How to Choose an Exercise Gym

How to choose an exercise gym is a highly personal matter and the criteria for your individual choice is specific for you and your needs; having said that, there are still a handful of tips that are pretty universal. There are many kinds of exercise facilities and a quick search on the internet will turn up a number of options in your city.

Exercise gyms are not always called gyms anymore. Typically a gym will be a facility with weights and weight machines, stationary bikes, ellipticals, treadmills, rowing machines, climber's resistance machines, and perhaps cross country skier machines. You may find some or all of these machines in a spa or exercise club as well but there may be more amenities in the spas or clubs. It's in the name after all. It implies a tonier atmosphere.

Some facilities will have swimming pools, hot tubs, steam rooms or racquet ball courts. If these additions do not fit your exercise criteria then the added expense may not be for you. Choose a gym, spa or club that has what you need for your routine but does not have additional options you will not use.

A good checklist for things that are important for a quality experience follows.

1. Find a gym, spa or club close to where you live or work so you will not be tempted to skip your workout.

2. Research the times when the facility will be open to be sure you can use the facility when you need it.

3. If you are a weight lifter you probably do not want the added expense of the spa with a pool or tennis court so just shop wisely and pay for what you want.

4. Try out a free or reduced rate trial membership to see if your choice will still be what you want after the papers are signed and the new wears off.

5. Find a club, spa or gym that will accommodate your health needs. If you have a history of cardiac problems, diabetes, stroke or any other chronic health problems get your doctor and healthcare team to write an exercise plan for your individual needs and discuss your needs with the personnel at your exercise facility of choice.

6. If you need special attention when you are entering or exiting the pool make sure an attendant will always be nearby.

The benefits of joining a club are in what they have to offer you personally. Your choice should be personally motivating for you. It should offer the equipment and facilities that you personally will get the most use out of for your individual exercise routines. It should offer a level of supervision and instruction that is in line with your level of fitness and abilities. There should be opportunity for companionship if you and a friend prefer to exercise together and cheer each other on.

References: healthbeat@mail.health.harvard.edu

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