What would you like to see in a Gym?

Oooooh, good question!
I have gym shopped a number of times, been an active member of 3 different gyms, and we've been at our current gym for over 5 years. Let me tell you my priorities:
#1: Childcare. This has always been my number one. I spend 2 hours many days at the gym, and my gym has classes (like little dance classes and such) for the little ones, and it's great. They hire moms/members for the most part, so they can partially pay the childcare providers in membership, I suppose.
#2: Classes. I'm a class gal, I'm in spinning and yoga way more than anything else, so I'd never join a gym that didn't have good times for me.

Something I'd like to see would be a cheap/easy way to test progress... Something like Caliper testing monthly for $5 or something? Actually, I should ask my gym if they'll do that.

I suppose these things depend on your area. There are actually 3 branch locations of my gym, and MY location is geared to SAHMs and retirees, because that's the biggest clientelle here. Another location is downtown, so that location is geared to working folks. Whereas my location has tons of classes in the morning, and GREAT childcare, the downtown location OTOH has more quicky lunch hour spin classes, and I don't think they even offer childcare in the day.
If you do cater to the SAHM crowd, one thing my gym does that is worth it's weigh in gold to me is that they have kids' nights. Once a month, kids can stay in the daycare for 3 hours, parents can go OUT, $10 a kid. My youngest is 2, and they have to be 3+, so we've been missing this perk for the last two years, and I do mean MISSING it!!

Good luck!


eta: I forgot a biggie for me! My gym supplies towels. I looooove that. Again, it'll depend on your proposed clientelle based on location probably, but if it's the moms-- it's great to not have to tote towels while already toting a few kids!

Towels, mouth-wash in bathrooms, shampoo/condition in shower stalls, TVs on all cardio machines, carpets in locker rooms (aside from bathroom and shower stalls), basically the JCC accommodations in San Francisco...

I have always thought some sort of social network through maybe an Intranet. Most people are using smart phones there these days and it is a good way to meet, discuss and support each other. Also helps keep the mind occupied when on the machines

Not what you asked as something you want but at our gym I wish they didn't allow children. I go to get away from the kids to see people bring their babies in strollers and toddlers. I'm also worried about safety if they get in the way of people lifting large weights. Kids love to check things out. A playroom would be nice!