Work It Out

It’s a no-brainer: The human animal was designed to be physically active. Studies show when people are active, they feel better mentally and physically than when they’re not. There are many aerobic exercises you can do on your own: walk, jog, swim or bicycle. Thirty minutes or more of moderately intense exertion five days a week is a good goal. But if you want more structure or variety, it might be time to join a gym. Weight-lifting exercises strengthen bones, and build and tone muscles; the wide assortment of aerobic machines allows you to vary the muscle groups involved and keep yourself interested in the process. Plus, the availability of classes, programs and personal trainers can add enjoyment, inspiration and external discipline to your path to fitness.

What to Look for in a Gym

Different people want different things from their fitness centers, and there’s a website for every opinion. But if you’re the type that has trouble getting to the gym in the first place, its location and schedule are the most important factors—you need one close to your home or workplace that’s open when you’re available. If it’s too far or its hours of operation too limited, you won’t go.

Next on the list is affordability. The costs and contractual requirements of gyms and fitness clubs vary, so find one that makes sense for your budget. Mark Dengler, executive director of the Hollywood-Wilshire YMCA in Los Angeles, CA, suggests using the cost of basic cable service in your area as a benchmark for pricing a gym. Many clubs do not have a firm price and are open to negotiation. But it can be like buying a car, so beware of the “hard sell.” You might ask if they offer discounts to public servants, as some do for students and teachers.

Once you get to the gym, you’ll want to feel comfortable enough to ask someone to show you how to use the equipment properly, introduce you to the “rules of the game,” and provide assistance along the way without charging you for it. So the next thing is ambience and atmosphere and along with that, services, some of which can be answered over the phone, but most you’ll need to assess for yourself. It’s important to visit at the times you’re likely to go, because every period of the day has its own “personality,” and you want to check out what it’s going to be like when you’re there.

So: Do the rooms feel friendly and inviting; a good size; a manageable ratio of people to space? Or are they too big or too small; do you feel intimidated in this atmosphere? Will the staff take the time to teach you general fitness protocols, safe use of the equipment and gym etiquette? What happens if others do not follow best practices; does staff intervene? Do you feel comfortable with how many people are here, whether they’re of your gender or the opposite; what is their attitude toward each other; how are members of your fitness level treated? How about the music playing—do you like it; is it loud enough, too loud? Does the staff take requests? Is water readily available or does everyone have a bottle? What about towels—do you have to bring your own?

Ask about the equipment; is it fairly new? What condition is it in; what models are offered? Is there enough to go around or do people have to wait? Cardio equipment should include: treadmills (with adjustable incline), stair-steppers, stationary bicycles and elliptical machines. The best of these will measure speed, resistance and distance, and monitor your heart rate. A good gym will have both weight machines and free weights, facilitating a concentrated workout for every muscle group, beginning at your current fitness level and taking you as far as you want to go. David Knowles writes in BodyBuilding.com to make sure the weight plates are of the same brand, and the barbells no more than 45 lbs.

Some people want a trainer to put them through the paces, others want to be left alone when they work out; some find it easier to work out in front of a TV, others in a class. You need to identify your preference, because today’s gyms come in all shapes and sizes. Many have TVs and most offer classes in aerobics, spinning (a high-energy stationary bike), yoga, martial arts, Pilates or Jazzercise. Ask for a schedule to see if there is something that will make exercising more attractive to you.

You might also have questions regarding your—or your family’s—particular needs: Is there a pool? Are there pool-related classes? Some teach swimming to adults and children, rescue swimming, water aerobics, scuba diving and water safety skills. Is there free childcare? More and more clubs have supervised play areas for the kids. Are there personal trainers; what do they cost? A good club will offer basic instruction with membership; some offer more extensive assistance for a fee.

Finally, your gym should be clean. Check out the benches, the handlebars, the showers and the floors: The cleaner and drier, the better. If members are not religiously wiping down the benches they’ve used, or if staff does not keep the areas that dirty and sweaty hands and bodies touch disinfected, go to the next gym on your list.

The main thing is to find a gym that offers what you need to feel good about being there and to not pick one that will give you another excuse not to exercise.

For more information, visit www.gymamerica.com. To find a gym in your area, check your local Yellow Pages.