For weight loss, help can come from a gym that caters to your every need
Where do you work out? Just as there is no shortage of great exercises out there, there is no shortage of great places to do them. Though some may prefer to set up an exercise area at home, others may prefer the serenity of a park near Naples or Ft. Myers—both have their benefits. But if you’re just getting started and need a little help, weight loss workouts at a gym may be the ideal way to acquaint yourself to exercise.
Gyms offer many things that other workout locations cannot: state-of-the-art equipment, certified fitness trainers, group exercise classes, a social atmosphere—in the Florida heat, even a great AC system may be worth the price of membership. A gym is especially advantageous if you haven’t exercised regularly before, as you’ll have others around to help if something goes wrong.
Still, different gyms offer different amenities. To find one that will be worth it for you, it’s important to take a look at what each one offers and how it may help you reach your goals. Here are a few questions to ask yourself before signing up with a fitness center:
Where is it?
Location may not be as important as, say, your gym having a roof and four walls, but it should still be one of the primary factors in your selection. Even a 10-minute drive can be enough to dissuade you from getting a workout, especially if you’ve already had a difficult day. Try to find a gym that’s convenient to your home, or close to work if you plan on exercising in the evenings. If you can walk or bike to your gym, you can squeeze some extra exercise in on the way.
What are you looking for?
All of us have different needs as exercisers, and our gym selection should reflect this. If you hope to try out some new activities like Zumba, Pilates or group aerobics, a large gym that offers daily classes may be the best fit. If you’d prefer to stick with the exercise bike, a more basic fitness center may work. If yoga is your thing, you may want to consider a small studio that focuses exclusively on that activity. Think about exactly what you want from a gym and find one that fits the bill—keep in mind that many gyms will offer trial memberships that help you get a sense of what’s offered before committing.
What do others think of this gym?
Though your opinion of a gym is the most important one there is, you can get a sense of a gym’s worth by getting a feel for its overall reputation. As you visit and try each gym, you can ask members what they like about the gym and if they feel the cost is worth it. It may also be a smart choice to ask your friends about their favorite gyms in Naples and Ft. Myers—this may point you in the direction of a good one, and you can work out with your friends as an added bonus. For ratings and reviews, try yelp.com.
Though a gym can give you valuable weight loss help, it’s important to know that the price of membership is worth it. Use these tips in your search for the perfect fitness center, and let us know if you’ve found one in the comments below.