Considerations when selecting the right gym

Happy new year from the guys at T.O.D Coaching, hope everyone had a good Christmas and not to depressed to be back into the normal swing of things. As its January and a lot of peoples new year resolution will be to get into shape. For a lot of people this is a challenging task, and you may be unsure as to what your looking for

Well I am here to help, I will let give you some helpful tips on what to look for when searching for a gym.
Let’s start with a gym, joining a gym is a major decision and you need to think about it before signing up.

Goals
Firstly think about why you’re looking to join a gym.
• Is it for weight loss?
• To tone up?
• Have you got a health condition?
• Simply to get a more active lifestyle


Look for a gym that offers the most classes and equipment that suit your needs. For example if you are looking to build some muscle to your frame a gym without free weights won’t be the best choice for you to take.
Take a tour of the facility and see if there membership price reflex there equipment for example do they have a sauna and steam room?
Take all this into consideration before signing up.


Questions you may want to ask


How Do Classes Work?
• Are classes included in your membership price?
• Do you have to pay an additional fee for them once you join?
• Does the gym offer one free class so you can find out if it's right for you?
• Does the gym keep the classes to a maintainable level?



• Is it Clean?
While there are no nationally-recognized health codes specific to gyms, you'll want to check out the facilities for cleanliness.
Take a look at the kit. Is there dust piled up beneath or around the exercise machine? This is a sign of poor maintenance. Check out the lockers, showers, and changing areas to make sure they look properly attended-to. Check if the facilities provide soap and other cleaning products


Once you do join, protect yourself. Wipe down machines with antibacterial wipes before you use them, and wear shower shoes in the locker room and shower.


• What are Peak Times?
If you plan on using the facilities at approximately the same time each day, you may want to scope out the situation before you join. Is the parking lot packed at your desired gym time? Is there a line to use the treadmills? Joining a gym won't do you any good if, every time you go, you can't use the machines you need.


• Ask the BBB
It doesn't hurt to check with your local Better Business Bureau to make sure there have been no complaints about the gym you are considering joining.


• Read the Small Print
when you start looking around, you will find that you cannot use a gym's facilities without joining, and, therefore signing a membership contract.


Most gym contracts are nonrefundable. While a few exceptions can allow you to cancel a gym membership contract -- say, you move more than 25 miles away or your doctor confirms that you cannot exercise due to an injury -- the contract is a contract. Your membership will have to be paid whether you're using the facility or not.


Like the song says, "You better shop around" and compare contracts, special offers, and limitations at different gyms in your area as they can vary greatly. Be sure to inquire about student, teacher, or senior citizen discounts if you fall into one of those categories. Also ask your employer or Health Insurance Company if you're eligible for any gym benefits -- many are offering some help with gym memberships in the way of company discounts, stipends or partial refunds.


Be careful about signing a long-term contract. While paying in advance will probably get you a better rate, most experts agree it is preferable to pay month-to-month.
Next, when you're presented with the contract, do not sign it on the spot.

Resist high pressure sales techniques and stick to your guns -- don't sign anything until you've had a chance to go home or another quiet location and review it with a fine tooth comb. Even better, have someone else read over it in case they spot something you don't


if you have any other questions please pop in and see us at Fit Inc studio gym

Cheers
Ryan Stewart
Personal Trainer