How to choose a gym/fitness centre

As promised, this marks my first post about the fitness world. I'm not an expert in it, but this is my personal opinion and it might come in handy especially to those who've never step in a gym before. I've worked in the fitness industry for 3 years both as a Membership Consultant and Customer Service and throughout my tenure there, I'd the opportunity to workout for free and learnt about the business in depth.

Here are 4 things to consider before signing up to any gym.

#1 What is your number 1 fitness goal?

This is the 1st  question every commercial gym would ask when you first step in their premise. Some say it's a sales gimmick and some say they're just concern about you. But in my opinion just be honest about it whether you want to lose weight, gain weight, tone up, etc. If you're lucky, you'll get a consultant who's knowledgeable and might help you achieve your fitness goal.

For example if you're goal is to lose weight, the consultant will explain to you on the types of workout you can do to lose weight and classes that focuses on loosing weight. Also, take note of the cardio area when the consultant takes you on a tour, because when it comes to loosing weight you need to do lots of cardio and make sure that they have ample space and not over crowded.

#2 Is it expensive?

First I'd like to introduce you to 2 types of gyms.

Commercial gym - A gym that's fully furnished with all the equipments, air-conditioned, cafe, kids centre, classes (dance, martial arts, Les Mills, yoga, spinning, aerobics, crossfit), certified personal trainers, lockers, steam/sauna, one set of towels and upon joining they'll provide you with their own merchandise (bag, bottle, towel).

Non commercial gym - A gym with only basic equipments for your fitness needs.

Honestly, it depends on how much you're willing to pay to achieve your fitness goal. If you're willing to pay for less than RM80 per month then, a commercial gym isn't for you. You might as well just join a non commercial gym that allows you to only pay when you need to use the gym.

But if you want a commercial gym experience, then I suggest you to pay for the price, be it RM150 or RM200 per month. But bear in mind that they'll lock you in a contract for 3,6 months or 1-2 years. And, if your only purpose is to join the classes then they are centres that solely provide yoga classes, aerobics, etc which is cheaper. But commercial gyms only provides all in one, even if you just want to attend the classes.

#3 Should I get a personal trainer?

It all depends on YOU. Most gyms provide at least 3 free sessions upon joining but honestly, all they teach you is just the basic stuffs. Personally, personal training is like an investment to your body and I'm not going to lie to you, but it's expensive. But think about the amount of money you'll be spending once you get sick and hospitalised. It's more than what you pay for a personal training package itself.

All personal trainers had undergo training and obtained a certificate before they can professionally train the members. However, some trainers specialises in different training than the usual like, bodybuilding, martial arts, physiotherapy, nutrition, female fitness, etc. You can also choose a trainer that can help accommodate your needs. Eg. If you have an injury, get a physiotherapy trainer who can still help you achieve your goals despite your health condition.

#4 What if I don't have time to get myself to the gym?

Most gyms opened as early as 6am and closes at 12am. Choose a gym that opens longer hours for your convenience. Unfortunately, we don't have 24 hour gyms in Malaysia yet. Most of you might wonder, do people really go the gym as early as 6am? During my tenure as a Customer Service, I've to get up as early as 4.30am to open the gym at 5.30am because the gym opens at 6am. And trust me, people actually workout as early as that as I sometimes wonder why don't they just stay at home and sleep? 

If you're travelling overseas and can't seem to focus on your workout and training, then get a passport membership. Some gyms have branches worldwide and you can easily access to it with your passport membership provided they have it in the area you're located. If there's no gym at your area, I'll cover it next time on how you can workout with whatever tools you have while travelling.

The new year is coming and I hope changing one of your lifestyles is one your resolutions. I also hope that you'll find this post useful. 

HAPPY NEW YEAR AND ALL THE BEST ACHIEVING YOUR FITNESS GOALS!