How to Choose a Gym

We know that going to a gym can be intimidating.  Change can be painful. People have these limiting beliefs of I need to be fit to get started, people will judge me, I don’t know how to start.  Let’s start by breaking down these beliefs and replacing them with positive result inducing thoughts.

Myth #1 – I need to be fit to get started.  Everyone has a starting point.  If people waited to get in shape first before going to a gym, there would be no health club industry.  This is an excuse people tell themselves to delay starting. Get rid of this excuse. Take the first steps and break it down little by little.  Schedule yourself some time just to visit a gym first. Check it out and make sure you are comfortable. Learn about the services provided and make sure that you truly are getting service!

Myth #2 – People will judge me.  No one is judging.  Everyone actually supports your decision to get healthier.  You should support your desire to as well. Think about this thought (one that I have heard often.)  “There are too many people with big muscles. I don’t want them judging me.” Oh…you mean, kind of like you just judged them for having big muscles?  THEY ALSO HAD A STARTING POINT AND DIDN’T ALWAYS LOOK THIS WAY. STOP JUDGING THEM, BECAUSE THEY AREN’T JUDGING YOU. THEY SUPPORT YOUR DECISION TO GET FIT!  The culture of a health club should be full of energy and health. Regardless of where you are at in your journey.

Myth #3 – I don’t know how to start.  Hey, I don’t know how to sky dive, snow board, surf or do a lot of other cool things.  You know what though? All are on my bucket list of things to do and when I am ready to do them, I will seek the professional help to learn how to do them properly.  In fact, I have been researching surf schools and am planning a future vacation around it. What I am getting at is it’s okay not to know where to start or how to start.  Just starting is the first step. Finding a health club that supports you starting and that will provide the education and knowledge to allow you to succeed is the next step.  

Look for programs that will engage you.  Look for a facility that welcomes you. Be certain to join a facility that will provide service, education and accountability towards achieving your goals.  People searching for the right solution don’t know what they don’t know. Read reviews and be sure your place of choice has the right on-going support systems in place.  

Change is key to results as well.  Does your facility of choice offer more than an introductory session on equipment?  Do they offer free classes? Do they offer on-going assessments, free workouts, small group training, personal training, nutrition coaching and everything else that you want or may need in the future?  

Getting the most from your club of choice is imperative.  You must look beyond the bright lights and colours. While we agree those are appealing, the real proof is in the pudding.  What do they provide that gets you what you want and need?

Check out our 7 Mistakes People Make when joining a health club here!