Buzz
If you’ve been questioning your current gym, perhaps due to the flood of New Year’s resolution-goers, it might be time to consider switching gyms.
Choosing the right gym can sometimes feel like a Goldilocks dilemma. One might be too far away, another too costly, and your third option might seem ideal—until you discover its unsanitary locker rooms. And, of course, you'll need to think about other gym members as well!
Here’s a key tip before committing to any gym: Always visit a potential gym during your typical workout hours. It’s a simple yet effective strategy—if you tour a gym on a quiet Saturday afternoon or at any time outside of your normal routine, you won’t get an accurate sense of its crowd when you actually plan to work out.
Take my gym, for example: it’s quiet on weekends, but on a Tuesday at 6pm, you’d be lucky to stretch without accidentally smacking someone in the face. Having visited during the weekend, I mistakenly assumed it would stay uncrowded all week long, and quickly regretted my hasty decision to join.
To avoid a similar mistake, ask for a guest pass to visit the gym at various times and on different days, ideally for at least a week. From experience, a guest pass is far better than opting for a gym's trial period (like those offered by Equinox); typically, they’ll ask for your credit card upfront, and if you choose not to join, you’ll need to cancel before the trial ends.
Cancelling a gym membership is notoriously difficult, so it's best to avoid this by requesting a guest pass that doesn’t require a credit card. If they don’t offer a pass and you’re stuck with a trial, here’s how to cancel your membership properly. However, in my experience, even subpar gyms will give you at least one day to try out their facilities.
At this point, you’ll be able to judge if that gym is worth your investment. Perhaps the weekend crowds are due to the personal trainers and their clients, or maybe mornings are when it gets busiest. You won’t truly know if it’s the right fit for you unless you visit during peak times.
What else should you think about before committing? It really depends on your goals and preferences. Some people want a simple gym without fancy amenities like saunas or expansive locker rooms, while others may join specifically for those perks. Here are a few general considerations to keep in mind:
If your workout schedule is unconventional, make sure to check the gym's hours of operation.
If you're into weightlifting, see how many squat racks are available for use.
If cardio is part of your routine, evaluate the condition of the gym's treadmills, bikes, and ellipticals.
If group classes interest you, explore the gym's class schedule to see what they offer.
Finally, the cost should play a major role in your decision-making process. Take the time to compare membership fees with other gyms nearby to determine if their rates are reasonable and factor this into your ultimate choice.
Before committing, be aware that there is usually room for negotiation. Gyms want your membership and may offer special deals to get you to sign up and stay long-term. Here’s how you can negotiate effectively.
