It’s occurred to me recently that finding the right gym is a lot like finding the right man. It takes time, patience, and a little luck. I’m thankful to have found my Mr. Right nearly 20 years ago….now, it’s time to find the right gym.
Even though I’m not ready to commit to a gym for a few more weeks, I’ve been doing some internet dating searching. Our town has a lot of different options within a ten mile radius. The thing is, they are all just a little bit different.
I know what I don’t want:
Pushy salespeople
Muscle-headed 20 year old trainers
To be the oldest person working out there
Loud music (more of a club atmosphere than a gym)
To have to drive more than 3 miles
I know what I do want:
Capable trainers
Wide variety of classes
Help for my injured lower back and arthritic knees
Childcare
Good hours
Close by
I’ve narrowed it down to two gyms that I plan to visit before making my final decision. Both offer a 7 day trial so that I can get a feel for the place.
Gym #1:
Pros:
National chain…so it won’t likely close in 6 months like some gyms do
Located practically in our front yard (less than a 5 minute drive)
Wide array of equipment
Childcare available
Cons:
No Pool
Seems to cater to hipsters a younger crowd
Read several complaints online that if you want to go all Chandler Bing and “quit the gym” it’s hard to get them to stop billing you*
Gym #2:
Pros:
Attached to a local hospital so the trainers are practically physical therapists as well
Wide array of equipment
Has an entire room devoted to back care (and I have a really bad back)
Pilates room
Has a pool (allows family swimming for members on the weekends)
Childcare available
Cons:
Have to undergo a full physical at an extra cost of $100
Three miles from the house instead of 1/2 mile down the road
Costs twice as much per month as most gyms
It’s hard to put a price on things for a healthy lifestyle. Fancy gym or national chain?
Which gym membership would YOU choose?
*If you don’t know who Chandler Bing is (if that’s possible), watch this:
I would probably pick the first one, but hearing how committed and passionate you are about your health option 2 sounds best. Whatever you decide is going to be great and inspiring to others!
I’m really glad I can try them both out before making a decision!
Barbara Davis recently posted..Finding The Right Gym
I can’t tell you the last time I was a member of a gym. How sad is that? I seem to get a better workout with walking downtown. I’m like you in where I can’t take the young hipsters and loud music and when it feels more like a pickup joint than a gym.
I’m curious to see which one you choose…and bravo to you for being so disciplined and doing it up right!!
Carrie recently posted..Yes, I deserve to be punched in the neck but don’t because I kinda have some excuses.
That’s one of the reasons I’m leaning towards the more expensive gym. It’s gonna be a lot of 60-80 year olds and I can totally roll with that crowd.
Barbara Davis recently posted..Finding The Right Gym
I would pick whichever one I thought I’d actually go to. lol.
Kerri O recently posted..Back to Basics Paleo
See, that’s part of it. I kinda wish I could pay someone to work out for me.
Barbara Davis recently posted..Finding The Right Gym
bad back? #2. pool is a good deal, too. #2. Three miles ain’t that far anyways. You could run there.
Yum Yucky recently posted..You Say You Really Want It? Then Your Mission Is Clear…
That “back room” is VERY appealing!
Barbara Davis recently posted..Finding The Right Gym
I couldn’t tell that the YMCA was #1. We have Y membership and one perk is that you can go to all of the locations and kid sports are free. Pretty sure they have a pool at the one near you.
Do you know if they have trainers available? I need some direction.
Barbara Davis recently posted..Finding The Right Gym