Joining a gym or starting a fitness journey can be intimidating, especially with so many options and considerations. This article is designed to serve as a guide. It aims to help you make an informed decision, ensuring you don’t regret your choice financially or emotionally when considering joining a gym or starting on a health and fitness journey. We won’t delve into the differences between various gyms; that is for another time. Instead, we will focus on what to look for when trialling a gym and making a long-term commitment.
1. Understand Your Motivation
The first and most crucial step in joining a gym is understanding why you want to join. Are you aiming to lose weight, get in shape, feel better about yourself, or respond to a health scare? Your reason for starting your fitness journey is essential. It’s fantastic that you want to change positively, but be cautious of sales tactics that prey on your vulnerabilities. Fitness salespeople are trained to hone in on your pain points because they know that’s what brought you in. While it’s great that they can provide solutions, be mindful that you don’t make a rash decision driven by emotions. Ask yourself if your decision is a short-term fix or a genuine commitment to long-term health. If it is the long-term term, then the next two steps will help you immensely.
2. Beware of Contract Lengths
When considering a gym, don’t just focus on trial periods or introductory offers. Pay close attention to the contract lengths. Like dating, initial impressions can be deceiving. What seems perfect initially may quickly become a nightmare if your goals or needs change. Have you ever had that boyfriend or girlfriend who seemed perfect on the first date, but six months later, you realised your friends had seen red flags you missed? Gym contracts can be similar. At first, everything seems rosy, but if your perspective or goals change, that once-perfect membership can become a burden.
Vasse Strength and Conditioning, for example, has a no-contract policy with just a 14-day notice period for cancellations. We understand that life and goals evolve. You should never feel trapped in a gym membership; stay because you want to, not because you must. We believe in providing flexibility because your fitness journey should be a positive part of your life, not a source of stress.
3. Utilise Trial Periods Fully
Take full advantage of trial periods. This is your chance to experience what the gym offers without a long-term commitment. Ask questions, seek help, and see if the gym meets your needs. Most gyms genuinely want to help you succeed because your success is their success. If a gym isn’t willing to assist you during the trial period, it may not be the right place for you. Starting a fitness journey is a long-term lifestyle change, not a short-term fix.
Different gyms cater to different needs. Some offer low-cost, do-it-yourself options, while others provide community-driven, coach-led experiences or personalized training for a higher cost. The level of attention you receive often correlates with what you pay. Utilise trial periods to determine which type of gym aligns best with your goals and preferences.
Conclusion: Find the Right Fit
Joining a gym is like dating—it takes time, a few visits, and some experimentation to know if you’ve found the right one. At Vasse Strength and Conditioning, we pride ourselves on the elite services we provide to our members. However, we understand that our gym might not be the perfect fit for everyone, and that’s okay.
I dated my wife for five years before we had our first son and seven years before we got married. I truly milked my trial period there and recommend you do the same when joining a gym. You want to avoid letting joining a gym be a significant financial and emotional drain like a rushed relationship, and avoid making quick decisions based on a tempting discount or an impressive sales pitch. Remember, the grass is always greener where you water it. Take your time, try out a few places, and find the gym that fits your needs and lifestyle.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you make a well-informed decision and join a gym that you’ll love and benefit from in the long term.