Whatever your final choice, you will need to ensure: Convenience, so that you can integrate your training in your routines to reduce the likelihood of giving up at the first difficulty; That you will practice the type of exercise you want and is suitable for you, with all safety conditions and in a pleasant environment. With persistence and time, this will allow you to achieve your goals. Select 3 or 4 possible gyms. If you don't have any ideas, look for references: from family, friends, possibly reviews and comments on social network sites or other places in the internet. From large gyms to small studios, it's almost always possible to visit and/or do a trial session before making a decision. Do them and judge for yourself. Make a list of what is important for you. Classify the items on your list: those that are essential, those that add value, those that you really don’t want, those that are indifferent… Differences exist if you already know what you want to do and if you have no idea of what you can do. But there are also common questions. To help, you can find below a list of what is usually considered when choosing a gym. Keep a record of everything on your list. Compare the results and make your choice. Location and accessibility Location is usually the first thing when you have a busy professional and/or personal life, you want to have several sessions a week and don't have time to waste traveling. It is related to lifestyle, personal preferences and also affects costs. Is it close to work? Is it close to home? Is it walking distance? Is there public transport? Is there private parking or is it easy to park nearby? Is parking free or paid? Are conditions guaranteed for people with reduced mobility? Available activities If you don't know what you can or want to do, knowing the activities available is essential. Is there an exercise room? What types of group classes are there? Is there individual training and what type? Is there a swimming pool and what activities are there? Are there online activities? What is the maximum number of participants in group classes? Is it necessary a previous appointment of activities? How is this done? Teachers and supervision Are there teachers supervising all activities in the gym? Are there individual sessions with a teacher? If necessary, do teachers carry out an individual assessment before starting? If necessary, do teachers make a specific plan considering individual needs and goals? Facilities and equipment Are the activity rooms clean, and have appropriate temperature and ventilation? Is the lighting natural or artificial? Are the equipment and materials needed for training available and in good condition? Is it necessary to bring something to training sessions besides appropriate clothing and footwear? Is the ambient music in the activity rooms too loud or too soft? Is ambient noise disturbing? Are changing rooms clean, ventilated and at the correct temperature and humidity? Is the cleaning record posted? Are there individual lockers? Are toiletries, towels, and a hairdryer available? Overall, do the facilities and equipment appear to be well-maintained and well-maintained? Other professionals Is there local administrative support to resolve any issues that may arise? Is there security surveillance? Support services Is there a bar and break room? Is there a sauna or Turkish bath? Are there nutrition, massage and similar services? Schedule Is the gym open every day, including weekends and holidays? At what time does gym open and close? What are the exercise room opening hours? What are the activities schedules? What are the opening hours for administrative support services? Price Is there a membership fee to be paid in addition to registration and monthly fees? How much is the registration fee and what does it include? Is the registration valid for all months of a calendar year or for how many months is it valid from the date of payment? How much is the monthly fee and what does it include? Is the monthly fee related to a calendar month or to 30 days from the date of payment? Are there different monthly fees depending on the hours chosen, number of weekly sessions and type of activities? Is there a loyalty deadline to meet and what is it? What are the requirements if you need to abandon the practice, regardless of the reason? You must also evaluate the general environment and the way you were received during your visit and/or experimental session. If you need help, the Exercise Physiologists at the Hospital da Luz Sports Medicine Center are the professionals who can help with this identification and selection process. And make a good choice! Author: Hugo Vieira Pereira The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
