This past week on a community group page I’m in, someone who had just moved to the area asked if there were any gyms in town. Some of our current members promoted our gym and numerous others chimed in with their recommendations of others in the area. But as I read the options I thought, this isn’t really that helpful. Asking if there are any gyms in town when you want to workout is like asking if there are any restaurants in town when you want to eat.

Sure there are plenty of places to eat, but do you want fast food or a nice sit down place.

Do you want a burger or Chinese?

Oh, you need a kid’s menu? Then that place won’t work.

Before you can get the appropriate recommendation, you have to know what you actually want to eat.

Not All Gyms Are The Same

Getting a gym recommendation is no different. Unfortunately, many people think that gyms are all the same, but even if many may look the same, they all offer different things on the menu.

We, for example, are a coaching service. We coach every client, every step of the way, every time they work with us. The first step we take with someone who has an interest to work with us is a Free Consultation. It is through this conversation that we learn about their goals and individual needs for their fitness. From there we provide them a prescription to work with us either one on one, in a group setting, or a bit of both. We fit best for the person who has goals, but doesn’t know how to get there. They value having a coach to provide them with a plan and coach them on how to do things correctly. They also are typically looking for a community to connect with and support them along the way.

Many big box or commercial gyms are access-based gyms. They have low cost membership options that allow you access to their equipment and amenities. These amenities vary based on the gym, but could include a pool, childcare, saunas, locker rooms, various classes, etc. Typically, you’re left on your own to figure out a plan, decide which programs might be good for you, and then hold yourself accountable to actually show up and do the work. This can be great for someone self-motivated and educated on what they need to do to accomplish their goals. It’s also great for the person who knows they’ll utilize different amenities like childcare, a pool, the sauna, and group classes. The only problem here is that if you aren’t self motivated or educated you’ll need to pay more to get help from personal trainers on staff (if they have them). And what if you’re not using all the amenities they offer? Doesn’t matter, you’re paying for them anyways.

What To Do When Seeking A New Gym

This isn’t a post to steer you towards our type of gym over the other. Its more a post to clarify the difference between gyms. Every gym has different service offerings, atmospheres, equipment options, and schedules. These things need to align with what you’re looking for or they won’t work.

To do this, we have to ask the right questions. The first question is for you:

Why do you want to workout?

Most people aren’t looking for a gym, they’re looking for a solution to a problem. So the second question for you is:

What problem are you trying to solve?

Then with these two answers, ask others the appropriate questions:

Example 1:

“I’m looking for a gym” turns into: “I’m looking for a workout program that will help me get stronger, healthier, and feel more confident as a mother and a wife.”

Example 2:

“Are there any places in town to work out?” turns into: “Are there any places in town who offer an early morning group class with other busy men trying to lean up and build muscle as they age.”

You can see that option 2 in both examples above would get you better answers to your question.

So if you’re in the market for a new gym try these steps:

1) Start with why

2) Determine the problem you’re trying to solve

3) Seek solutions to your specific problem

The hope once you narrow down your search is that they offer an opportunity to sit down and talk prior to signing up. These sit downs are typically free of charge (but don’t have to be) as a way to determine if the gym or program is the right fit for your goals. If they don’t do this, it doesn’t mean it won’t be, but the responsibility is pushed to you to determine that on your own instead of together with them. We like doing it together.

Hopefully this helps the next time you’re seeking out a new workout program. If you think something like we do aligns with your goals we’d love to connect. You can book that free sit down HERE.