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.

Copyright (c) 2007 Jess Harley