just some freeweights and a treadmill.

Look around the gym and inquire about how often it is cleaned and maintained. Look to see how new the equipment is. Cardio machines with individual TVs are nice, unless they are constantly broken like they are at my gym. Look at the wear on the foam handles on the machines, those are usually the first things to go. If they all look in pretty good shape that's a good sign. Go when you will normally be going to the gym to see how busy it is, since some gyms can get pretty crowded. Look and see if the equipment is put away properly or just thrown wherever, it will tell you how aware and respectful the other members generally are. A few annoying members can make your gym experience miserable on occasion.

Stay away from long term contracts if possible, most people will only go for a few months to drop a few lbs and then they're stuck for the rest of the year.

cwolfman13 wrote: »

When selecting a gym, you really need to consider YOUR needs and your GOALS.

This!

Many gyms offer "trial memberships" or week-long passes for you to tour the facilities and try out the gym without signing up. Take advantage of these and ask TONS of questions.

For me, I wanted a gym that had a big selection of equipment (that wasn't always broken), a pool, the option to participate in classes, the option to purchase training packages, and I was looking for a gym that was clean.

After shopping around a bit, I found the gym I currently have a membership with (LA Fitness) and love it.

dbmata wrote: »

I was a little worried at my Gold's when I was doing snatches and cleans over the weekend. I don't like dropping the weight back to my hips, as it hurts my shoulders a bit.

So instead, just started dropping them. I was amazed, no one soiled their trous. In fact, even a member of staff walked right by, nary a look at me.

Yes.

At one of the Anytime Fitness gyms I dropped into I had an opposite experience. I was benching with dumbbells and when I set the dumbbells down (not dropped, but set down within an inch of the ground), the manager came by and asked me to sit up with the weights. I now know I won’t be doing dumbbell work at that location.

Go to each one in the desired locations and ask for a tour and look at prices. Other than that it's personal preference based on what they offer and etc

I love my local rec center. I get to go to the gym and do all the classes. They also have fitness social groups that you can join in the rec center. And the best part is I can take my kids to the pool because that comes with it too.