Just because bikini season is ending that doesn’t mean looking great does as well.
With the fall and winter months approaching and outdoor activity decreasing, now is a great time to choose an indoor fitness center to keep up with your work-out routine year round. While you may be tempted to go online and join the first gym that pops up in your search, choosing a place to work-out should not be taken lightly.
The task of selecting a gym can be daunting and filled with a million decisions. Small or large? Cheap? Private? According to Debbie Potts, a Small Group TRX Suspension Circuit Training instructor at Fitness Forward, in Bellevue WA, an easier way to pick a fitness center is to understand your own personal work-out style and select based on that.
“It depends on if you prefer a large gym or club to be social or do you want to go to a studio for more attention as well as quick efficient workout,” she said. “Usually going into a large fitness club takes longer if you have 30-60 minutes for a workout. Small fitness studios typically offer pull up parking, non-stop workouts without interruptions and more attention (less distractions!).”
Once you’ve narrowed down to a few options, then you should consider more particular details. Potts said these are more focused on your individual routine. “It depends if [you] are looking for trainer or group exercise classes or an individual work out in a gym,” she said.
In addition, Potts also cited experience of instructors as well as extra amenities such as cleanliness, towels, showers, and water.
For those looking for more guidance with their workouts, hiring a personal trainer can be a great way to maximize your gym time.
“A personal trainer is a great option since the workout is created by a trainer for [a person’s] needs, goals and body,” Potts said. “Proper form and technique is instructed as well as more intensity, such as fewer breaks. All of these benefits depend on the quality of trainer of course!”
Like choosing a gym, choosing the right personal trainer also demands a little bit of research. Potts said when picking a trainer, experience is crucial.
“A person should look for level of education and certifications, how long the trainer has been in the industry, and if they are continuing their training education,” she said.
In addition to experience, Potts also said it is important to consider what motivates you as an exerciser. Matching this to the personality you are looking for from a trainer can be as important as the experience the trainer has.
Aside from the benefit of looking great, keeping up with your exercising can be a great mood booster as well. As Elle Woods said in legally Blonde, “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t shoot their husbands.”
While this quip may seem a laughable explanation for why someone wouldn’t kill their husband, the logic behind it is actually quite accurate. According to WebMD, exercise has been proven to reduce stress, boost self-esteem and even improve sleeping habits. Those seem to be pretty good reasons (aside from keeping your killer bod) to hit up the gym.
One other great thing about joining the gym – it can be a great place to expand your social life.
“Many people do enjoy going to a club for the social benefits, especially if they are looking for more social interaction.”
Ready to lace up your shoes and join a local gym or fitness center? Here’s a list of gyms in your area to get you started.
Where to get fit in San Diego:
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