Gyms, you either love them or hate them.  They have a lot of plus points but they also have some negative points.  Have you ever joined a gym with every good intention of going regularly but them as time went by you either stop going or the you don’t enjoy the experience and don’t renew your membership.

The variety of equipment that gyms typically offer is one of the main benefits.  Most gyms have treadmills, stationary rowing equipment, stretching bars, free weights as well as multi-station weight machines etc.

Many have tennis and squash courts. In addition, some gyms offer swimming pools, saunas, massage and beauty treatments.

Another benefit is the expertise you’ll find at a gym – both from the trainers and the other members. Gyms frequently have professional trainers on staff that can answer just about any question you have. They provide weight-training guidance, health tips and even dietary advice.

Gym members are sometimes more knowledgeable than the professionals. People dedicated to optimal fitness often take the time and effort to study the field. You’ll find fitness fanatics, aerobics instructors and medical doctors among the clientele.

Apart from the equipment and assistance, gyms offer an opportunity to socialize during activities that can be pretty boring. Few people think a treadmill is the height of excitement and watching TV while walking/running can deaden your mind as you tone your body.

You’ll make social contacts, get encouragement and have the chance to psych up into a regular routine in a way that is hard to duplicate at home.

But as with all things, gyms also have a range of negative points.

Gym membership can be expensive. Most offer different payment plans – per visit, per month, per year or lifetime. Per visit is usually pricey, though it might be a good option if you’re just visiting a city. Per month is often the best value, but prices can still be between $30 and $300 per month. Many will offer a trial membership, either free or at a reduced rate for the first month.

Of course, no price is a good deal if you don’t go. And going to the gym can begin to seem like just one more duty among more pressing obligations. Many people in contemporary society lead extremely busy lives and finding time to go to the gym may well end up near the bottom of a long list.

Look for staff that care about the gym and its members.  I have been in many gyms were staff seem uninterested in clients and would rather stand around chatting all day.  I have also been in gym where staff are very attentive in both taking care of the gym and helping out their clients.  Believe me, staff who care make a big difference to a gym.

Cleanliness is also very important in a gym.  Most gym members are conscientious about wiping down the equipment, but it only takes a small number to spoil a gym for the majority. Make sure the staff are alert staff can help keep those occasions few and far between.

Gyms can be unhealthy. Mingling with lots of people in a hot, humid atmosphere can encourage the spread of colds and other air-borne or contact-spread diseases. Showers are particularly prone to this since you usually have to touch the controls.

Only you can weigh the pros and cons of a particular gym and decide if it is right for you.  But remember most gym offer free trials before you sign-up for a membership.  Take the free trial and have a good luck around.  Get a good feel for the place.  You usually take a membership out for one year, so you need to make sure you feel comfortable and most importantly you will actually use your membership and go to the gym!