I've decided to join a gym.

[flamingyouth]

So I'm in the early stages of shopping for one. It needs to be close to my house, clean and have equipment like an elliptical, stair master, etc. So far I have two candidates - a private club and the neighborhood YMCA. The private club offers a month-by-month membership program.

What should I look out for? This is my first time joining a facility (I used to have one in my old condo building). Thanks. :)

[GOPisEvil]

1. I would make a visit at their busiest time of day.

For my gym that's after work. Anyway, what you're looking for is numbers. Are there enough exercise machines to meet demand, or are there people waiting? There's the usual cleanliness issues of course. My gym posts when the locker rooms were last cleaned. I'd also check out the ratio of women to men working out. I think that's an indicator of the overall environment. If there aren't many women, it might be an intimidating place.

[MemphisTiger]

2. I would go check out the gym when you will normally

be going. There is nothing worse than waiting around for equipment. For a female, I would see what kind of guys are there. Are they gym rats that will interupt your workout by hitting on you the whole time. My wife had this problem with her wedding rings on and her headphones, some guys don't take a hint. Most guys in the gym are there to get their workout in and get out of there. Also, is there plenty of room. I went to one that wasn't too full of people but we were stumbling over each other to get to the 1000sf of equipment crammed into 500sf of space.

It will probably be nerve racking at first because it's a new gym and even more so if you haven't been in a long time and are uncomfortable with your body. I know it was for me, but don't sweat it. You're there for yourself and not anybody else. Good luck and keep us updated.

Also, don't forget to check the how clean the showers are. Some can be scary.

[soleft]

3. Does the YMCA have a pool?

I've been swimming at an outdoor public pool this summer, and I've loved it so much I'm going to join the Y that has a pool in Sept. There's something very soothing about moving thru water, and it's such a great exercise without the stress on joints.

[flamingyouth]

4. Thanks, everyone.

I'm going to check out both places next week. I appreciate the tips. :hi:

[soleft]

5. so how did your explorations work out?

I joined a city rec ctr that has a pool, weight room, indoor running track and cardio machines, bike, stairs, etc. Only 75 bucks a year, can you believe it?

[flamingyouth]

6. Wow - that is a great deal!

So far, things are going very well. I'm working out about five times a week and can already see and feel a difference. I love this place; it's so close to home that it makes it really easy. It's clean, they have nice equipment, I've never had to wait for equipment, it's not a creepy meat-market. So :thumbsup::thumbsup:!

Good luck with your own endeavors! :hi:

[flvegan]

7. Which gym did you go with? The Y or the private one?

My mom swears by the Y. I like mine. Mine can sometimes be a creepy meat market, though. I try not to pay attention...

Glad you're enjoying your experience, regardless. Number 1 thing that keeps folks going is comfort. Seeing/feeling a difference is actually second.