You’ve decided that it will be worth your while to join a gym.  How do you determine which one is right for you?  Here are some more things to consider when making your choice.

Facilities.  What do you want to do?  If you want to play racquetball and shoot baskets, you will want to opt for a place that offers facilities for those.  Have joint issues and want to do water walking and water aerobics?  Check out one with a pool.  My gym has none of the above — and I took the option without classes.  All I wanted was a treadmill and the weight machines and this one is fine for that with the advantage of being nearby. Look at all the local options and pick the one that offers what you want.  Some may have features you haven’t considered but would enjoy, so take your time and check them out.

Equipment.  Are there enough machines to go around, or is there always a line at the most popular machines?  Are the machines clean and in good shape?

Atmosphere.  Are you okay with the decor and the music?  Some gyms are set up to attract young customers, and some of us more mature folks won’t like the pictures and the music.  Others are set up for a more conservative clientele.  Decide how much it matters to you.  Keep in mind that you can always wear earphones and listen to your own music.

Cleanliness.  Check around before you join a gym.  Look in the locker rooms and in the bathroom.   Are they clean?  Lots of body fluid (sweat) is sprinkled around in a place where people work out, so cleanliness is important. There should be bottles of disinfectant and towels conveniently placed for cleaning off the machines.

Safety.  Is the gym in a safe and well-lighted area?  Many fitness centers have electronic “keys” and members can show up to use the equipment at any time.  Will you feel safe doing that, though?  Also, be aware that thieves routinely make the rounds of fitness centers, particularly those frequented by women. They smash the windows and grab purses off the seats.  Be sure to take your purse inside with you or lock it in your trunk.  Most fitness centers have lockers you can use. Your stuff will be safer there.

Cost.  If at all possible, avoid buying a years’ membership, at least until you are sure you are going to use the fitness center faithfully.   The reason? Situations change. You may go faithfully for a while, but then have to drop out.  With a contract, the fees go on whether  you go to the gym or not.  I personally chose the month-to-month payment option until I saw that I was getting my money’s worth from my gym.  Then, when they had a special deal for a year’s membership, I bought it.  Check around to make sure the gym is comparably priced to others in the area. Right now two or more national chains are having a price war seemingly devised to drive the others out of business.  You can join for a bargain, but be aware that the price will probably shoot up again when the competition has been eliminated.

You probably are not going to find a perfect gym with every one of these qualifications. Decide what is important to you.  You may have to pass up some features in order to get the things that matter most.

Remember, this is for YOU.  Think about what you want and choose with your needs in mind.

Eating to live and living for Christ,