You may have heard that gym members are much more likely to work out than non-members, you might have a history of failed attempts to start and maintain an at-home work out program, or you may simply want to add the camaraderie of a fitness center to your current workout regime. Whatever the reason, you are thinking of joining a gym. Before you do, you should spend a little time thinking about why you want to join, to make sure that you choose the fitness center that is right for you.
What type of activities do you like to do? It seems like a basic question, but many people do not really think about it before picking a fitness center. If you want spin classes or to be able to swim laps, then a bare-bones gym is not for you. Before you even go look at facilities, make a list of your must-haves. There is no reason for you to even visit fitness centers that do not meet your must-have requirements. On the other hand, what types of facilities are you unlikely to ever use? Generally, the better equipped and fancier the gym, the higher the price tag. Why should you pay for things you never plan to use?
Another thing to consider is the atmosphere in the fitness center. Different people are motivated by different things. Some people love the tough atmosphere of boot-camp type training centers, while others want more of a supportive and nurturing environment. There is no wrong approach to fitness, but certain fitness centers might have the wrong approach for you. You want to make sure that the gym culture will keep you accountable, but not make you feel judged in a way that keeps you from getting to your workouts.
The only way to know whether a fitness center is the right fit for you is to visit it and find out. We invite you to come to our Secaucus, NJ location and learn more about The MAX Challenge approach to fitness!
