how to choose the right gym for you?

Hello peeps!

I had to give up my gym membership at the end of May, much as I LOVED my gym, it was too far to my home (I’m staying in Cheras towards Kajang, and the gym located at Ampang nearby Bukit Belacan area) and now obviously no longer going to be convenient because of the pandemic as well. I’m currently looking for a new gym, which had me thinking about what I look for in a gym, and how to choose the best one for you!

Convenience 

For me the most important factor when choosing a gym is the convenience. Is it close to home or close to work? If I have to go out of my way to get there then I’m far more likely to make excuses and not go. I had to walk past my old office gym twice a day on the way from the LRT to the office, this reminded me to visit if I hadn’t for a few days, and was close enough to go during my lunch break. Getting there quickly is crucial to ensure you can make it to classes on time.

Facilities

Have a look at the equipment, do they have everything that you would want to use? I would always recommend asking for a guest pass and visiting your gym of choice at a time that you are most likely to use it if you became a member. I hate a really, really busy gym where you leave feeling more stressed than when you arrived. Clean, modern, state of the art facilities are key for me, whilst you might be happy with a treadmill and a set of hand weights- ensure that your gym suits your needs.

Classes 

Do you like taking classes at the gym? I know I do, so I ensure that the classes that I like to take are firstly on offer, and secondly on the timetable at times that coincide with when I’ll be able to go to the gym. For example, are the classes early enough for you to get to them before work and still be at your desk on time? Are the sessions after work early/late enough for you to make it there? If you love Body Pump, do they have that or something similar on the timetable?

Opening Hours

In Malaysia it seems that most of the gyms don’t open until 8am and shut at 11pm. If this doesn’t fit with the hours that you were hoping to workout then it’s obviously not the right gym for you! I like to workout in the odd hours, so a gym that opens between 8 am to 11 pm never been a problem for me as I usually comes in at 10am, 2:30pm or 8pm.

Extras 

I am too lazy to bring my own towel to the gym and hate having to pay extra for a towel. My perfect gym has unlimited towels, hairdryers, straighteners and shampoo/conditioner in the showers. OH and good showers that don’t involve huge queues are really important to me. You can often get cheaper gym memberships to establishments where these extras aren’t included, which can be brilliant for those on a budget and that don’t mind having to be a little more organised bringing their own toiletries etc. Or if you can join a gym very close to home meaning you can shower and get ready at home then that’s ideal!

Personal Trainers

I have my own PT (topic will share later on as why I feel important of having PT), however it can be handy when gyms have them on hand to answer questions about performing a move correctly or how to use a machine. A lot of gyms also include PT sessions as an incentive to join- this is definitely worth looking out for!

Costs 

Gym costs can be incredibly reasonable or prohibitively high. I know my old office gym was on the higher end of the spectrum, however I worked out the cost per visit I was willing to pay and made sure I went enough. I personally see my health and fitness as an investment so I’m happy to spend more than others might, knowing I get my moneys worth there. I also always check to see if they do a discount if you work/live nearby, or if they are doing any special offers. I hate having to pay joining fees or admin fees when I don’t have to. Remember some gyms also offer discounts if you join with your partner (My sister is trying to get me to join her gym this year to reduce his costs, and so that we can go together!).

Hopefully this pandemic gone as soon as possible. I’m really missing my time back in the gym. One never appreciate things in front of them am I right?

Hope you will found which gym that suit to your own personal fitness lifestyle!

Talk to you soon,
Best, 
EMIR xx