This is how you find the fitness center that suits you well
Paying for your gym subscription while you rarely go there, that is of course a shame. This way you choose a gym that you actually go to.
1. Basic or luxurious?
There are roughly two types of gyms to choose from: budget gyms at one end of the spectrum. There is fitness equipment ready for you, but that’s about it. On the other hand, there are the super deluxe gyms, complete with sauna, nutritional advice, childcare, spacious changing rooms and an extensive range of group lessons. Of course, that comes with a completely different price tag.
So first ask yourself how much you want to spend on a gym and whether you will use the more expensive facilities. A lot of schools will be dropped by then.
2. Distance
The US market research firm Dstillery collected data from 7.5 million mobile phones from people who visited various fitness centers. They found out how far regular gym goers lived from their gym. The average distance from home to the gym was found to be 6.4 kilometers. At a greater distance people came less often. For a luxury gym with special classes, athletes were willing to travel further than for a simple gym.
How far would you like to travel to exercise? And is the gym easily accessible? Do you really feel like going to the gym if you first have to cycle through wind and weather for half an hour, or take the car? The chance that you will exercise regularly if your gym is around the corner seems a lot higher to us.
3. Opening hours
Are you an early riser who prefers to be at the gym at 7am? Or do you prefer to train in the evening? Make sure that the gym you are considering is open at the times you want to exercise. Don’t forget the weekend: not every gym is open all day on Saturday and/or Sunday. Too bad if you like to be on the treadmill on Sunday afternoon.
4. Lessons
Spinning, Pilates, body balance, all kinds of yoga, body pump, XCO, zumba, kickboxing, boot camp, core stability training, TRX: every gym offers different classes. Some only a few, others have a lot of choice.
If you always only spin, then of course a gym that offers spinning is enough. If you love variety or don’t know what your favorite class is yet, it’s better to find a fitness center where you can take many different classes.
Also pay attention to the times: do the lessons take place at times and days that suit you? Are there enough options in terms of times?
5. Take a trial lesson first
Before you enthusiastically take out an annual subscription, always take a trial lesson first. If necessary, ask for a tour. This gives you the opportunity to first do some research into, for example, the atmosphere and hygiene. For example, it is smart to pay attention to:
- How clean the gym looks (be sure to walk into the toilets, showers and changing rooms). Do the athletes use a towel and is there such a paper roll with cleaning agent that you can use to wipe the devices after use?
- What the devices look like: are they in good condition or in urgent need of replacement?
- Whether it is very busy (you don’t want to wait 15 minutes for your favorite device).
- Whether the employees are knowledgeable and friendly.
- What types of people are walking around: do you feel comfortable with these people? Is there a pleasant atmosphere? You will undoubtedly enjoy visiting a fitness center that you really like and enjoy a few times a week!
