While you should always choose a gym you can realistically afford, cheaper isn’t always better. Gyms with rock-bottom prices frequently don’t offer amenities like personal training, group classes, the latest equipment or even towels. It’s better to spend more money on a gym that will really give you that bang for your buck.
No matter how much you love a gym, you probably won’t want to commute an hour each way during rush hour traffic to get there. Choose a gym that’s close enough that you won’t have any excuse not to go.
If you plan to do most of your workouts before or after work, visit at those times to get a sense of how crowded the gym gets. If you’ll wind up spending most of your precious workout time in line for the treadmill, it may not be worth it.
Many gyms offer an opportunity to check out their facilities for free, or at a steep discount. It’s worthwhile taking advantage of these offers, which let you get a sense of a gym’s vibe and offerings.
