Finding a Fitness Facility: How to Simplify the Search
It's the beginning of a new year and resolutions are being
carried out with gusto. Getting fit and staying healthy are no
doubt at the top of dozens of resolution lists. Joining a gym is
a great first step to achieving one's fitness goals, but with
workout facilities popping up like wildfires, choosing the right
gym can be a daunting task. However, just asking a few simple
questions can make finding the perfect place to work out less of
a challenge. When choosing a gym, one should first ask, " What
equipment and amenities will I actually use?" Sure, there are
mega-gyms that offer saunas, massage therapy, a lap pool, and
rock climbing, but are all of these things what a person really
needs in order to pursue a healthy lifestyle?
In reality, free weights, machines, and cardio equipment are
more than adequate to support an effective workout routine. Gyms
that are well-equipped, minus the "fluff," are almost always the
more cost effective choice, not to mention less overwhelming.
It's easy to feel overwhelmed when first stepping foot in a gym,
with all the strange-looking machines and fancy equipment. When
choosing a gym, be sure to ask if an orientation (a guided tour
on how to properly use the equipment) is available and if it
costs extra. Is the orientation in a group setting or is it
one-on-one? Finding a gym that provides one-on-one attention
along with ongoing monitoring is definitely a big advantage to
someone just starting out. Only a few gyms offer such a program
at no additional cost, so this is a good way to narrow down your
search. To narrow the choices even more, look for facilities
where crowding is not a problem and waiting for machines is a
non-issue. In addition, any gym worth joining should deliver
locker rooms complete with showers; clean, well-organized
equipment; and friendly staff. Some facilities even offer
"comfort" benefits like complimentary coffee and towel service.
Details such as these can make a significant difference in your
overall workout experience.
Another important point to consider when searching for a gym is
if any kind of nutrition education is available. Quality fitness
facilities know that exercise is only half the battle; diet is
equally important in developing a healthy lifestyle. Several
gyms offer education classes on nutrition, but only a few
facilities provide nutrition programs online. Mandi Whittlesey,
a certified personal trainer at ProActive Fitness Studio in
Austin, says, "An online meal planner such as ProActive's
Vitabot is a great way to create a completely balanced diet
using all your favorite foods." Online nutrition is often more
cost effective than attending classes, and in today's
computer-prevalent society, the online program is definitely the
more convenient way to keep track of one's diet.
Achieving the New Year's resolution to get fit starts with
finding the best place to do so, and while workout facilities
exist in abundance, only a select few meet the criteria listed
above. Take the time to shop around, keeping in mind those
details that can make a fitness program worthwhile. Personalized
service, non-crowding, practical equipment, and online nutrition
are valuable services for novices and experts alike, and the
good news is, there really are places that offer all of these
and more and at a terrific price. The key to this year's fitness
resolution really is just around the corner.