Ultimate gym checklist: What to look for before signing up

Staying fit has become an essential part of our daily lives, and for many, the gym is the perfect place to achieve fitness goals. However, not all gyms are the same, and choosing the right one can make a significant difference in your workout experience and overall progress.

In this article are the key factors to look out for before committing to a gym, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your fitness needs and lifestyle.

1. Accessibility

The first item on your gym checklist is accessibility. You should seriously consider how close the gym is to your house or place of work. This is because your convenience affects your consistency in workouts. 

Always remember that you are less likely to go to the gym which is distant from your home compared to that closer to you.

READ ALSO: 7 health benefits of going to the gym

2. Equipment

The quality and quantity of equipment is another key factor to consider before choosing a gym. This is because the quality of equipment in the gym will determine how easy your fitness journey will be and the quantity will determine if you will have to wait in lines for each piece of equipment like it’s Shoprite.

3. Staff/Trainer

To achieve your fitness goal, you definitely need to be in a gym with staff who are professional, clearly identifiable, friendly, and properly trained. 

Also, note that in your fitness journey, nothing is more important than having a skilled trainer as this would help you maximise your efforts, keep you motivated, become more accountable, and also help you avoid injuries. 

4. Membership Fee

An important item on your gym checklist is the membership fee. Although your health cannot be compared with the price you pay, this however does not mean paying insane membership fees to stay in shape. 

As you are on the lookout for your choice of gym, avoid going for a fitness center with outrageous fees as sometimes a cheap gym membership will give you more rewards than an extremely costly one.

5. Cleanliness and ambience 

I know the purpose of using the gym is for fitness but the question you should ask yourself is if you really want to work out on equipment that is covered with other people’s sweat.

Cleanliness and ambiance are important factors you want to consider in your choice of a gym as many infections spread due to unhygienic equipment at the gym. 

Remember, your health matters!

6. Number of available registered members per workout session

This might not look like a big deal but I am certain that you want to know the overall crowd to expect during your intended workout time. 

Before signing up for a gym, ensure you go to check out the gym during the busiest times. This is usually between 6-9 am and 6-9 pm. This will give you an idea of how busy the gym is and how much crowd to expect during your workouts. 

7. Amenities and extra services 

In choosing your gym, you also want to consider the availability of amenities such as lockers, showers, changing rooms, charging spots, lounge area, parking lot, etc. 

Although, this might not seem like a core factor to be considered it definitely would not be a bad idea to have this available in your gym.

READ ALSO: Fitness war Nigerians turn to gyms to fight obesity, other health issues

8. Safety measures and emergency protocols 

The final item on your gym checklist before you sign up is the availability of safety measures and emergency protocols in a gym. No one prays for an emergency but you want to be sure that your safety is of priority and guaranteed in case there is an emergency situation at hand.