How to choose a gym

Getting in shape these days is more convenient than ever. Fitness advice is easy to find, and there seems to be a gym on every corner. But that abundance of gyms can be a little overwhelming, and you don’t have the time or money to try them all out. So how do you choose a fitness center that fits your needs at a nearby location?

Make a list of important equipment and amenities

Decide what you want to accomplish at the gym and what equipment you’ll need to exercise. Are you into group fitness classes? Perhaps you’re a swimmer. Is relaxing in a steam room important to you?

When you know what you require from a gym, you’ll be able to eliminate the fitness locations that can’t meet your needs.

Look online

Looking online can save you a lot of time, fuel and footwork in the initial stages of your search.

Web services like Google Maps can show you nearby gyms, complete with operating hours, member reviews and even the busiest times of day.

The SilverSneakers location finder goes a step further by enabling you to narrow down the list based on amenities and gym type. If you’re a SilverSneakers member, your card is valid at all 13,000 listed locations. You don’t have to choose just one.

Call ahead

The Internet isn’t perfect, and gyms often have outdated information on their websites. Be sure to call ahead and ask important questions about equipment, location and hours.

A quick phone call also can tell you a lot about the gym. Is the staff friendly or gruff? Is the location loud or quiet? And what do you need to get started there?

Ask about fees

Many fitness centers will try to lure you in with low monthly fees, but they’ll make up for it with signup charges, annual membership costs and other expenses.

Sometimes it helps to make a list of different locations and what they cost when you add up all the fees. Comparing gyms side-by-side can help you decide which is the best value. If you’re a SilverSneakers member, your basic membership to all SilverSneakers locations is included, so price isn’t a factor.

Get a tour

Once you’ve narrowed your list down enough to start visiting a few in person, be sure to ask for a tour of the gym. This will give you an opportunity to look around and see what type of people exercise at the fitness center.

The tour also will help acquaint you with the layout and cleanliness of the fitness center. Ask questions about which areas are open to all members and be sure to see the locker room.

Ask for a free trial

If you aren’t a SilverSneakers member, you’ll want to be sure you love the gym before locking into a contract. Many fitness locations will allow you a trial membership so you can test everything for yourself.

Be sure to take a workout plan with you to the gym to assess how the equipment accommodates a real workout. And make sure all the equipment you need for your style of exercise is available. If you don’t see something, ask a staff member if his or her fitness center has that piece of equipment.