You want to (re)start working out in a gym, but you are lost in the vastness of the subscriptions offered ? Do I really need a gym near me ?
How to find a gym near me?
“Above all, proximity is important. The gym must be always accessible”, says the coach. Choosing a gym that is not too far from your home or work is a plus for time management, but also for staying motivated. Make sure to check its accessibility: public transport if you are a pedestrian, or parking possibilities if you are by car.
A gym near me; my office or my home
If you choose a gym that is far from your work or home, you are more likely to drop out. Five minutes by bike to get there is manageable but 20 minutes… No way!
Which gym to choose? Choosing a gym close to work or home is the perfect way to avoid this problem. With more than 600 clubs in Europe, you are sure to have a Basic Fit near you. Moreover, studies show that the majority of people who go to the gym most often are those who live nearby.
Hours of operation
If you already have a busy schedule and are trying to balance family, work, training and rest, this should be a priority. So choose a gym that can easily accommodate your schedule.
Choose a gym that is adapted to your availability
Identify the time when you want to practice your sport in a gym: in the evening after work, during your lunch break… This information is crucial, since the first criterion to check is the proximity of your gym.
Even if you put a lot of effort in the first few weeks, it will be very difficult to stay motivated in the long term if your journey takes more than fifteen minutes.
So choose a gym that is close to your home or workplace.
Most gyms are open from 8:00 a.m. to at least 10:00 p.m., which allows you to go whenever you want, but also to avoid busy times. A room that is open for shorter periods of time may cause organizational problems.
Choose a gym that suits you
Finally, determine on which points you are ready to make concessions. Is the atmosphere important to you? Do you want a very high-end place with additional services (hammam, nutritional check-ups, massages…) and the latest machines? Or would you rather work out while saving money?
Each gym is adapted to a particular public and, whatever your needs, you will find what you are looking for. Once the first selection is made, don’t hesitate to visit the gyms that have caught your attention.
Most of them will give you more information about their prices, their advantages, and will even grant you a free trial session to make you an idea!
Rates and formulas
Be sure to compare these elements accurately, because a variation of a few euros represents a significant sum over a year.
Check the prices of the different packages and what they include. In many gyms, group classes are an extra charge for the weight training area and are therefore billed in addition.
On the other hand, some gyms offer a global price. So take the time to compare the different packages to make the best choice
Payment and cancellation terms
Make sure you choose a gym where payments are easy and where it is very easy to cancel a membership. You probably already have enough formalities to deal with, so don’t let the gym add to them.
The profile of the members, the target population and the atmosphere
With the success of fitness and weight training, there are more and more gyms in France. Some are more specialized than others, and the populations vary depending on the location.
Some gyms target high-level athletes, others weightlifters, crossfit enthusiasts, seniors, women, etc.
To ensure that you will work out in a comfortable environment, it is very important to try out different gyms, talk to a few people, and gauge the atmosphere.
For example, a woman working out alone in the middle of a weight room with a majority of men could potentially feel lost.
So make sure you choose a gym that suits your goals, your workout method, and your personality. Music, percentage of men and women, identity of the gym and specialized programs… Be demanding!
Attendance
When you try out a gym, try to come at the busiest time of day. This will allow you to know if it is still possible to exercise in good conditions when the gym is crowded: waiting time at the machines, population in the locker room, etc.
Overcrowding can be unpleasant and lead to a loss of motivation. So make sure you choose a room that is livable, even during peak periods.
The activities offered and the additional services
In order to form an opinion on a gym, the diversity of the activities offered must be important. Whether you are only interested in weight training or in group classes, it is always pleasant to be able to switch from one to the other according to your desires. Group classes, pool, weight training… Everything is possible. If your budget allows it, you will find the gym of your dreams!
Think also about the additional services. Depending on what you are looking for, the level of comfort and services offered, these may be important in your choice. Some gyms offer saunas, steam rooms, Jacuzzis, swimming pools, a daycare center, etc.
So choose the room that suits your needs, so you won’t have any regrets.
A weight training area
The weight training area must include modern machines in good condition, in significant quantity, so that you can train properly. The essentials:
Dumbbells: from 250 grams to 50 kilos, a wide variety is ideal
Free machines: at least two bench press stations (the most popular exercise), 1 or 2 straight bars, 1 or 2 Z-bars, incline press, decline press, pull-up bar, pulleys, etc.
An unguided squat cage: this machine allows you to perform squats (basic exercise) with relatively high weights, without taking any risks. Unfortunately, this machine is often absent in gyms.
Olympic bars (20 kilo bar).
Guided machines.
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