Finding the Right Gym For You (5 Things to Look For)
Some people hop from club to club looking for the perfect one to spend their evening... this is what I do with gyms 😇. Whether you are just starting out, moved to a new location, or your fitness priorities changed, finding the perfect gym could make a world of difference. Yes, it is in the end YOU that makes YOU have a good or bad workout...but I've found that there are a couple of important factors that can really help or hurt that workout. Here are some of things I look for when looking for a new gym:
1. Equipment
Knowing what equipment is offered in the gym is the most important thing to look for. If you're powerlifting you will need to make sure there's a space to squat, bench, and deadlift. This will usually be in the form of a squat rack, bench setup, and deadlift form. If you're looking to do bodybuilding type workouts you usually would want a good assortment of dumbbells (heavy enough for your top sets), cables/lat pulldown (always useful), preloaded barbells (EZ curl bars or straight bars), and then some helpful and essential machines (your favorites :) ). Aaaaaand maybe some cardio equipment if you're into that! Finding a gym with multiple stair climber machines is always a plus!
2. People
The people you surround yourself with- in any situation- determines how successful you are. The gym is no different. Having positive people around you to help motivate you can make a huge impact. I've found this especially true in powerlifting. It is honestly a community. Lifting near other powerlifters turns into a helping hand, which turns into a lifting partner, which could turn into a friendship. Powerlifters push each other, encourage each other, and help in any way possible. I'm sure this is the case with other people lifting, but I've noticed powerlifting gyms in particular are like this. Find those people that you connect with and who can help you during this fitness journey of yours.
3. Hours
The actual hours that the gym is open COULD make a big difference. If you're like me and prefer to go early in the morning, it could make or break the gym for you. If it's not open early enough, NOPE, cross that gym off the list. If it's not open on weekends and those are days you plan to lift-NEXT! Figure out what hours you plan to lift, then find a gym that correlates with those plans! It may seem obvious, but when you're excited to join you may not even think to look at the hours!
4. Space
"Oh hello, we are a very popular gym but are only the size of your bedroom, join our gym!" Yeaaaah, no. I need SPACE. If it's a completely empty gym, that makes it a little easier.. You would just need enough space for all of the necessary equipment. But if you're not the only member of this gym, which is most likely, you need more space for everyone to be able to do their work. It's not that I get claustrophobic or anything, but I mean, I need my space! I'm sure you can relate. You're trying to do some curls in the EZ bar but people are so close to you you may hit them... or you're trying to deadlift but if you lift the bar you are going to hit someone with the end of it. OR if you're using the cable machine and you can't back up enough to get the range of motion you want! Aaaaand also, personal space is nice in general.
5. Extras: wifi/lighting/ambiance/location/etc
There are a couple things that I often think are forgotten about when choosing a gym. For instance... DOES IT HAVE WIFI? Totally a 21st century thing to say. But, if you're running on limited data, and you use Spotify for your workout music (Cams Gym Beats if you're looking for a playlist) it's an important question! Wifi is also helpful if you watch Netflix or Instagram creep during cardio- gotta get your heart rate up somehow! Another "extra" is lighting...and ambiance. Those go pretty hand in hand I'd say. If the gym is gloomy and depressing, it's not going to help motivate you. It will just make it more likely that your mood will be negatively affected by it...and make you gloomy and depressing. This, as you guessed, also relates to ambiance. Honestly, I just really love that word... ambiance. There's just something to elegant and relaxing about it. Weird, I know. But back to the gym. Ambiance...aka how the atmosphere makes you feel, is crucial to a good workout. Good atmosphere= good vibes= positive mindset= motivated= goals crushed, baby! Lastly, WHERE the gym is located is important to think about. Whether it's close to your house or close to your work, the more convenient the better. If it's close to your house, when you work out in the morning you can scoot home and shower and get ready before work! Or if it's close to work you can go directly after work, or go before work and get ready at the gym! Just another thing to think about when choosing the right gym.
While I 100% agree that it is the individuals responsibility to have a good workout and motivate themselves... But, if you find a gym that matches these criteria, it'll be that much easier to have a good workout. These 5 things will make you one step closer to your goals without ever having to think about them again (after choosing the gym). Who wouldn't want that? Do something once and be that much closer to your goals forever? I'm in!
Use these tips wisely and go out and find a killer gym that is perfect for where you are today with your fitness journey.
xox,
Cam