As the weather begins to get colder and the New Year approaches, if you are not already a gym member, you might be searching for one. Most towns have several to choose from, so here are some tips on how to find the right one for you.
Staff: When you walk into the gym, how you are greeted and treated is always a good sign whether this is going to be a pleasant experience. Do they seem friendly, helpful with a good attitude? Are they helping the poor guy who is on the leg curl machine backwards or are they flexing in the mirror? Are the staff trained in CPR/FIRST AID? Ask members working out at the gym how they like it and like the staff.
Ask about the class instructors and personal trainers. Are they certified by a credible organization? Do they maintain their certifications and take continuing education courses? Many times, a person can simply take a test on the internet and become “certified” or they become certified in something 15 years ago and have done nothing to maintain it. The exercise industry is always evolving and it is important that the instructors are keeping up with it. What programs do they offer beyond classes and a weight room?
Atmosphere: You should feel comfortable at your gym — with the people, the place, and the atmosphere. If you don’t, you won’t go. Before purchasing a club membership, take a tour during the time you think you’ll be working out. That will allow you to see how crowded the gym will be when you’re there and how the atmosphere will be. If you are looking for a gym that is good for your whole family, then atmosphere is very important. This is the most important factor for me when it comes to a gym. Above all, the atmosphere must be inviting, uplifting, and an encouraging place to be.
Equipment: How clean is the training equipment? How and how often is the equipment disinfected and cleaned? How often is regular maintenance done on the equipment? Is there a wait to use the equipment? Is the equipment designed for both men and women to use? Is there equipment for those who have any kind of knee/back/joint issues? Is there equipment for people who need to do heavy weight lifting? Are there towels and water available?
Classes: Obviously, you want to make sure the gym offers the types of classes you want at the times you need whether it be kickboxing, aerobics, senior workouts, children workouts, martial arts, yoga, Pilates, etc. It is also important to inquire about skill levels of each class and again what certifications the instructors hold and if they are maintained. What kind of floor are the classes taught on? This is important for high intensity workouts because you need the impact to be easy on your bones and joints. If you have the option, ask to sit in on a class and observe.
Childcare: If you are in need of childcare, then clearly you want to choose the gyms that offer this. Examine the room they will be staying in for cleanliness and don’t be afraid to ask about how the area is cleaned and how often. Make sure the staff are CPR/FIRST AID certified. It is not required for childcare workers to be certified in a gym, in the State of Texas, but as a mother, I believe it should be! Find out the staff per children ratio and how they handle certain situations such as discipline, tantrums, fighting among other children, diaper changes, etc. Ask if there are any planned activities for the children or do they sit and watch a TV. You want to make sure your child’s experience is as good as yours or they won’t want to return.
Cost: Membership fees vary widely. Some may ask you to pay a certain amount up front to join, and then a monthly fee. Check out the fine print, too. Does the monthly membership include the classes and daycare or are those additional? Are guest/day passes available? Some contracts limit the hours or the facilities you can use; others include hidden finance charges or large initiation fees. If possible, start with a monthly or trial membership before long term commitments. Remember, you cannot put a price on your health, but most gyms will offer a plan that will work with your budget.
Credibility: Nothing speaks like experience. Check with your local Chamber of Commerce or ask others who have or use the gym you are interested in. Who are the owners and how long have they been in business? What successes have come from their gym? Are they involved with the community?
Remember that there is no perfect gym. My pastor always told me that if I found a perfect church, then I needed to leave! Same goes for a gym, there is not a perfect one out there, but there is one that will offer more of what fits your needs, your lifestyle to help you reach your goals. Don’t wait until the New Year to get started, now is the best time to take care of you!
She is the mother of 4 children ages 18, 13, 10 and 6 and has a passion for helping others get in shape from the inside out. Krista is a walking testimony having lost over 100lbs and has successfully kept it off .
During her weight loss, she had a vision of creating Fit By Faith.
She believed she was to change the atmosphere of the gym and create a different environment for people to work out in. Krista is a former High School Theater Arts teacher and is currently attending college to obtain her B.A in Sports Medicine.
She holds certifications as Personal Trainer with the International Sports Science Association Tae Bo® fitness instructor (Certified by the creator Billy Blanks) Group Fitness Instructor for Adults, Children and Seniors SilverSneakers® Muscle Strength & Range of Motion for Seniors Black Belt 1st Dan in the art of Tae Bo Kwon.
She maintains her certifications annually through continuing education classes and training camps and requires all her instructors at Fit By Faith to do the same. She also competes in races and other competitions regularly.
Krista has appeared in 3 Tae Bo® infomercials on national TV Shape, Collage Video, Looking Good Now and Christian Living Magazines Several times in the Brownwood Bulletin Newspaper.
She has also been featured on several websites such as The Fitness Zone, The Biggest Loser, ivillage as well as the Billy Blanks Website. Krista has been a motivational speaker at many churches and radio stations.
Krista and her husband John, who is co-owner of Fit By Faith, both have hearts to help others to feel good, to be healthy and strive everyday to serve more people in this manner.
