By Bunny Hinde

Walking into a gym can be one of the most intimidating experiences especially if it’s your first time. It takes courage to seek out a gym and enter the front door, expecting confident and shapely bodies evaluating every inch of your body. Suddenly, that home gym looks more and more attractive, even with all its limitations. Choosing a gym should be one of the most important decisions you make, after all it’s your health.

Relax and allow me to provide you with some basic tools in selecting a gym that’s right for you. Each gym has its own personality largely based on its ownership and operating methods and the folks it attracts. There’s a gym for everybody and North Platte provides something for everyone, young and old, male and female, athlete and weekend warrior, there’s a gym that’s right for you.

The following tips should be determining factors to consider before joining any gym to meet all your expectations:

PRICE: A usual first consideration, but how much costs to get the most of what you want and need shouldn’t be at the top of the list. Recognize the true value of your exercise activities and decide that you’d easily pay more for a gym that inspires and that’s right for you.

MEMBER’S CONTRACT: Read the member’s contract carefully, better yet, take it home and if management won’t let you, this is a warning sign. Know exactly what you are signing, all fees and costs involved, and especially early termination rights for any long term contracts. People’s lives can change from one day to the next. Can the contract be canceled due to unforeseen events without penalties? Beware of special offers, prizes or even free memberships, nothing is free. Beware of fast talking sales people as they can excite you into signing contracts. This is the #1 complaint amongst potential members.

HOURS: Here’s where 24 hour gyms shine. Just knowing you can go anytime you want has a great appeal. What are your work hours, your required family time, and leisure time? When is the best time for you to workout? Once this is established try your best to set your workout times in the gym that will be unrushed and efficiently applied to your needs.

VISIT THE FACILITY: Ask for a free day pass, then workout at the time you would usually go. Assess your surroundings, ask other members of the gym questions regarding the facility as this may be the most important information you obtain. How long has that person been a member of that gym and why? How crowded does the prospective gym get? This is a major factor and can only be determined by visiting the facility and asking questions. A grand gym with all the attractions and equipment is of no use at all if you can’t work out with focus and efficiency because of too many bodies on the floor. You want to move smoothly from exercise to exercise.

MANAGEMENT: Respect, politeness, honest and direct answers, an eagerness to show you around, willingness to discuss your needs and what the gym has to offer could be the difference in making you feel like a dollar $$ sign or a valued member. Several minutes of conversation can bring this awareness to the surface.

EQUIPMENT: The final and one of the most important decisions of choosing a gym that’s right for you should be given to the gym’s equipment. A functional gym will provide well maintained, quality equipment of industrial grade. The equipment should be clean, useful and fun rather than trick gadgetry by big buck industry entrepreneurs. Too much equipment that is poorly laid out can be a setting for a factory and not an appealing, functional gym. Again, you want to move smoothly from exercise to exercise.

Above all, take your time in choosing a gym. Visit all the facilities within your area. Take the contracts home and review each one before signing. If you have any doubt, contact your lawyer as gym contracts are legal, binding documents. It’s better to pay the minimum requirement than to lock yourself into a long term contract and realize that that gym isn’t right for you.

Joining a gym should be simple, fun and motivating. Remember, everyone has had to walk into a gym for the first time and most gym members are willing to share their feelings about their experiences in choosing a gym that was right for them. A gym combined with outdoor activities and healthy eating habits can provide you with the quality of life you deserve.

**Always seek the advice of your physician before starting any exercise.