Once you've made the decision to join a gym, you might be bursting with enthusiasm to get started. But take the time to weigh up your options. Choosing the right gym will maximise the physical and mental rewards that come from regular exercise. Who knows, you might even meet some new people and have some fun!
Location and hours
The rule of location, location, location certainly applies when you are deciding which fitness centre to join. A gym needs to be accessible and convenient if you are going to get value from your membership. Ideally, it should be within five or 10 minutes of your home or work, otherwise it's easy to find excuses not to go.
Also investigate the hours of operation, including holidays and weekends. Make sure the facility will be open at the times you intend to train.
Layout and feel
If you feel a little anxious about visiting a gym, you're not alone. Embarrassment has been identified as one of the major barriers to exercise. It's important to feel comfortable in the centre you intend to join.
Look at the type of people who are already members, and see if you would be willing to puff and sweat alongside them. Check to see if staff are friendly and helpful.
Large gyms can be a little impersonal, and have a 'fish bowl' feel. Some people seek out this kind of gym; others prefer a smaller centre that caters for overweight or inexperienced members. For example, some gyms are women only, or have rooms set aside just for women or personal training.
Each centre will have its own unique culture, staff profile and membership base, so don't be discouraged if the first place you visit is not what you had in mind.
Costs and contracts
The price of gym membership will vary depending on the services offered and the duration of membership. The agreements and contracts you'll be expected to sign will also vary from centre to centre, and state to state.
Look out for centres that are a 'Fitness Australia Recognised Provider'. You can find a list of registered gyms and fitness professionals on Fitness Australia's website. These gyms must follow a code of practice, and while it may vary a little depending on where you are, you should expect them to have:
staff who are registered fitness professionals qualified in first aid
adequate public liability insurance and professional indemnity insurance in case you are injured
a risk assessment questionnaire that examines your risk in participating in a fitness service prior to commencing an exercise program
a seven-day cooling-off period for memberships longer than three months.
Before you commit to any contract, try to find out if the centre is well established, and has a good reputation. And think long and hard before signing a long-term contract or a direct debit form, because they can be hard to get out of.
Also check if your membership includes car parking, lockers, child minding, or reciprocal arrangements with other centres; and whether you can put your membership on hold if you become ill, or cancel it if you move.
Gym selection checklist
Is the gym a well established business?
Is the location easy for you?
Are the staff friendly and helpful?
Is there a good selection of the type of equipment you want to use?
Is the gym extremely busy at the time of day when you want to attend?
Is the equipment clean and well maintained?
Does the gym have lockers for your valuables?
Are there childcare facilities?
Is there plenty of parking?
Can you put your membership on hold, or use it at a different location?
Classes and equipment
Most gyms offer a variety of cardiovascular-based exercise machines (like treadmills and exercise bikes) and strength training equipment (such as weights), plus a choice of exercise classes to suit most age groups and fitness levels.
You can expect a number of names and formats for classes, like pump, spinning, gravity and Pilates. Don't be afraid to ask what the classes focus on, and how busy they usually are. Check to see that the classes on offer appeal to you, and that they're on at a convenient time.
If you intend to use the machines, make sure there is a wide selection and that they have easy-to-understand charts and instructions close at hand. The equipment should be clean and well maintained.
Staff should be available to handle any enquires about operating the equipment, and to advise on the correct technique during exercises.
Optional extras
Some gyms may offer a variety of additional programs and services, such as nutrition advice, weight loss challenges, lifestyle seminars, boot camp, walking groups and personal training.
Others may have a juice bar, pool, spa or sauna, or rooms designated for specific activities like stretching and massage.
You will have to pay extra for many of these add-ons, although you may get a free introductory trial included with your membership.
If these additional services are important to you, weigh up the costs, and make sure you aren't paying more for something that you could find elsewhere.
Try before you buy
Before making your choice, try out the centre and its facilities. You can attend as a casual member (a one-off visit is usually priced at $15–20), or ask for a free guest pass.
Try to go at the time of day you would normally be visiting, because some gyms can be very busy at peak times. Check out the parking, staff, clientele and services, and see if it's a place where you would feel comfortable spending time every week.
Make sure there is good ventilation and hygiene, and that the change room facilities are suitable.
Try a few different centres to have something to compare against, and take the time to shop around before making a decision. If you are still unsure, consider a one-month membership before committing to the longer term.
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