It’s January again and that means boom time for gym membership. But while most of us sign up to contracts to help us fulfil our New Year weight loss plans, many remain unused from February onwards, while still footing the bill each month.
According to research by Mintel, an average UK gym membership is now around £442 a year, or £37 a month. This is a small price to pay for a new bill of health, but it is not money you can afford to waste each month on an unused gym membership.
It’s therefore vital to find the right gym for you. Although people forgo the gym for various reasons, including changing location or favouring outdoor exercise in the milder spring weather, the main reasons are lack of motivation and not finding the most suitable gym for your needs and lifestyle. Get the most out of the fitness fee you pay and follow our tips on choosing the ideal gym for all your healthy and hectic life needs.
Contracts and T&Cs
According to Mark Taylor, commercial director of Esporta Health Club (www.esporta.com) you should ideally train two to three times a week in order to make monthly gym fees worthwhile. Taylor says, “Long-term contracts offer greater value for money and provide a greater incentive to use the gym, and therefore get the most out of your membership.”
However, he advises, “Make sure you are aware of the length of contract and the termination period. You should be confident you fully understand the terms and conditions and question the club about any you are not sure about.”
If you’re not comfortable committing for a lengthy time frame, see if they offer a pay-as-you-go payment scheme, which might be more suitable for you. But be aware that this payment method is likely to work out dearer if you intend to go to the gym on a regular basis.
Although the fitness industry has grown by nearly a quarter over the past five years, it has virtually come to a standstill in the last 12 months due to the current economic climate. Take this into consideration when sorting a gym contract as you might be able to barter them down for a healthy deal.
Whether you prefer a fitness-focused gym or more of a leisure facility is also something to keep in mind, but don’t forget about possible local, cheaper options such as school, college and university gyms and pools that are sometimes open to the public at certain times.
Whatever you think is most suitable for you, always request a free trial period before you sign anything and don’t be afraid to try a couple of different gyms to see which one works best for you.
Equipment
When choosing your gym, finding one with the right equipment to help you reach your goals is essential. Taylor says, “By describing your aims and current exercise regime, a good gym will be able to recommend exercises and classes and develop a personalised schedule to help you reach your goal.”
When checking out their machines, Taylor recommends looking for state-of-the-art and effective equipment, such as VIPR, Kettlebells and Power Plate. If the gym doesn’t invest in them, question how much they are investing in their members.
All equipment should be maintained to the highest standards. Taylor says, “When touring a potential gym, closely check their equipment. If you identify any concerns, then the gym is neglecting the correct maintenance of equipment, which is vital to your safety, and should not be joined.”
Ensuring they have enough equipment to cater for peak training times is also vital, because waiting for a machine mid-way through your workout is not ideal. This is another reason why requesting a trial membership before joining is a good idea, as it will give you the opportunity to check the gym can cater for your fitness needs, even during busy periods.
Location
According to a recent Mintel report, 64% of those surveyed listed convenience and location as the most important factors when choosing a gym, so it’s vital to get these right.
“If you train in the morning, go for a gym near work. If you tend to work out at the weekend or evenings, you may be happier with a gym near home. If you spend a lot of time on the road, perhaps through your job, a multi-site gym option may be the most convenient for you,” says Taylor.
Discuss your needs with the gym’s membership manager to find out what is best for you and if they can meet your requirements.
Also check it has free, safe parking or is close to a train station or bus stop to make life as easy as possible – if it’s all too much hassle, you’ll be less likely to maintain it.
Cleanliness
It’s important to check the cleanliness of the facilities are maintained on a regular basis and that you feel happy with the standards. Mintel reveals 51% of people feel the standard and quality of changing rooms is very important, showing the public have high expectations of what they get for their money – and rightly so.
Taylor says, “Take a tour or try a free temporary membership and the cleanliness of the gym should be self-evident. Look at their cleaning rota to see if it is done regularly and to a good standard. If it’s not, question whether the gym is for you.”
Facilities
Remember, a good gym or health club isn’t just about exercise. There are other elements such as food and drink, the social scene and health and beauty treatments that may appeal to you.
“The facilities you will look for varies in terms of your habits and intentions. If tennis is a hobby, choose a racquet club. If post-workout relaxation is important, inspect the sauna and spa facilities,” says Taylor. If you have children, check if there is an on-site crèche for convenient childcare, or if you’re looking for motivation, choose somewhere with plenty of personal trainers, group classes and even boot camps.
If you’re self-conscious in the gym, check if they offer single-sex training times to help give you the courage and security you need to get fit.