Tips for Choosing a Gym That’s Right for You

Do you want to get fit and healthy in 2016? Did you set this as a new year’s resolution like over 45% of Americans each year? Well, guess what? Over 25% of people who set a New Year’s Resolution have already quit by now? The folks at Boston Sports Clubs want to help you stick to your resolution and achieve your goals.

In visiting my local Boston Sports Club, I took some time to consider why it might be the right gym for me.

Here are my tips for choosing a gym that’s right for you.

Cost

Let’s face it, some gyms can be pretty expensive. On the flip side, some gyms offer specials like $10 a month, but then they have a no frills approach where you tend to feel like a number rather than a person. I like that Boston Sports Clubs provide great offerings for a good value. They also offer opportunities to try their facilities, classes and a personal training session for free. Visit https://www.mysportsclubs.com for the latest specials in your area.

Accessibility

Consider where the gym is relative to your home or work. You are less likely to go if the gym is too far away. My local Boston Sports Club is less than 10 minutes away. With approximately 25 gyms in the greater Boston area, I love having a wide variety of gyms to choose from.

My local club is less than 10 minutes away.

Classes

In selecting a gym, consider how you like to exercise. Do you like spinning, yoga, Pilates, strength training? Do you like small group training or large classes with lots of energy?

My Boston Sports Club has great spinning classes and much more!

Most gyms provide fitness classes, but not all are included in the membership price so find out what you get for your money. The Boston Sports clubs offer a wide variety of fitness classes that are included with membership. Check out the Fitness Class Finder to see what’s offered in your area.

Personal Training Options

Having an introductory session with a personal trainer is key to getting started on the right foot. They will meet with you to discuss your goals and come up with a plan specifically for you. They’ll also give you a tour of the facilities and teach you how to properly use the equipment. Check your local Boston Sports Club to find out the personal training offerings in your area.

I had a great session with an awesome personal trainer.

I met with a wonderful personal trainer and my Boston Sports Club. She was extremely personable and knowledgeable. As a former personal trainer myself, I was very impressed. I’ve been struggling with a back injury for a while so she considered exercise modifications that would work well for me. We went through a great workout combining strength and cardio exercises. We also looked at the class schedule to discuss what classes might be good for my current needs. My trainer then filed my plan so that I can access it on my own.

Equipment

Check out the equipment in the gym. Does it seem like it’s in good condition? Is there equipment that fits your workout needs? Is there ample floor space for stretching? Are there fitness “toys” like exercise balls and resistance bands?

I love that my club has a wide variety of equipment to choose from.

All Boston Sports Clubs provide a wide variety of equipment choices. They have state of the art cardio machines, weight machines, free weights, body weight equipment like TRX and much more. Some gyms have swimming pools as well. The Boston Sports Clubs always have someone on staff who can answer your questions and show you how everything works. Additional facilities like the locker rooms, showers, etc, were also in excellent condition and super clean.

Well appointed and clean facilities are super important to me.

Member Profile

You are more likely to feel comfortable in a gym that has a clientele that matches your personality and demographic. For example, a city club filled with super-fit-twenty-somethings is not a good fit for me. My local Boston Sports Club is perfect for me with a variety of clients, including my age bracket, so I don’t feel out of place. Pick a gym where you feel comfortable. When touring a gym, take a look at the people who are there and consider how you would feel working out with them. Shop around to decide what best fits you.

Additional Offerings

Consider what other special offerings you would like to see in your gym. Do you have other needs like babysitting services or kids programs? Would you like a club that has a pool or racquet sports? Many Boston Sports Clubs have special offerings like these.

Make 2016 the year you get in great shape! The Boston Sports Clubs are here to help you succeed.

Have other tips for choosing a gym? Let us know in a comment.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Town Sports International. The opinions and text are all mine.

Sharing is caring!