Advice on Finding the Right Gym

Losing weight has to be one of the most popular New Year’s Resolutions, so how do you go about choosing the right gym? 

The options range from cycling, to cross fit to dance and boxing. Mindy Pierce, director of programming for the DC-based Sport & Health clubs, which has locations Ballston and Crystal City, has some advice on making that choice.

Does the gym focus on classes you want to take?

“If they are interested in sports programs and not dance, they may want to find a facility that has tennis courts or basketball courts,” Pierce said. “If they have children, they may want to find a facility that has a kid’s clubs.”

Gyms in the Clarendon and Courthouse area include Revolve, which focuses on stationary cycling, and Synergy Health and Fitness, which focuses on personal training needs.

Gym Culture

Like to look at yourself in the mirror while you lift weights? Hoping to meet someone special at the gym, or do you want a less social atmosphere? Visit the gym several times, at the time when you would expect to go, to see whether it’s the right fit, Pierce suggests. Also, be sure to talk to the staff there to gauge whether they are helpful. Ask for a free membership pass while you feel it out.

Membership Options

When meeting with a membership consultant, find out if they can offer you a deal where you can visit multiple branches of the gym if there's more than one. Maybe you want to visit one gym near where you work during the week and another gym near where you live on weekends or holidays.

“When they get to know your exact needs, they can get to know the right membership for you,” Pierce said.

Do Your Research

The Better Business Bureau has a list of 10 Questions to Ask before joining a gym, including asking whether the membership will renew automatically and what happens if you move away from the area. They also allow consumers to check for any complaints made against a gym before signing up.

Have you signed up for a gym membership recently? Have any advice for other?  Tell us in the comments.

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