subject: Beginner Bodybuilding: The Right Way To Choose A Gym [print this page] The gym you choose will have an enormous impact on your success so do not take this matter lightly. Below are what I consider to be the most important factors.
1) Equipment.
Make sure that the gym has all core equipment that you will use in your beginner bodybuilding workout.
Does the gym have enough flat bench press stations? One of the gyms near my home only had two stations and so there was always a line to use them especially during peak hours. Nothing spoils your flow more than having to wait a while to do a core exercise like the bench press. I instead opted for a gym that was a little further away but had enough equipment.
2) Cost.
Your gym membership should not be too expensive. If you are strapped for cash don't let this stop you. Explore membership at the so called 'express' gyms. They usually don't have a swimming pool and all the other fittings and trimmings but the equipment they have is sufficient for your core workout program. Twenty dollars a month is fairly common for these types of gyms.
Also try to take advantage of any promotions they might have. Many have packages like refer-a-friend and get 30% off, or five week trial passes etc especially at the beginning of the month.
3) Hours
Is the gym open at the hours that you are able to work out? This is an important consideration because some gyms have odd hours or might restrict the hours that you can work out if you go with the beginner package. A few years ago I was seduced by an $18 a month membership only to find out that I was only allowed to use the gym between 11.00am and 3:00pm
4) Location
The best beginner bodybuilding gym is one that is situated near your house, or is on the way from your house to your office. This helps ensure that it's convenient to get there and that you have one less excuse not to go. Don't pick a gym that involves a long drive to get there; you'll just end up going less frequently and skipping workouts.
5) Demographics
Don't belabor this one but it is best to avoid gyms with too many of the following people
a. Lots of women. These gyms tend to focus on yoga and 'cute' exercises that are useless to you as a bodybuilder.
b.A crowd of yelling muscle heads and hardcore body builders. The ones who yell at the top of their voice as they squat 1000lbs for 10 reps! These guys can be intimidating and often use steroids. They can be a bad influence. What works for them will not work for you.
6) Cleanliness
This is a personal pet peeve of mine. I can't stand a filthy gym with days old sweat caked on the benches. This type of environment could gross you out and make you less eager to go to the gym and workout. Motivation is important. Don't pay for a gym that de-motivates you.
