Ready to make the big commitment to join a gym, get in shape, and feel better? Did you know there is more than just one option to consider? Finding the right fit for you and your needs is one of the most important first steps of the fitness journey.
A Guide to Gyms and Fitness Centers
The Multipurpose Gym
This is the most well-known fitness center. Gold’s Gym is the perfect example of a multipurpose gym. These facilities include something for everyone such as free weights, weight machines, fitness classes, and sometimes swimming pools. If you’re really not sure what activities you like or are just starting out, this may be the best choice to consider.
Specialty Gyms
Specialty gyms are becoming more and more popular. Some specialty gyms you may know of are CrossFit boxes, barre gyms, MMA gyms, Pilates studios, or yoga studios. Traditionally people who are drawn to these gyms after they’ve participated in these activities. But don’t let it stop you from exploring the options these fitness centers offer. Many times they have open houses or beginners classes where you can attend for free. Also, most provide a more drop in style of payment. You pay for a punch card and as you attend classes your sessions are used up. If you don’t want to be tied into a contract these options might be more appealing.
School Gyms
Did you know many schools open their gyms, weight rooms, and pools in the mornings, evening, and weekends for the public to use? You can usually find out if this is an option by contacting your local school district. Sometimes it’s free to use the facilities, while others make them available for a small fee. It’s a really easy way to get into a gym for a small investment.
Circuit Training Gyms
The most famous circuit training gym is Curves but there are other smaller, local gyms that offer a similar workout. The concept with a circuit training gym is simple. Each person goes through a series of exercises quickly, between 30 seconds and a few minutes for each station. This can be done individually but in these kinds of gyms it is usually a group activity. When the time is up everyone moves to the next free station. It aims to combine cardiovascular and strength training into one workout. If you’re on a time crunch, looking for a way to mix up your routine, or just want to get everything in one workout this is worth considering.
Boot Camp Classes
You’ve heard of The Biggest Loser right? Boot camp workouts are group programs aimed at building strength and endurance through very intense exercise. While these types of classes can include weights or other fitness equipment they are mostly made up of body weight exercise, running, and plyometrics. Lots of gyms offer boot camp classes, but there are also private instructors that offer classes in parks, and other venues. If you really want to push yourself or love the social aspect of pushing yourself with a group of people who have the same goals as you, boot camp training is worth a shot. Just like specialty gyms, there is usually no long-term financial commitment, instead you pay as you go.
No matter what type of gym you decide to join, use these 5 tips to get the most out of your gym membership.
More Fitness Tips:
- Ways to Get Fit on a Budget
- 8 Yoga Poses to Help You Detox
- 10 Simple Changes to Help You Lose Weight
- How to Make {and Keep} a Fitness Resolution
- Indoor Exercises for When the Weather is Bad
- 6 Steps to Getting Back on Track with Fitness and Exercise
- Sneak Exercise Into Your Day so Your Body Doesn’t Notice
Amanda is the owner of MarocMama. She is a curious world traveler, mom of two busy boys, foodie at heart, and lover of all things Moroccan.
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