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Join the Right Gym for you

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If, like many people, your new year’s resolution is to become a gym junkie, then read the following advice on finding the right place to join:

• Firstly, sit down and work out when your exercise is going to fit in with your lifestyle; what days and times can you attend the gym – make sure you dedicate some time.

• Depending on the answer to the above question, you will need to decide whether it is going to be more convenient to join a gym closer to work or home. Some people like to exercise only on week days and during a lunch break, if that is the case then join one in walking distance to your place of work. If you would like to use at weekends and do not want to rush, then join one nearer to your home, preferably somewhere that is on your route home. If you go home first you may find you do not want to go back out!

• Research the closest gyms to you and list your top three. Contact the preferred gyms and book and appointment with somebody in the membership department to show you around, it’s better to book so that they have more time to show you the place and answer questions.

• Write up a list of questions you may want answered. For example, parking, contract length, opening hours, crèche details etc.

• When you attend your appointment, gauge to see if you feel comfortable and that you can see yourself using the facilities regularly.

• Before joining somewhere make sure you have visited all of your top three. Avoid succumbing to the pressure they may put you under to sign up; remember they are sales people with targets to hit. There will be a ‘deal’ on the day you visit – there always is but do not panic it will still be on when you go back after thinking about it. Go back at the end of the month for the best deals; they will need to hit their joiner targets by month end so you may even get a better deal than previously told.

• Carefully read the membership terms and conditions and see if there is a cooling off period, this may come in handy if you really do not enjoy the place or atmosphere on your first few sessions.

• If you are offered complimentary introductory sessions with a personal trainer then don’t be shy, accept them! You will learn all sorts of interesting points on exercise and how to achieve your goal.

• Lastly make sure you have the correct footwear, clothing and some upbeat tunes on your iPod to get you moving!