With 2018 rapidly coming to a close and the new year almost upon us, many people are on the lookout for a new fitness routine. ‘Tis the season to burn off those holiday indulgences and start 2019 off right. Looking for a little extra motivation to get back on track myself, I spoke with Crunch Fitness — an international gym franchise with locations all over the Tampa Bay area — and came up with some tips and tricks on how to find a new gym that’s a good fit for you.
As a fumbling fitness junkie, one of the biggest issues I see with myself as well as others is consistency. My best piece of advice is to try anything and everything that sounds even the least bit interesting. Don’t let fear or insecurities prevent you from trying something new. It took years for me to get the guts to join a CrossFit gym or finally try yoga. I was afraid of people judging how I look, what I wear, what my body is and is not capable of performing. I now love CrossFit and yoga, but I wish I had started sooner. Don’t allow your fear to hold you back for as long as I allowed mine to.
Another big step is to find a workout you actually enjoy doing. The idea of running a marathon is a great way to get into shape and all, but if you don’t actually like to run in the first place, chances are you won’t stick with it. Find something that actually sounds fun and give it a try. You are way more likely to get up early for a fitness class you enjoy going to. Make it worth it.
Many gyms offer group classes. This is a great way to meet new people and keep variety in your workout routine. Group fitness classes also hold appeal because they take the guesswork out of your workout: With a trainer coaching you through every motion, you don’t need to worry about how to target this muscle or perform that movement. Look for a gym that offers classes you want at times you can attend.
Another important factor in finding a new gym is convenience. I love to swim and would enjoy doing it every day, but for me it’s just too easy to come up with an excuse to avoid it: It’s too cold outside; it’s too sunny and I don’t have anyone to put sunscreen on my back; I just got my hair done; I don’t have time to shave; the lifeguards always look like they’re judging me.
Those are all silly excuses, but the reality is I have used them all at least once before in order to avoid a swim workout. Once I hit the water, I feel great and can power through an hour-long workout in the pool — but if I have trouble getting there in the first place, I can’t depend on swimming as a reliable means of exercise.
Likewise, if a gym is far from home or out of your way, it’s likely you’ll find excuses to skip a workout more often than not. Live in Tampa and hate getting stuck on the Howard Frankland during rush hour? Don’t join a gym in St. Pete — no matter how awesome of a gym it may be — that will force you to make the drive. I love cycle classes and have heard great things about CycleBar and Soho Cycling, but taking I-275 to Tampa is not something I want to stress about on the daily if I don't have to.
Another big influence on a workout is the overall atmosphere of the gym. Visit a gym you are interested in joining and ask for a tour: What kind of music do they play there? Are the machines kept clean and in working order? What’s the schedule of group fitness classes? How are the instructors? What are the gym’s busy hours?
One last thing to consider in your search for a new gym is budget. Make sure you find out the monthly membership charge for a gym after taxes and other fees. Crunch Fitness recommends everyone looking at gyms “be fully aware of the cancellation policy” as well as initial signup fees. “No one wants to be stuck in a year contract for a gym they don’t like.” Hear, hear.
Regardless of what gym you end up at, take your time in finding one that’s the best fit for your needs. Do your homework, ask questions and see what kind of free trial pass a gym will offer so you can test it out before signing up.
Cheers to a happy and healthy 2019!
