Last month I discussed the advantages to working out in a gym versus going it alone with home equipment. Motivation, accountability, encouragement, instruction, and diverse equipment options were a few of the positive reasons for choosing to begin exercising in a gym. This month I want to help you chose the right gym before you commit to this investment.

The areas of concern to explore are: 1)Location 2)Equipment / Facilities 3)Services / Staff 4)Atmosphere 5)Price

Location is important because starting a new habit should be convenient if you plan on sticking with it. Look for gyms that are close to work or close to home so that you can make it in without the excuse of “having to make a special trip.” Though location can make it easier to get in the gym, don't let this criteria limit you from the remaining categories. You'll be much happier in a facility that meets all your needs even if you have to drive a short distance.

Anticipate what kind of training you'll likely involve yourself in. Definitely some weight machine work and cardiovascular exercise will be important, so, look for a gym with nice equipment, a good variety, and enough to go around during peak hours. Don't be afraid to ask a staff member to explain the equipment as you're gym shopping. You may not understand everything they tell you, but you'll get a strong feel for their level of enthusiasm as they describe their facility. If you have family members, think of the activities they may be interested in. Most gyms fill a niche and specialize in certain areas. Some “club” type facilities may have tennis courts, tanning booths, a basketball court, a pool, etc. and it may be worth the extra money if these areas interest you. If not, I wouldn't recommend paying the extra money especially if other gyms fill the niche that you would thrive more in. I believe the next two areas go hand in hand. The services that a staff provides and the quality of the staff themselves are paramount to your enjoyment in a facility. I have been in many fancy gyms that are very distracting to work out in because they're so impersonal and “institutional.” A friendly, professional staff creates an atmosphere that trickles down to the members and before you know it, you feel like a member of a supportive family. I've been lucky to workout and work in several gyms like this in my life and nothing can replace the feeling of wanting to be part of that group of people. Most gyms are very generous to let you workout a couple of times or even give you a free two-week pass to try them out. Don't be in a hurry to make your decision. Train in all the gyms you're interested in during the times you're likely to workout so you can get a feel for the atmosphere. The staff should provide something else beside friendship and support; they should be available for solid, professional services. Even if you plan to work with a personal trainer sparingly, you need to have the best. None of these criteria will matter if you can't get the help you need to achieve your goals or worse yet, if you get injured because of improper instruction. You can certainly ask about education and certification, but it is a great help if you can be referred to the most reputable professionals. If people get results and are happy with their trainer, they'll tell you.

You-get-what-you-pay-for certainly applies to gyms. You can expect to pay from $30 to $100 a month depending on the facilities and location. A couple things to watch out for are initiation fees and long-term contracts. Initiation fees are often waived as part of promotions and can be negotiated out of most of the time. If you get resistance in this area, inquire what you get for the initiation money. Will a qualified trainer spend a couple of free sessions to help you learn the equipment? Contracts are a sticky area as well. Like many businesses, it is, of course, advantageous to lock you into a long-term contract so that even if you get bored or want to go to another gym, you have to keep paying for your membership. I understand the administrative necessity of some time frame, such as a year, but many large “chain” gyms sell you a contract that obligates you to a high-dollar price of a membership and then applies the payment options similar to buying a car. You purchase the membership and pay for it over the next 3-5 years and it's a bullet-proof contract that you're stuck with. Make sure you know what you're signing. As you can see, there are many functions of a gym and there are many gyms out there that have unique qualities and personalities all their own. Shop around, try them out, ask questions, talk to members, and you'll pick the best one for you!

John Nelson, BA, CPT, is a personal trainer at Life-Time Fitness in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is an accomplished track and field athlete, weightlifter, and kickboxer.