So You Want To Build A Home Gym

I walked into the commercial gym yesterday after a long day of work excited to begin my workout. After warming up I proceeded to the squat rack to start my resistance training workout. I unfortunately ran into a bit of a roadblock. I was planning on starting with some Back Squats but there was a young man in the power rack performing barbell biceps curls with horrible form (a definite no-no!).

I decided to go to Plan B and rearrange my workout only to find that the flat benches were all occupied as well. This trend continued and everywhere I turned the equipment I desired was being used. I was happy that so many people were working out but at the same time I was frustrated that my well-laid plans were spoiled. I learned a long time ago that it is wise to have a back-up plan in place for situations like this so I decided to head home and revert to Plan C, which was my home workout routine.

I have found that having the option to workout at home is essential for people with busy schedules, for others who do not like going to crowded gyms, or for people who need a contingency plan for just-in-case situations (that's me!). Another reason to have a home gym is that warmer weather has finally arrived and you may be less likely to go to your commercial gym.

I have helped people design expensive, well-equipped home gyms and I have helped others design very cost-effective, space-saving workouts areas. My personal home gym consists of a Stability Ball, 5lb to 95lb Dumbbells, some Kettlebells, an adjustable Weighted Vest, Adjustable DB Handles, Elastic Bands, 2kg to 10kg Medicine Balls, Ankle Weights, an AB Roller, a variety of Exercise Videos, and a minimal amount of space!

Anyone can have a Home Gym and there are many reasons to have one. The following list of questions should help you design a Home Gym that will suit your needs, your space, and your budget!

Questions To Ask When Building Your Home Gym:

The First Step: Ask Yourself Why?

Why do you want a home gym? What will it give you that you do not already have? What is your empowering vision of your ideal physique or athletic accomplishment? What are your short and long term goals? Always begin with a vision of the end results in mind, as this will guide you in your efforts. If you have not developed a vision of what you want to accomplish at this point, then that is the first thing you need to do. Develop a plan of attack for building your body and building your home gym.

Without a plan you might end up disappointed with the lack of results and frustrated that you bought the wrong equipment. Ask yourself what kind of results you expect your home gym to deliver? Is your home gym going to supplement your commercial gym membership (as a contingency plan)? Will you be doing your cardiovascular exercise outside or inside on a machine? Will you be doing stretching, strength training, or both? Is your home gym going to be the only place that you work out? Think about these things when designing your home gym.

I. How much are you willing to spend ($$$$$$$)?

How much do you want to spend, plain and simple? If you are just starting out with an exercise program, you might consider starting small with a simple, yet very effective, pair of Dumbbells. You can perform a full-body workout with a pair of dumbbells, some bodyweight exercises, and with a little knowledgeable of proper exercise technique. If you want to do it inexpensively, hire a knowledgeable fitness professional to design an individualized exercise program that you can do with a pair of Dumbbells in the comfort of your home. I have listed a variety of items that you might consider adding to your home gym.

Equipment Considerations:

A. Cardiovascular Machine

If you insist on performing your cardiovascular exercise routine at home be prepared to spend some money! Be aware, a gym quality treadmill, stationary bike, rowing ergometer, or elliptical trainer is going to cost you. You can buy used or refurbished gym quality equipment for a discounted price and if I wanted a cardio machine for my home this is probably the route that I would take. If you are thinking, "I'll just save a few hundred dollars and buy an inexpensive treadmill at the mall," make sure you do some research and ensure that you will buy something that is going to last and that will fit y our needs. I know many people who have purchased flimsy treadmills and regretted it soon thereafter. There are quality treadmills out there you just have to know where to look. I would recommend talking to my friend Bob McKinnon at McKinnon Technical Services (603-644-7539) who knows gym equipment like the back of his hand. He can point you in the right direction if you want to!

B. A Multi-Purpose Home Gym Machine

There are numerous multi-purpose gyms on the market and some are better than others. Chances are, if you turn on your television late at night and flip through the channels, you will be exposed to clever marketing using beautifully sculpted fitness models promising results in six weeks or less if you purchase their machine! Guess what. You can get results without a two thousand dollar machine that will most likely be collecting dust in a year anyway! Why not begin your quest for improved fitness with a modest investment in a pair of Dumbbells? Why not purchase a $20 book on how to get into shape? How about meeting with someone who specializes in coaching people through the process of positive physical change such as fitness professional or Registered Dietician? Infomercials are notorious for clever marketing and they can be very compelling. Avoid impulsive buying and do some research first before purchasing an expensive multi-gym. I recommend consulting a qualified fitness professional about the usefulness of such a machine, interviewing people who have that machine, and possibly even test-driving one before you make this decision. I have to mention that every Spring and Fall I see countless multi-gyms sitting out on someone's lawn as part of the annual yard sale. I wonder why that is?

C. Barbells

If I had the room in my apartment, I would go out and buy a Barbell today! With a 45 lb. Olympic Barbell you can perform a wide variety of exercises in a variety of different ways. If you are an athlete, you have the space available, and you want to improve your sports performance, learning how to correctly perform the Olympic Weightlifting movements (Clean and Jerk, Snatch, and all the variations) can take your performance to the next level! To name a few, exercises such as Squats, Overhead Squats, Deadlifts, Bent over Rows, Bench Presses, Overhead Presses, and Upright Rows can be performed. I would recommend having an adjustable Power Rack and adjustable bench to augment the versatility of the barbell. Space and total cost are big factors when considering purchasing a barbell.

D. Dumbbells

If you want to save money and space, dumbbells are the way to go. You might consider two to three sets of dumbbells (they can be purchased at a sporting goods store for any where between $.35-$.75/pound (In Concord, NH, Check out Olympia Sports in the Mall, Sears, Target, Walmart, Northeast Fitness, or check out the newspapers for the least expensive way to go!). I prefer the metal dumbbells but there are also rubber coated and adjustable dumbbells available. "Power Blocks," (perform a search on the internet to learn more about these) are adjustable dumbbells and are a great tool that take up a lot less space in your home gym, offers great versatility, and offers adjustable resistance to suit your needs. There are also other forms of adjustable dumbbells that consist of two handles, collars, and series of different size weight plates.

When selecting weights, it wise to start light and gradually purchase heavier dumbbells as you need them. I am able to perform wide variety of exercises with Dumbbells. If your goal is fat-loss, then a properly designed resistance training program that incorporates multi-joint Dumbbell exercises will help you achieve your goals more efficiently than many gym machines that "isolate" certain muscle groups. Remember, the more muscle groups that you incorporate, the more energy your body burns, and the better your results will be! Exercise technique is a factor but I'll happily let you know that I have taught 90-year-old women and 11-year-old boys how to perform the most "difficult" Dumbbell exercises with pristine form.

E. Medicine Balls

Medicine Balls are a great tool depending upon your fitness goals and your current training level. For an athlete in search of sports performance enhancement, Medicine Balls are a great tool because they can be accelerated in a rapid fashion through many planes of motion. If general fitness is your goal, you can perform many traditional gym exercises with a Medicine Ball as well. Medicine balls come in all shapes, sizes, weights, and colors. Be sure that the ball you pick suits your needs. By the way, these are also great for outdoor workouts on a sunny day!

F. Benches and Stability Balls:

A bench can be a great tool that will allow you to perform more exercises during your home workout sessions. Some benches are adjustable and offer great versatility while others are just fixed benches. Space is a concern for many people and that makes the Stability Ball (a.k.a. Swiss Ball) a great alternative to a bench. With a Stability Ball you can perform inclined, seated, prone, supine, floor, and a number of lower body exercises. A knowledgeable fitness professional could teach you how to perform a full-body workout with a Stability Ball and a pair of dumbbells. There are a number of different ways to use it in order to maximize your home workout routines. Not only can it replace a more expensive exercise machine or bench, but it can also double as a chair, take up less space, and challenge your body's balance in ways that a stable bench/machine cannot.

G. Resistance Bands/Tubes:

The cable pulley system at your local gym offers a number of exercises that can increase the variety of your workouts tremendously. An alternative to the cable pulley system for your home gym could be resistance bands or tubing that you can tie to a pillar in the basement of fix in a closed door. You can buy tubing that comes with handles already attached in some fitness catalogs or you could just tie a loop in one end to make your own makeshift handle. It is important to mention that elastic resistance training has many benefits and many inherent flaws. If you understand how to properly combine elastic resistance training with inertial (free weight training) you can maximize your results! A knowledgeable exercise professional can help you design your home gym to take advantage of these tools.

H. Exercise Videos:

There are many great exercise videos out there (and a lot more bad ones!). There are videos for Yoga, Step Aerobics, Tae-Bo, Pilates, Strength Training, Stability Ball Training, and every other imaginable fitness topic out there. Check out your local sporting goods store or Borders for a selection of exercise videos. The key is to find a couple videos that you enjoy and that give you the workout that you are looking for.

I. Other Fun Tools:

If you walk into a sporting goods store or open a fitness equipment catalog you will see a variety of toys that can supposedly enhance your workouts and deliver unbelievable results. Buyer beware! No one piece of equipment can solve all of your home gym needs and you must consider how this piece of equipment will fit into your complete program. Watch out for gimmicks and miracle exercise machines. Ask a fitness professional their opinion before you buy and you may save yourself some money! Do a little research before purchasing equipment for your home or you may run the risk of buying an expensive coat rack!

II. How much square footage do you have?

Simply put, how much space do you have available? Do you have enough room for an adjustable bench or a mutli-purpose exercise machine? Is the area well ventilated? How much ceiling height do you have? Are your floors solid? Do you have neighbors that might not appreciate you jumping up and down? Will you have room for all of the equipment you want to get? Thinking about these issues in advance will save you a lot of hassle in the long run. Finally, determine what else your home gym is used for? Will your home gym also be used for family gatherings, a playroom for the kids, an office, a gathering area to watch the Final Four, or strictly as a home gym? These are some other aspects to consider when designing your home gym.

III. Do you know your way around the gym?

Are you a beginner, an intermediate, an expert, or an advanced exerciser? A beginner might start out with an exercise tape, a Stability ball, and a couple of 5 pound dumbbells where as a more advanced exerciser might have a Barbell, Olympic Bench, a Stability Ball, an Adjustable Step, a Selectorized Weight Machine, a Power Rack, and a variety of Dumbbells. Have you been properly trained in the use of Free Weights or do you feel more comfortable using a machine? What kind of equipment does your plan of attack call for? The answers to these questions will help you better choose a home gym that works for you.

In closing, be sure to spend considerable time looking into the process of designing and constructing your home gym as it can be a very important addition to your life and to your home. Consider consulting an exercise professional to make sure that your gym will suit your individual needs, your budget, and your home. There are many reasons to have a home gym and it can be designed to help you achieve the results that you are looking for!

Tips To Help You Find The Right Gym

Taking those first few steps towards establishing a Fitness Lifestyle can very well be intimidating, especially if the decision is made to sign-up for a gym membership. In fact, deciding on even using a gym can be a double-edged sword of sorts. On one hand, there are many of us who feel that we'll become more motivated towards exercising regularly if we do sign-up for a gym membership. After all, you're now investing more money into your health so you certainly don't want to just throw that money away. Additionally, there are typically many more people working out at the gym than anywhere else, so you'll probably be more likely to get caught up in the ambience and energy of others exercising as well. However, on the other hand, because there can be so many people working out at the gym, you may feel intimidated beginning those first steps towards getting back in condition in front of others. When you stop to consider all of the pros and cons with signing up for a gym membership, you may find that making this decision was a more daunting task than you first thought.

Fortunately, there are many gyms and fitness facilities available now to accommodate virtually every factor and consideration involved in your own decision making process. From the large fitness clubs such as Bally's and 24-Hour Fitness to the local YMCA or university health centers, and from the private one-on-one training studios to even mobile Personal Training trailers, chances are excellent that a gym can be found to match your own personal preferences. What's important to keep in mind is that every gym and fitness facility has it's own unique personality and subsequently, there's a gym to match your own unique personality as well. Therefore, with a little gym shopping savvy and factors that we'll providing you for consideration, you'll be on your way towards locating a gym that's a perfect match for you!

Presented here then is a brief summary of several factors for you to consider when shopping for the gym that's right for you:

1) Location

Typically, you're better off when your gym is near to your home or work. The greater the distance that you'll have to travel to exercise, then the greater the chance that you may find an excuse not to. At the same time, don't let location be your sole determining factor, as it's important that you don't join a gym that you dislike simply because it's nearby.

2) Management Attitude

When you walk into your gym, I strongly believe that you should never feel like only a dollar sign or a second-class citizen. Look for honesty, sincerity, politeness, and above all, respect. The vast majority of gyms that I have stepped foot into are operated by managers and staff members that genuinely enjoy their jobs and genuinely enjoy assisting their clients. However, if you feel like a gym is not interested in your needs at all, then you may wish to keep looking.

3) Hours

How does your own personal schedule fit in with the gym's? If conducting early-bird workouts is your best option, then at what time does your gym open up? What if you can only workout late at night? Is your gym a 24-hour gym? Is it open 7 days a week?

4) Price

This factor is actually most people's first consideration when searching for a gym. As this issue can be largely affected by your own personal taste and budget, I would simply propose the following points to consider. First, look at the entire package before you just consider the cost. Being the cheapest gym around does not necessarily make it the best fit for you. You do sometimes get what you pay for. Secondly, be mindful of the contracts you sign. There are fitness chains that have been notorious for absolutely locking you into a long-term contract and then making it nearly impossible to cancel should you decide to withdraw at a later date. If you are not convinced that you're going to stick with regularly working out at a gym, you may then prefer to sign a short-term contract instead even if it costs more per month.

5) Sanitation

For me, this is a direct reflection on management. Bathrooms, showers, pools, saunas, tanning beds, and the gym equipment should be cleaned on a regular basis. Granted, while club members are working out, no gym will ever be 100% perfect, but as long as a club still places an emphasis on proper hygienic practices, then it demonstrates responsibility and concern for their members.

6) Client Volume

If you're just beginning a gym membership for the first time and feel a bit insecure about working out for the first time, you may (or may not) prefer a smaller gym or even a personal training studio. Also, the best gym in the world for you may still be the wrong fit if you're going to have to regularly wait in line to exercise on a piece of equipment. A crowded gym can result in irritable attitudes and inefficient workouts. Your best bet may be to locate a fitness facility with the proper combination of number of members and number of equipment that will allow you to maintain a steady workout.

7) Environment

Do you prefer an "Iron Dungeon" with a perpetual cloud of hand chalk and chorus of loud yells and grunts? Or do you prefer a club that feels more like a Singles joint where the clients seem more concerned with meeting the members of the opposite gender? Just like the design of the gym's building, a gym's environment can come in all versions as well. If you feel uncomfortable upon your initial walk-through, you may wish to continue looking at other gyms and fitness facilities nearby. When you sign up for a gym membership, it's vitally important that you sign up at one that you feel comfortable at and enjoy the atmosphere because if you don't, then there's a good chance that you won't succeed in regularly working out there.

There are still many additional factors not listed here you may wish to consider before selecting the gym of your choice such as amenities, the equipment itself, and the clientele. Just be sure to give yourself a little bit of time to shop around and determine which choice is best for you based on your needs and tastes. I truly believe that signing up for a gym membership is an outstanding investment on your physical and emotional health and is well worth the time and money spent to locate the one that's the best match for you. Most gyms and fitness facilities today are ran by professionals in their field who enjoy their jobs and there is a good chance that this high level of enthusiasm will only energize you further.

So shop around, it's well worth the effort!

Nathan Boyd is author of the highly rated ebook, "The Fitness Lifestyle" and the current Director of Pro Fitness of Texas. Nathan encourages everyone in their pursuit of becoming physically fit and maintaining it for a lifetime. All questions and comments are always welcomed!

Choosing The Right Gym - 10 Tips

Whether you just moved to a new area or have recently decided to add exercise to your weekly routine, choosing the right gym can encourage you to head there more often, hence garnering you positive results.

If you have the time, it's a good idea to visit a few gyms before settling on one in order to see the different things offered and the setup of the gym itself.

That said, here are some more things you should keep in mind before you sign a contract.

Choosing the right gym tip #1

Location & parking

Is the gym located in a place that you would really head to before or after work, or even on the weekends? Women tend not to attend a gym that requires more than a 12-minute drive, so make sure the gym is close enough to where you work or live.

As well, if you like a gym but it takes over 10 minutes to find a parking spot, what are the chances that you'll really be motivated to go day after day? Make sure they have adequate parking facilities.

Choosing the right gym tip #2

Staff & members

Are the staff polite and helpful or do they look at you in a territorial way? It's important to feel welcome by the staff or you may not want to go there very often.

What about the members? Although you can't head there for a week straight to check them all out, you can get a feel for what the clientele is like (I suggest visiting the gyms at a time that you plan to head there and train).

Feel free to ask members how they like it, what they don't like about the gym and how long they've been members. They have nothing to gain by lying.

Choosing the right gym tip #3

Cleanliness

Although gyms can't be 100% germ free, the staff can make an effort to dust and clean the machines regularly. If you see vents filled with years of dust or unhygienic practices, you shouldn't join.

Are there towels and cleaning products available for members to clean up after themselves should they end up sweating on the machines?

Besides checking out the actual gym, take a look at the changing rooms. Are the showers clean? Are the sinks filled with hair and dirt? Are the toilets in working order and hygienic? Are empty lockers filled with dirty tissues and dried mud from women's shoes?

Choosing the right gym tip #4

Amenities

Besides training facilities, does the gym offer daycare services, juice bars and tanning beds? It's awesome when your gym becomes a one-stop shop for all your needs.

What about blow dryers, towels, shampoo, and soap? Does the gym offer these things or will you need to bring them yourself? I've been to gyms that offer everything from free apples to the locks for your lockers, but the membership costs were ludicrous.

Choosing the right gym tip #5

Hours of operation

Not only do you want to know what time the gym opens and closes, you also want to go there at a time when you plan to workout. This will help you figure out if this is the gym for you.

For example, if you plan on doing a lot of cardio at 5:30 p.m., and the gym is packed and all the machines are taken, it's best to know that before you sign up.

Choosing the right gym tip #6

Weight training equipment

What weight do they offer? Do the weights ascend in 2.5-pound increments or 5-pound increments (if you're a beginner, 2.5 pound increments is better)? Do the weights look old and abused or are they well-maintained? Are there a lot of benches?

What about the weighted machines? Are any of them broken or are they all well-maintained? Are there directions on how to use machines posted or are you left to guess what each machine is for?

Choosing the right gym tip #7

Cardio machines

Most gyms offer a host of cardio equipment, the most popular among them being:

o Elliptical machines

o Treadmills

o Upright and spinning bikes

o Stair climbers

o Rowing machines

Not only should you be checking if the cardio equipment is well-kept and in working order, you should also take mental note of how many machines there are. During peak hours, chances are that most, if not all, will be taken.

Do you have to sign in to reserve a machine or does it work on a first-come first-serve basis? Is there a maximum amount of time you can use a machine for?

As well, is there an aerobics room available for jumping rope and other cardio activities?

Choosing the right gym tip #8

Aerobics classes

Some gyms offer aerobics classes as part of the membership cost, while others charge you extra for attending classes. If yoga, Pilates, tae bo, and other classes are very important to you, then you need to find out how each particular gym works.

Choosing the right gym tip #9

Franchise options

If you're checking out franchise gyms, ask about their gym-to-gym policy. That is, if you sign up to this gym near your home and there happens to be one close to your work, can you go to other one without a problem?

Some franchise gyms require that you purchase a "special' membership in order to attend all available facilities.

Choosing the right gym tip #10

Payment plan

Find out how the payment plan works. Sometimes, it's much cheaper to pay the entire year off in one shot rather than make monthly payments, but it's up to you to figure out which option is best for you.

Also, inquire about the gym's cancellation or delay policy. Some gyms will give you a partial refund and allow you to put your membership on hold if you want to go on vacation.

Before you commit yourself to the gym for a year, however, ask for a complimentary pass so that you can experience what the gym is like firsthand.

Choose the right gym

As you can see, there is a lot of ground to cover when you're hunting for the perfect gym, but with a little effort and a lot of questions, you can find yourself the perfect place to workout.

How to Choose the Right Home Gym

While you are considering the purchase of your own home gym you might want to put some thought on where the gym will be located. Different home gyms come in varying sizes and you need to consider where you will be putting the gym. The home gym is going to be delivered by truck and the driver may or may not actually move the gym into the gym's permanent spot. If you live in an older style home and plan on putting it in an upstairs bedroom you many want to be certain it will fit going up the stairs. Also to consider is the weight of the gym as well. Some home gyms come with free weights and weighted bars and can be over 500lbs. Take measurements, think about where you'll locate the gym and make arrangements to move the gym into its permanent location.

Some Assembly Required

When you purchase a home gym some assembly is going to be required once the gym is delivered to your home. The amount of assembly and the ease of assembly is subjective and relative to your abilities. Check with the dealer or distributor about how much assembly will be required and what degree of mechanical skill will be necessary. If you can get your brother-in-law to come over some night and help you to assemble the gym that's great, but asking the right questions before you purchase might save you some time and headache once the gym arrives at your home. Many gyms require very little assembly but almost all do require some.

Easy to Operate

No matter what home gym you purchase it is going to take some time to get use to all the functions that the home gym can perform. Various home gyms can come with a dozen or even two dozen different exercise options and that's good but it shouldn't take a genius to figure them all out from the owner's manual. The ease of learning to operate and utilize the gym can mean you will be enjoying and realizing results sooner more then later. Be certain you can simply and easily understand fully how to use your home gym to avoid injury and achieve desired outcomes.

Ample Workout Stations

Obviously you have exercise goals in mind because you decided to buy a home gym, now make certain the home gym has the potential for you to realize those goals. If your goals are simple and straight forward like more leg strength, upper body strength or toning many gyms will be ideal for reaching those goals. Inquire from the dealer or get a brochure that lists the options a particular gym is equipped you're your goals are a little more advanced you might want to look at a free weight home gym with higher weight levels to continue to meet your changing fitness goals.

Excellent Craftsmanship

A satisfactory purchase of a home gym is going to require an investment of your money. You will want the gym to stand up to years of use and for it to keep on functioning as it was intended. Check to make sure the craftsmanship of the design is such that you can be confident years down the road you will still be satisfied with the gym. A solidly constructed and well engineered home gym ought to be able to bring years of enjoyment to the owner. Obtain reviews of various gyms made by actual owners or consumer reports and give just as much consideration of craftsmanship towards purchasing your home gym as you would your new automobile.

Warranty

Your home gym is a fine piece of engineering designed by competent professionals but on occasion parts do fail and things do go wrong. This is true with just about any product you can purchase. Most home gyms operate for their life expectancy without any major problems whatever, but if something does go wrong you want to make sure the dealer, distributor or manufacturer is going to stand behind its product and make things right. Taking the time to consider the warranty offered with a home gym can save you hundreds of dollars in the event something should unexpectedly go wrong and will need to be shipped back to the manufacturer for repair or replacement.

Price

Home gyms are one of those categories of products that you can expect to get what you pay for. The better designed gyms with more features are naturally going to cost you more money. If a particular home gym has the features and craftsmanship you are looking for don't let the price scare you away. Five years down the road when you are looking to upgrade perhaps the superior design and craftsmanship will payoff in resale value. Of if you are still happy with the gym after 5 years you can be certain it will be functioning just the way it was designed to function. Shopping around and trying to get the best deal is one thing, but understanding what you'll be paying for is quite another.

Richard Spillane. Most of my life I have personally been involved in Fitness in one format or another. As a business executive and manager of [http://www.fitnessequipmentguru.com] I encourage you to visit us and learn more about our services, fitness and nutrition information as well as the high quality products that are available for viewing and purchasing.

8 Questions to Ask When Considering Joining a Gym

Most people don't have the space or the money to buy a bunch of home gym equipment to meet their weight loss program needs so they join a local gym to get their workouts in. For some they only have a local YMCA to join or some small local gym. However, for those that a few options to chose from this article will give you some questions to ask or think about when comparing gym memberships and facilities.

1. Is the membership monthly or locked in for a period of time?

Many places try to lock a person up with a long membership or a onetime lump sum initiation fee. Others might be a little more flexible by allowing you to by as you go. For instance, I'd be more likely to use a gym during the winter than I am during the summer. Being able to quit when I want is attractive to me. However, just because a place tries to lock you up or make you pay a lump sum should not be automatically looked as a negative. They place could be very popular or the demand for a membership is high where the upfront cost or commitment would be worth it. It is good to look into which membership fits you and what makes you feel comfortable.

2. How busy is the gym at the hours that you want to work out?

Go to the gym when you intend to try and workout and see how active the gym is or if the equipment you want to use is being monopolized. If a 30 minute workout lasts over an hour because you have to wait for a machine or a weight to free up could get frustrating really quick. Some gyms can handle this traffic because they have a ton of equipment and weights to use. Try to get feel for the gym before committing a membership.

3. Is there a free trial membership?

Most places offer at least a few visits free so you can get the feel for a gym. If they don't they either have something to hide or they are doing well and don't want nonmembers visiting the gym. Some gyms are the "it" place to train at and they don't need to convince people to train there. However, for most normal people having a free trial will allow a person to see if the gym fits them or not.

4. Are aerobic, yoga, and other like classes included in the fee?

At first the price of gym might be seem high to you but that price may include being able to take part in a spinning class, a Turbo Jam course, or another aerobic session. If this is something you'd be interested then that is something that needs to be factored in when comparing other sites. Another gym might have a lower membership but if the class is an added cost it might not be as good of a deal as originally thought. The more added features to a membership the better the value as long as the features are of a high quality.

5. Is physical training advice free all the time or for a limited amount of time?

If you want one on one physical training with a fitness expert you will likely have to pay for that service. However, sometimes a gym may offer an introductory physical training period where advice is for free. Some places include occasional advice and help free of charge. On the flip side physical trainers working on a commission may not want to invest time on freebie lessons in fear of being taken advantage of. This will vary greatly from gym to gym so it is an important feature to ask about.

6. What type of gym equipment is being used at the gym?

Some places focus on Nautilus machines and aerobic machines. Others may be more free weight focused while others combine both. The more variety often means a premium price, but if that is what you want then that may be a justified coast for you. However, if you don't need all the bells and whistles then a smaller more specific gym maybe what you are looking for.

Besides the types of equipment a person should consider the condition or the age of the equipment. Some gyms have more modern and up-to-date equipment than others. It is also not ideal to be working on outdated or even damaged equipment. A place using older equipment may pass the savings onto you which could be ideal for some, but your workouts may suffer because of it. Just something else to think about when it comes to gyms equipment.

7. What is the gyms atmosphere?

There are gyms geared to woman (Curves), or to men (Gold's Gym). Some gyms are better suited for families, to youths, elderly, and even towards gays and lesbians. A gyms atmosphere can be just as important as the price or equipment inside the facilities. The more comfortable and excited you are about the gym you go to the more likely you are going to stick with your weight loss program or fitness plan. Ask friends, family, and members of gym about the gym to get a feel for it before joining.

8. What weight loss programs or fitness programs do they offer?

A person can go everyday and workout but if the workouts are not organized or a part of a proven fitness or weight loss program results can vary greatly. This may fall under the physical training programs at a gym, but some gyms offer clubs that do P90X, a specific weight training program, or a Weight Watchers group. A gym might provide step by step workouts for you to do and how to eat to meet your goals. Joining a group or a club may give you the support and guidance needed for success. Basically, see how they would plan to educate you if that is what you need.

There are plenty of questions to consider when looking at different gym memberships, but what it really comes down to is your commitment to a program and your health. A gym could be absolutely perfect, but if your mindset is not right then none of the above will matter. However, answering the questions above can greatly swing the odds of success in your favor.

How to Select a Gym to Match Your Goals

So you want to join a new gym. How should you choose amongst the many and varied gyms out there? It can be confusing to prioritise all the different considerations, and very easy to be swayed by a good salesperson when you visit a gym. Arm yourself with this checklist so that you make the best decision for you. And always visit a number of gyms before making your final decision.

Location

You need a gym that's convenient to get to. If it takes too long to get to, you're less likely to use it as often as you should (ideally 3 times a week). So consider one within walking distance (cuts out the problems of public transport delays or traffic jams), or if you're driving there, check ease (and cost) of parking. One near home or work would be ideal, depending on the days and times you wish to train.

Beware, just because a gym is geographically quite near you, doesn't necessarily mean it's convenient. I live in London, and one gym I joined was 2 miles down the road, but the public transport to that gym was so slow, it took me longer to reach than the next gym I joined, 3 miles away, but really well connected with a door to door train ride. So make sure you do the journey at the time you plan to use the gym, go get an accurate idea of journey times.

Equipment

The key question you need to ask yourself is, "what are my goals?". Then choose a gym whose equipment matches your goals. So if you're after muscle growth, choose a gym with ample free weights (dumbbells and barbells, cable crossovers, benches with both flat and incline options, squat racks). And if yoga and stretching is your thing, you need a gym with a yoga studio and plenty of space for stretching.

Check out the layout of the gym. Does it feel energising to you? Is there space to move around? Is the balance of equipment right for you? Personally I don't like vast rows of treadmills as far as the eye can see, with little alternative cardio equipment (cross trainers, bikes, rowing machines). And I hate small cramped free-weights areas, I like my free-weights areas to be spacious and a good distance between weights benches to avoid bumping into the person next to you. I've been in some gyms in Australia where the free weights areas were awesome. Less so in the UK.

Another thing to consider is the music in the gym. Do you want loud music, or do you prefer to work out in a quiet atmosphere? One gym I used had 2 floors with an open mezzanine, with loud rock music from the upper level clashing with the loud pop music downstairs, which was massively irritating to the ears.

Staff

The first people you'll probably see are the reception staff. Are they welcoming, friendly, knowledgeable? All these things count for a lot if you're going to interact with them every time you come to the gym.

Then consider the availability of gym instructors and personal trainers. Are they available, attentive, and approachable? Talk to them and you'll see.

One thing that put me right off one gym I visited was reception staff eating doughnuts, painting their nails (and that was just the guys), and when I left, I saw one of the gym instructors standing outside smoking a cigarette. Ugh.

In contrast, my current gym has friendly, lively, chatty and knowledgeable staff. It makes such a huge difference to your gym experience. All the personal trainers and gym instructors have their photos on the wall, with a brief biog about them. I chat to them about the latest workout trends, nutrition tips, and they're all really knowledgeable. So when you visit a gym with a view to joining, try chatting to some of the staff and you'll get an idea of how friendly and knowledgeable they are.

Showers & Changing Rooms

This is where most gyms let themselves down badly. The changing rooms are often cramped, with small/narrow lockers which are a struggle to get all your stuff into. Once I took a sports bag to a new gym only to discover that locker was too small for the bag to fit into.

Always ask to see the changing area (and showers too, don't be shy), and look out for broken lockers, cleanliness. One gym in East London I checked out (and didn't join!) had a changing area littered with sticking plasters, cotton buds, empty drinks cartons, chocolate wrappers.

In contrast, when I spent a year in Australia, I joined a gym with the cleanest and most spaceous changing area imaginable. The lockers were double width to fit the largest of sports bags, and a light even came on inside the locker when you opened it.

And always ask for a free trial session, so you actually experience the changing area and showers rather than just a quick glance around. Try before you buy, this gives you a much better chance of spotting problems. One free trial I had was great, until I used the showers at the end. One cubicle had only freezing water, another had only scalding water, and the third had no shower gel in the dispenser.

Other Members

How busy is the gym? Always visit on a day and at a time you're planning to use it regularly. If it's too crowded, you're not going to get a decent workout, you'll be waiting around for equipment to become available. City gyms in a business district can get so crowded at lunchtime, you'll even be standing in a long queue to get a shower. No thanks.

And what are the members like? You want to be around the kind of people you like, or at least not feel uncomfortable amongst, right? So if you're female and into gentle cardio, you might not want to be among huge sweaty noisy bodybuilders crashing weights about and eyeing you up. Likewise if you're a guy into heavy weight training, you might want similar people to train around for the motivation and energy, rather than waif-like people on exercise bikes.

Again, you can only gague what the other members are like by having a free trial session, so I strongly recommend you do this before signing on the dotted line.

Cost and Contract

Know what you're signing up for, what's included and what costs extra (towels, sauna etc). What's the cancellation policy, can you freeze your membership if you're ill, what's the term of the contract (some are as much as 2 years), does your membership allow you to use other gyms in the chain, and what days/times can you use the gym?

Additional Facilities

Consider what else is important to you. Would you value a snack bar which offered healthy snacks, smoothies, protein shakes after your workout? Do you want a swim after your workout? And conversely, if you don't want to swim, it might be a waste of money joining a gym with a pool, as this bumps up the cost of membership considerably. Or you might find that the facilities you do value are so good that it's worth paying the extra for things you might not use. You need to weigh up your priorities and decide accordingly.

One gym I joined had a pool, and I didn't realise until someone told me later, that a swimming pool significantly hikes up membership fees.

So as you can see, there are many things to consider. The best starting point is to ask what your top fitness goals are, and then choose a gym that will best help you reach your goals, in a clean and friendly and energising atmosphere, and convenient to get to. In short, choose a gym that's right for you.

10 Awesome Tips: How to Pick Up Beautiful Women at the Gym

This article is for any guy who has ever gone into a gym with the intention of working out and getting fit, only to be blown away by all the amazing hotties working out at the same place.

You have probably thought to yourself, this place is full of amazing talent, I wonder how I could get to know some of these fit beautiful women. Well in this article, I am going to show you how.

When we are at the gym pumping iron, getting healthier and more attractive to women, it's pretty nice to see beautiful women trying to do the same and let's face it, some of them look pretty damn hot in their hugging leotards and skimpy outfits and as long as you don't mind a bit of sweat, it's actually pretty sexy.

Sure you get your occasional chubby housewife or determined senior citizen but if you go to a good gym then at least half of the women should be do-able because the fact of the matter is, most beautiful women want to continue being beautiful and so they want to work out.

Some women go to female only gyms because they don't like the leering stares of horny men or are just really insecure about their bodies but most prefer to just go to the mixed gender gyms because on some level they enjoy being checked out by lots of guys, it's good for their self esteem and they want to feel wanted.

That doesn't mean they sleep with every guy there that wants them because most beautiful women aren't attracted to the insecure guys who look but are too afraid to touch, they want the guys who are courageous and masculine, who approach them with confidence and ease and make them blush like bashful schoolgirls.

Most guys will just glare at girls from across the floor and keep trying to catch their eye, hoping that they are checking him out and they like what they see. Then after awhile they might build up the confidence to approach but when they do they get shut down because they have already demonstrated that they are not confident high value men.

There are however a minority of guys who attract and seduce women at the gym regularly, who use the gym as a great avenue for meeting beautiful women; these guys know the rules of the gym seduction game and they understand the etiquette.

I am one of those guys, I have been for years, ever since I decided that I no longer wanted to limit my 'hunting grounds' to nightclubs and bars; I realized that the gym like many other public places was full of opportunities to seduce beautiful women, all I had to do was learn through a lot of trial and error the best way to consistently attract and seduce beautiful women at my local gym.

I am now going to share with you the fruits of my labour in these "10 tips for picking up beautiful women at your gym". If you follow these tips precisely then you too will learn how to seduce gym hotties with a skill and class that will leave your gym peers envious.

Gym Pick-Up Tip 1: Don't Do Womens Classes

Every time I go to the Gym I always see these pathetic guys participating in the aerobics classes predominantly designed for women. They will go in there smiling and nodding their heads and then when the stretching begins they are covertly checking out all the girls, thinking they're getting away with it.

Most women aren't stupid if they see a straight guy doing "Jazzercise" they are going to think that he is either an emasculated closet homosexual or they will think that he is just there to creep on the girls, either way it is not good for your image.

Stick to the gender appropriate exercises and classes, and retain your masculinity and pride; at most gym's you will see these girls on the gym floor at some point anyway so you don't need to join a class just for the opportunity to talk to them and besides, leotards just look really wrong on men.

Gym Pick-Up Tip 2: Be Sociable With Everyone

It's essential for your success in picking up at the gym that you don't look like you are only there to creep on girls; that's why when we go to the gym we make sure that we are friendly and sociable with everyone that we interact with and not just the beautiful women.

The best place to start is with the staff, get to know them on a name to name basis and try and have the occasional conversation with them, this will be very beneficial to your image as a trusted member of the club, it will make you look like a regular even if it's just your first visit.

From there, make small talk with people who you see there frequently or who just happen to cross your path at a weights station or at the drinking fountain, if you see a guy who is really huge and obviously a regular, then go up to him and compliment him and ask him if he has any tips for you? It helps to be friendly with that guy because on a primitive level he is actually like the Alpha male of the gym and association with him can be beneficial to your perceived social status.

Gym Pick-Up Tip 3: Approach Sooner Rather Than Later.

This is a pretty common mistake that guys make, they will see a girl they are interested in and spend the next few weeks trying to catch her eye whilst they muster up the courage to approach her and make their move.

The problem with that is, if you have already been making eyes with her and havent approached earlier then chances are you have become the creepy staring guy and you have shown her that you weren't confident enough to approach her from the beginning so you are probably not a very confident person in real life.

The best thing to do is to approach her the first opportunity that you get because the longer you leave it, the harder and more awkward it will get. If you are in her vicinity and you make eye contact then say hello and make small talk, don't shy away from her because if you do then she will probably dismiss you as a sexual prospect then and there.

Gym Pick-Up Tip 4: Recognise The Signs

No matter how good your game is there will always be some girls who go to the gym and just don't want to be bothered at all, these women are typically very difficult to approach effectively and in most cases it's probably not worth bothering.

So here are five signs we can look for to tell if a hot girl is open to being approached.

1. She is being sociable with others.

If her head is down, her earplugs are in and she looks like she is going out of her way to avoid interacting with people, then she is not your best bet. Look for girls who are talkative with others, they are a lot more open to meeting new people.

2. She is looking around herself.

If you see a girl staring straight ahead trying very hard to avoid making eye contact with anyone, she obviously takes her workout very seriously and does not want to be bothered. Look for girls who are constantly looking around at others, they are curious about the other people there and hoping to make new friends.

3. She is procrastinating.

Some girls will just wait around equipment or by the water fountain in between their exercises, these girls are obviously a bit bored and they will generally be really responsive if you approach them.

4. She looks happy.

If a girl looks like she is smiling and genuinely enjoying herself then she is in a good mood to be approached and will probably make it easy for you, just smile as well and play off her vibe.

5. She keeps looking at you.

If she keeps looking over at you, then this is a pretty good sign, especially if you catch her checking you out. Although she might not approach, by giving you an 'indicator of interest' she is encouraging you to make a move.

Gym Pick-Up Tip 5: Time Your Approach

It is no good approaching a girl if she is in the middle of a weights set or working her ass off on the treadmill, it is hard enough to do these exercises without having some guy chat you up in the process.

When you are considering using your gym as a pick up venue you need to remember that the main reason people are there is to get a work out and socialising comes second.

A lot of girls take their workouts pretty seriously so if you interfere with that then they will probably get annoyed, time your approach for when you are least likely to be interrupting her routine. Don't approach her whilst she is stretching because this makes most girls feel uncomfortable.

You can approach girls on the treadmill, stairmaster, exercise bike etc. but pick a time when it looks like they are taking it easy, if they look hot and flustered don't bother. If they have just finished a heavy workout and are huffing and puffing, wait until they get their breath back before you approach.

The best time to approach a girl is either when she appears to be resting or visiting the water cooler in between exercises, she will be feeling relaxed and at ease and will be able to talk comfortably.

Gym Pick-Up Tip 6: Check Your Hygiene

Forget whatever you may have read about endorphins in sweat creating attraction; stinky sweat is rarely ever a turn-on for girls and it isn't good for your image.

Make sure you spray on deodorant before and after you hit the gym floor to ensure that you are always at your best, if you think you might have bad breath then chew on some gum, don't make the mistake of thinking because you are getting hot and sweaty in the gym that hygiene goes out the window.

Take a towel with you onto the gym floor to wipe the sweat off any machines you might use, not only is this important gym etiquette but if a girl you like has to use your sweat soaked equipment after you, then all bets are off.

If you are going to approach a girl and you are sweaty, then wipe the worst of your sweat away with a towell before you approach, unfortunately there are a lot of princesses out there who are put off by a little sweat so be mindful of that.

Gym Pick-Up Tip 7: Look At Her Eyes Not Her Body

A lot of guys make the mistake of thinking that because they are at a gym the best opening line is to tell girls that they have an awesome body or something along those lines. If you said this to a girl in a club or a bar she would probably think you are a sleaze and the gym is no different.

When you do approach a girl make sure that she sees you looking at her eyes, not staring at her breasts, not checking out her ass, look her directly in the eyes and show her that you are not like all the other creepy guys in there and you are actually interested in them for more than their body.

If she catches you checking her out, she might take it as a compliment but it's unlikely she will want to jump into bed with you just because you think she has a sexy body. Women like to be wanted for more than their looks so show her you are attracted to her personality and not just her perfectly sculpted booty.

Gym Pick-Up Tip 8: Approach From A Good Angle

When you approach a girl at the gym, don't come up behind her, you will startle her and this is rarely ever a good way to meet someone; besides if she just happens to be a martial artist then you might end up on the receiving end of a reflexive taekwondo elbow to the face.

If you are going to approach her make sure she can see you coming but take into account that it's generally better to be seen as not going too far out of your way to approach her. If she is on the other side of the floor, then cleverly work your way within a 3 metre vicinity and approach from there.

If she can see you coming then she has time to evaluate you before you approach and you will get a much better response, if you approach from an angle where she can't see you then she wont have time to decide whether she is interested in you or not and she might instinctively shun you.

Gym Pick-Up Tip 9: Use A Genuine Sounding Conversation Starter

When you approach your girl, try and be as genuine as possible in your opening line and steer away from pick-up lines.

Believe it or not, "If I told you, you had a great body, would you hold it against me?" is not the ideal gym floor conversation starter; maybe it was in the 70's but since then girls expect guys to be a bit more clever with their opening lines.

If you can think of a clever observation or relevant question to ask her then this is great, however if you can't think of anything to say and you can see the opportunity slipping by then "Hi how's it going?" is pretty acceptable.

The worst thing you can do in this situation, is say nothing and let a perfectly awesome opportunity slip by.

Gym Pick-Up Tip 10: Make Your Workout Your Top priority

Remember that at the end of the day you are at the gym to workout and improve your body, meeting women is your second priority and shouldn't interfere too much with your workout.

Even if you are only there to meet women, you still need to make working out your top priority for one simple reason, it's attractive. Just like if you are out somewhere with friends your top priority should not be picking up women, it should be to have a great time with your friends because otherwise you will look like a sleaze.

Women find it really attractive when men have other stuff going on in their lives. If you are only at the gym to pick up girls then they will sense your desperation and it will be a turn off for them, go about your gym routine as you usually would and when you see an opportunity to approach a beautiful woman, take full advantage of it.

All you are really doing, is getting the most out of your leisure time and finding great new opportunities in places you never would have considered before. If you can master the art of picking up women in your gym then you can potentially pick up women anywhere, on the way to work, at the office, on an aeroplane. As a Player it is vital that we widen our scope of seduction possibilities in order to accommodate any situation because once you can do that, then you will be a true Player.