Picking the right gym for you

With spring quickly approaching, the trendy clothes in shopping malls are changing from warm sweaters and patterned scarves to short shorts and barely there bikinis.

For some people who may have packed on a little weight over winter, fitting into a whole new array of outfits is a top priority when the weather warms up. That’s when they turn to exercise.

A wide variety of gyms — Snap Fitness, YMCA, Curves, Workout 24/7 and Anytime Fitness — are easily accessible throughout Goodhue County. But how do you know which one will best fit your needs?

Take a minute to ask yourself a few simple questions that will make your search simpler: Would I prefer to join classes or work out alone? Will the gym’s hours fit into my schedule? Can the staff provide me with motivation and support when I need it most? What type of exercise will best help me reach my goals?

At Snap Fitness in Red Wing, owner Jake Del Pino said he and his staff are interested in helping people get what they want out of a gym, rather than having them just show up and get on a treadmill.

“One of the first things I ask people when they join is, ‘What’s your objective? What do you want to accomplish?’” he said.

Once you know your goals, it will be that much easier to know what to look for in a gym.

For example, if you have a fear of drowning, a pool won’t exactly be necessary at your workout center. Similarly, if you hate running and need to get your cardiovascular workout from something like dancing — which can seem less like exercise — consider an establishment that offers more than just equipment. A variety of classes may motivate you more than a simple treadmill.

If you’re the opposite, however, pay attention to the number, quality and selection of machines a gym features.

Maybe you’re interested in working out with machines, but have never joined a gym and don’t have a clue where to start. Del Pino said when people first come to Snap, they’re offered equipment orientation so they get a good feel for how things work.

“By them understanding their physical status in the beginning and understanding the equipment, they start with an arsenal of things in their favor,” he explained.

Also keep in mind some technical things like the hours of operation and the number of members when searching for a gym to join.

Some people get intimidated exercising with a lot of other people nearby, in which case smaller gyms can be beneficial.

“That does make a difference, particularly with females,” Del Pino said.

Another way to avoid too many crowds is to attend the gym during slow hours. This can be easily accomplished if the gym you join is open 24 hours a day or your schedule works well with a gym that keeps banker’s hours.

If you set high goals for yourself it can be helpful to join a gym that teaches you about more than just exercise. Some establishments emphasize to their members the importance of a healthy diet in conjunction with advising on their workout regimen.

While having good quality equipment and a variety of exercises available is helpful to losing weight, perhaps the most important factor in choosing a gym is obtaining a support system along with it.

“I think people should know what their objectives are and what their commitment level is, because ultimately it does come back to that person,” Del Pino said. “However, if they have a supporting cast of staff and co-members, they’ll be successful.”

Tags: lifestyle, health, social