Copyright (c) 2007 Jess Harley
I don't know about you, but it took me years before I got up the nerve to join a gym. I had seen too many TV shows and read too many books about how the gym was a place to see and be seen. In my head I imagined all the women in the gym to have hard bodies and tanned skins. They never broke a sweat and their hair always looked perfect no matter what they were doing. I did not think I would ever have enough nerve to join a gym, but I finally did. I could not get the workout I wanted at home. It took me a while to find the perfect gym but this is what I looked for.
One thing you might want to keep in mind is if it is a coed gym or a female only gym. You might feel more comfortable in an environment with other women rather than in a gym that is mixed. If you are not sure what you would prefer, then make sure you check out both and compare the following If you have never step foot in a gym before, they you might not be able to tell a good gym from a bad gym. So where do you start in your quest for the perfect gym for you? First thing is to look at location. Is it near your home or your work? If it is, great that means it is convenient for you to get to. If it is not, do not even bother looking at it.
The next thing to check out is the price. Joining a gym can be expensive so really watch out for prices. There are some gyms that might have extra options such as a sauna, racquetballs quart, etc etc. The cost of these is what might that one gym so expensive. Are you going to use any of those amenities? If not find a different gym and make sure it has what you are looking for. For a decent basic gym, the average rate is between $30-$50 a month.
If at all possible, see if you can get a free class or a trial workout before you sign up. There is no better way to see if you like the atmosphere other than actually working out there. Not only will get a feel of the environment you can also check out the quality of the facility. Is it clean? Are the locker rooms kept clean as well as the showers? Also check out the equipment, is there enough cardio equipment? Or do you notice people waiting around for cardio machines?
Another thing to look at is the staff. Do they greet you with a smile or a scowl? Do any walk around to offer help with any of the equipment or do they just stand at the desk in on the phone? A good staff is important because they are the basis for the gym's environment. A gym with a moody staff is not going to be a happy place to work out.
The last thing to look at is your contract. If they are pressuring you to sign because the deal they are offering you is good for today only, do not do it. A good gym will allow you to read the contract before you make any decisions. Make sure if you ask about payment options. Some gyms will require a full year's membership up front while others will offer you a monthly fee. Ask them what happens after you contract is up, does it automatically renew and lock you into another year or will you be able to cancel at anytime? Also find out what the cancellation policies are.
You want to make sure you find a gym you are comfortable with, because the more comfortable you are there, the more likely it is that you will stick with your workouts.
Related Articles
Simple Guide to Fitness and Beauty
By: Maya Matthews | 04/09/2007 | Fitness
Keeping fit and healthy is of utmost importance, can be achieved by making little daily changes, and will help us look beautiful. Beauty however also comes from within! Read this guide for effective steps to keeping fit and being beautiful.
How the Heck Do Those Spinning Bikes Work?
By: Bobby Kelly | 06/11/2007 | Health
Want to get a good workout, lose some unwanted body fat, keep heart healthy, lighten your own personal stress load and have some fun along the way? Then give spinning a try. This article provides practical tips to help you get the most out of spinning. It also shows beginners how to adjust the resistance controls to reach your personal workout goals.
Benefits of 24 Hour Fitness Centers
By: Maya Matthews | 04/09/2007 | Fitness
Find out more about 24 hour fitness centers, what their benefits are and why you should consider them.
Everything You Need to Know in Choosing a Gym
By: Bobby Kelly | 02/04/2008 | Health
Not everyone has a great place to work out. This article is a tutorial created by Fitness Expert Bobby Kelly to help you find or create the right place for you. Use this article as a checklist to find the perfect environment that will keep you motivated and consistent with your workouts. If you do, then you will find yourself losing body fat and building the body of your dreams in no time!
Fast And Easy Weight Loss Using Diet Programs And Diet Pills
By: Tracie Johanson | 09/11/2005 | Fitness
If you're one of the approximately 67% of Americans that are wired into the internet, there's a good chance that sometime in the last 24 hours you've received at least one spam email promoting the latest and greatest diet pill or weight loss program. Thes
Lose Weight And Save Money
By: Tracie Johanson | 09/12/2005 | Fitness
Many of us have the same reasons for wanting to exercise and lose weight.....look better, feel better, lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, decreased risk of some cancers, lower risk of heart disease, etc. But did you know that making your waistline t
Fitness for the Busy Person
By: Roger Grant | 12/07/2007 | Fitness
One of the big challenges in living a healthy lifestyle is finding the time to do it. This is especially true for someone who has a busy work schedule or who has children. The people who stay in shape in spite of busy schedules are those that use time management techniques to find time or make time for fitness. Managing time to stay in shape essentially comes down to budgeting time to eat properly as well as to exercise regularly. The techniques introduced in this article are designed primarily to save time in these two areas. However, they will only work when combined with adequate preparation and a positive attitude.
Prioritize your Health
By: Rico Connor | 19/12/2007 | Wellness
MAKE YOUR HEALTH A PRIORITY!!!
Realize that you have nothing without your health. A sick millionaire is just as unhealthy as a sick low income person. It is the single most important thing you can do to be successful at becoming healthy.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Tired and sleepy
By: pavan | 14-05-2008
1) I feel tired and sleepy from earlyafternoon itself. 2) After getting up from sleep, I still feel sleepy even after 7 hours of sleep. How to et rid of the above.
How to control sugar cravings?
By: sammyj | 14-05-2008
I was surprised to read that a person should only be eating 40 grams of sugar a day. Do people actually do this? How do you control those sugar urges? I crave sugar every night, especially before I go to bed. Help!
Asthma
By: katuramu | 14-05-2008
Is there a cure for asthma
Someone bought something from me and paid me by a ...
By: jaminjoey | 14-05-2008
Someone bought something from me and paid me by a check can he put a stop payment on it if he changed his mind.
Where do I start in the progress of finding a ...
By: Maree | 13-05-2008
Where do I start in the progress of finding a surrogate mother to carry a baby for me as I have had a hysterectomy and am in a new relationship where we would like a child.
Pain relief
By: nanniebee | 13-05-2008
Does drinking Pomegranate juice help for mussel or body pain. and how much do you drink and how often.
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Fitness Articles
The Right Way to Get 6 Pack Abs Quickly
By: D Fraser | 20/05/2008
Want to get 6 pack abs fast? Well look no further this article is the primer to get you on the road to lean and mean with a great set of six pack abs to proove it.
The Best 5 Lesons I've Learnt in Personal Training
By: Andrew Read | 20/05/2008
In 15 years of Personal Training I've learnt many good things and a few great things. The following are my top 5 on how to succeed as a Personal Trainer
How to Achieve Rapid Weight Loss - Things You Have to Know
By: Allen | 20/05/2008
Often, losing weight, even on a rapid weight loss program is something we try and fit into our otherwise busy weekly routines although it should really be considered much more important. If you need to lose weight quickly, then you need to be near perfect in executing your weight loss plan so below are some tips to help you lose weight, which should be part of your weekly routine.
Stretching for Plantar Fasciitis
By: Allan Tan | 20/05/2008
There are some exercises that can be done to decrease the risk of recurrence of plantar fasciitis. Your doctor may give you detailed instructions for an exercise program that is appropriate for you. Exercises for plantar fasciitis concentrate on stretching the Achilles tendon, calf, and plantar fascia.
The Three Stages of Alzheimer's Disease
By: Carol Stack | 20/05/2008
Affecting the lives of anyone who encounters the patient, the effects of the disease can be draining for the caregiver as well as the patient. Three Alzheimer's disease stages are generally agreed to exist, though some break these three down into substages.
8000 Race for Life in Leeds
By: Krissy Haze | 19/05/2008
This year's Race for Life saw 8,000 women run 5km around Temple Newsam in Leeds. The all-woman race saw thousands of women run in memory of friends and relatives and raise plenty of money for Cancer Research UK.
Wii Fit Out of Stock: Wii Fit Takes UK by Storm
By: David Lakins | 19/05/2008
If like me you have been badgered all week by your girlfriend or wife to buy a Wii Fit, you will have found out how difficult it can be to try to purchase one. Nintendo has definitely struck gold with this latest fitness gadget as they are simply flying off the UK shelves. It's a miracle if you can find a store with one in stock. So what is everyone getting excited about?
Do You Get Leg Cramps?
By: John Russell | 19/05/2008
Everyone experiences muscle cramps from time-to-time, sometimes after exercise when you've been sedentary for a long time. But there is another kind of cramp that people often experience: nocturnal leg cramps. Just as you've fallen deep asleep, you're awakened by severe and painful cramping in your calf muscle. Here are some common causes and what you can do to help relieve this kind of leg cramp.
More from Jess Harley
What to Do When Working Out Becomes a Bore?
By: Jess Harley | 07/12/2007 | Fitness
Does this sound familiar to you? You join a gym or start a new exercise routine and spend a few weeks or maybe even months following it religiously. Then, slowly something starts
What is the Difference Between Yoga and Pilates?
By: Jess Harley | 05/12/2007 | Health
Let's face it, being a woman is stressful. Most of us have to hold down careers, raise a family, keep a clean house and have dinner on the table by 6pm. Our physical health and fitness
What is an Elliptical Trainer and Should you Use It?
By: Jess Harley | 04/12/2007 | Fitness
Elliptical trainers are among the most popular gym equipment. It is like having two exercise machines in one because it combines the movements of a stair climber with those of the exercise bike to give you an excellent impact free workout. The
What Fitness Can Do for You
By: Jess Harley | 03/12/2007 | Health
The most common reason for exercising is to lose weight and get a thinner body. While this is a great reason to get fit, did you know that there are countless other reasons why you should get fit? We all know that
Walking your Way Healthy
By: Jess Harley | 03/12/2007 | Health
As a woman, I can tell you that we lead hectic lives. Some of us hold down a full time job that might often go past the traditional hours of 9-5. In fact I know some women who work 12 hours or
Should you Use a Personal Trainer?
By: Jess Harley | 01/12/2007 | Fitness
Personal Trainers were a thing for the rich and famous. Nowadays you can get a personal trainer at almost any gym. In fact most gyms and their high pressured sales people will probably try
Pregnancy Fitness- a Routine That Lasts for Nine Months
By: Jess Harley | 01/12/2007 | Health
So the rabbit died as they said in the old days. You got two pink lines on your home pregnancy test and your doctor confirmed it. You are going to be a mommy! Congratulations
Women Fitness Fashion- What Should you Wear
By: Jess Harley | 16/11/2007 | Fitness
If the only time you dance is at weddings, you have no idea what you are missing out on. First of all not only is dancing fun, it is also exercise! Think about your moving your feet, your arms, your twisting away
Sports and Fitness 
