How to Join a Gym That You Like

Wondering how you will ever meet your diet and fitness goals? Think all gyms are the same? Has it been a while since you have exercised? Use this quick guide to decipher how you can find a place to exercise that fits in with your current goals, fitness level and interests.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Gym brochures and fliers
• Coupons for trial memberships
• Computer
• Internet

1. Start by deciding what your fitness goals will be and then see if a perspective gym fits into it. Ask yourself if you are there to lose weight, tone your body, learn better habits, reduce stress or increase overall fitness and health. This can make a big difference in deciding what gym to join.
2. Assess your needs and interests. Do you like group exercise? Will you need the services of a personal trainer? Do you like certain exercise equipment? Do you want someone who will hold you accountable for nutrition, health, diet and exercise? Will you need assistance to learn equipment? Do you want something straightforward you can learn in a few sessions? What type of hours do you prefer? Are your friends and family members at certain gyms? Do you need a kid-friendly gym and do you want to take classes with your child or at the same time?
3. Take a look at the local gyms in your area. The farther you have to drive, the less likely you are to attend class or work out. Do you want to work out in a co-ed club or an all male or female club, decide on your comfort level.
4. The all male clubs tend to be more geared towards boxing, strength training and contests while the female clubs can vary with classes like Jazzercise or yoga classes. There are gyms like Curves, a straightforward circuit that can help you lose not only pounds but also inches in a group atmosphere with support.
5. Look in the coupon mailers each month for specials and deals. Also, take a drive around or look in the yellow pages. You may be surprised to see gyms you never knew existed. You can also do a Google search or Yahoo local search. Don't forget to ask family and friends for their recommendations.
6. Start with the longest possible trial membership to see if you will like it. Use as many of the services and facility offerings as possible to get a feel for the club. Come at different days and times to see what the crowds are like and attend classes if that interests you. Make sure that there are no extra fees for the classes you really like.
7. Get everything in writing, including joining and maintenance fees. If another family member wants to join, have them put on your contract. Many gyms do this at a discount. Sometimes kids and child care are even included in your membership.
8. Do not pre-pay for any length of time as the club may go out of business and you may not get your money back. Always try to go month to month or three months at the most.
9. Try attending classes, hiring a trainer or changing clubs entirely. Try to join a gym where your friends will be or make workout buddies while you are there. When you feel comfortable, you will know you are in the right place.

Tips & Warnings

• Take into account parking, location, facilities, crowds, classes, child care, scheduling and equipment when making your decision. These will all add to or take away from your enjoyment of your gym.
• Pay special attention if the management or owners really care about the club. If it is well staffed and maintained you know they probably do.
• Do not sign up for a 12 month mandatory program under any circumstances.
• Never give out your checking account number--use a credit card instead.