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Choosing the right gym: 8 steps to guide your selection

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Does it sound familiar to you? There are too many deals and promotions when it comes to joining a gym, and I’ve heard enough. It’s annoying when some of them are misleading and just make it harder for you to decide … so here are some tips to help you choose a perfect gym that you can call home. 🙂

Choosing the right gym has a big impact on how well you stick to your fitness program; for example, if it is really out of the way but cheap, what are the chances that it will go regularly? A health club membership is not something you buy and don’t use; instead, the more you use it, the more you will get in return and the greater the value you will get from it.

So before you decide to sign that membership contract, it only makes sense that you ‘shop around’ first. Attractive prices and promotions can be tempting, but COST and the hot salesperson or receptionist ISN’T everything when it comes to choosing the right gym for you.

FIRST, narrow down your selection to a few potential health clubs that you like, and then consider the following suggestions (in no particular order) to guide you to the right decision:

# 1 – COMFORT AND ACCESSIBILITY (LOCATION)

To stick with your exercise routine and not be a hassle to exercise, going to the gym should be convenient for you. You are more likely to use a club if it is close to your home or workplace. You will not go if you are far away or constantly have to endure traffic jams just to exercise. If you join a club that doesn’t suit you, you will eventually find an excuse to stop going. When I joined Fitness First in 2003, it was less than a 5 minute drive from my workplace, and still is, but the closest to my home was 20km away. But now that there is a new Fitness First in Bukit Tinggi, Klang, the gym is also 5 minutes from home. Now I have the best of both worlds. Lucky me.

# 2 – TEST BEFORE YOU BUY

Be sure to take a test drive at the gym BEFORE you sign up. Membership Salesmen / Consultants / Sweet Young, or whatever you call them, are well trained to exaggerate the benefits of the gym, so it is essential that you try some of the equipment yourself and familiarize yourself with the actual atmosphere. BEFORE registering. You will need at least a day pass to try out the gym and decide for yourself before signing up.

Visit the gym’s website for a day pass, which is almost always given free. Come at the same time you plan to come in the future, change, exercise, maybe try a class, take a shower, relax, and then go home. So, you decide.

# 3 – DO YOU LIKE IT?

When touring the club, pay attention to details. How clean is the facility? Is the music too loud? Is all equipment operational? Too many “out of service” signs can indicate poor maintenance. Are new members provided with an orientation and club instruction on how to use the equipment? Make sure the club is a place where you would enjoy hanging out, because if you don’t, once again, it’s only a matter of time before you start making excuses not to go.

# 4 – CLASS GROUPS

This depends on the personal preferences of each one: if group classes are what motivates and motivates you, look for a gym that offers a good combination at a time that suits your schedule. Some gyms have classes starting at 7 a.m. M., So there is always something for someone. Personally, for me, even if the group’s studio falls apart, it wouldn’t really affect me because it’s not my thing, but it can be for you.

# 5 – COMPETENT STAFF AND THEIR SAFETY

A decent gym should have CERTIFIED personal trainers / instructors. The International Health, Racquet and Sports Clubs Association (IHRSA) recently recommended that gym owners only hire personal trainers with certifications from accredited agencies through the National Commission of Certifying Agencies (NCCA) or an equivalent accrediting organization. These include: the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM); American Council on Exercise (ACE); The Cooper Institute; National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM); National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF); National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT); and National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). A trusted certification will ensure you get a trainer that meets the guidelines for safe and effective training. For something that Malaysians can relate to, it’s like comparing a Kancil to a Volvo that comes fully equipped with side impact crash bars, airbags, etc.

According to the American Heart Association, nearly a third of sudden cardiac arrests outside of homes and hospitals occur in gyms or sports facilities. Therefore, it is better if the gym you choose is fully prepared for such an incident at all times with personnel trained to perform CPR, and also the gym should be equipped with AEDs (automated external defibrillators). Also, are they friendly and helpful? Or do they just smile when you sign on the dotted line?

# 6 – TRAINING HOURS

Most gyms open early and stay open late, so this shouldn’t be a big deal. However, before joining, make sure your club is open when you plan to go. Then visit the club at those exact times that you intend to exercise. Check if the club is too crowded or if there are long lines for the team at that time. In a recent survey of 1,500 website visitors by the American Council on Exercise (ACE), 46% of respondents indicated that crowded gyms are the number one reason they keep them from going to the gym. Trust me it can be very frustrating and time consuming if the gym is too crowded when you exercise you end up wasting a lot of time.

# 7 – PAYMENTS

Many clubs have a variety of payment options (monthly cash payment, automatic credit card billing, direct debits, etc.). Find a payment schedule that suits your needs. Find out exactly what the membership fee is and what it includes; ask and see how much your friends are paying. Will you have to pay extra for towels? Be sure to factor in administration / enrollment fees and deposits that may be required.

# 8 – REPUTATION

Before joining, talk with current members about their experiences with the club. Also, it helps if the gym is a member of IHRSA (International Health, Racket and Sports Clubs Association), as member clubs must adhere to a code of ethics that protects the health and safety of their members and also protects you from falling prey. unscrupulous people. business practices.

With a little research and patience, you can really find a gym that you can call home, hopefully, for many years to come.

Don’t feel pressured to sign a contract right away, but take the time to review it carefully and ask questions if something is unclear. You have the right to make the seller wait, even if it is one more week. Once you sign up, give yourself a good pat on the back, because you’ve made a valuable investment in your health.

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