Why is it so hard to find a gym?

More people join gyms in the upcoming winter months than any other time of year. But not all of them will stick around. It’s been shown that most common gyms retain about 25 to 30 percent of members each year. So how do you make sure you’re still showing up come July? Find the right gym for you, one where you feel comfortable and can capitalize on the energy and experience.

There are nearly 40,000 gyms or fitness centers in the United States, so choosing the right one to cater to your needs may take some shopping around. Here are a few key factors to consider when choosing the perfect gym for you the first time around. 

Invest in Your Membership

Using your investment wisely when it comes to a gym membership may be one of the most crucial things in finding a new gym. Put your money towards a program that requires scheduled attendance. Whether you choose personal training or small group classes, there is an accountability that comes with this type of membership. If you are required to go and start to see results, you’re going to stick with it. Protect your investment with an added layer of accountability to a gym with a schedule that is just as committed to you as you are to it. 

Membership Profile

Many gyms these days cater to a specific demographic, and of course, you want to make sure this includes you. Many women can feel slightly intimidated going into a gym among a male population and lifting weights. Some older people may not feel comfortable joining a larger group fitness class or on the other hand, working out on their own. For reasons like this, it’s important to find a gym with catered programs for members. Working with a trainer one on one with a trainer or joining smaller group classes can alleviate the pressure of public gyms. Trainers work with a wide range of people and fitness levels, meaning they can help you determine goals and achieve them. A gym with a large demographic can be ideal when each client is given individualized attention. 

Gym Size

Finding out how many members a gym hosts and how busy it gets during peak hours will help you determine if it’s the right environment for you. No one wants to spend half their workout standing waiting for equipment or trying to connect to the Wi-Fi to get your workout pulled back up. Look for a gym that doesn’t oversell their memberships; quality over quantity. Many gyms try to sell as many memberships as possible in the hopes that not everyone always shows up. Make sure you want to keep going and that you are held accountable to show up with a gym that values its members and doesn’t over crowd them. 

Facility

When finding a new gym, always set up a tour and check out the entire facility and equipment. Check for cleanliness, the machines and equipment available to you, what amenities are available to you and if they have any special programs. There are many gyms who offer wellness programs, physical therapy or nutrition education to their members. If you have any past injuries or ailments, have specific fitness goals you want to reach or have been seeking nutrition advice, a gym with these amenities could be the perfect marriage for you. It’s important your gym maintains and updates its machinery and gear for members, as well as keeping it clean in between regular maintenance. It’s not uncommon for gyms to require members to wipe down equipment after use, but they facility itself should do up-keep beyond that. Make sure to check locker rooms and bathrooms; most gyms do have shower facilities but be sure to check before signing the dotted line. 

Privileges

Another thing you want to take into consideration is what privileges come with being a member. Some facilities offer discounts on other services when you become a member, but many gyms have complementary advantages to being a member. Look for a gym that has built in perks such as body composition measuring, access to tracking and logging progress, or a motivational community.  

Time to Sweat

All in all, if you are looking for a new gym, it’s no secret there are lots of options for you. But finding a facility that really aligns with your fitness goals, makes you feel comfortable and confident to crush your workout and keep coming back, can be a little more tasking. Finding that something that will hold you accountable to your gym, is all in the membership.  

Consider the benefits of small group classes, personal training, or semi-private training. With this type of gym and membership, you can work directly with trainers who want to help you reach your goals and have the tools to do so. If you are looking for a gym membership that will custom cater to you, come to Core Progression Elite Personal Training. We put the focus back on our members, valuing each client individually and helping them reach their goals one session at a time. Visit coreprogression.com today to find the location closest to you.