Finding the perfect gym near you is an important decision, as the facility you choose will help determine whether or not you achieve your fitness goals. After all, if your gym offers exactly what you need, then chances are, you’ll stick with it!
While that sounds easy enough, it can actually be a challenge to decide which gym is right for you. From having the right equipment and classes to providing you with additional services and personal training support, there’s a lot that goes into the ideal gym experience.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the factors that you’ll want to consider when you select the Thornton gym that works best with your wants, needs, and goals. We think you’ll agree that Adventure Fitness Athletic Club checks all the boxes and more!
Proximity — Is This Gym Near to Me?
While it’s certainly not the only factor to consider, the proximity of your gym to you is definitely toward the top of the list. Whether it’s close to your home, work, school, or somewhere else you frequent, your gym should be conveniently located so it doesn’t take too much effort to actually go there. On days that you’re tired, busy, or just don’t feel like working out, you don’t want to give yourself an excuse to skip the gym. If it’s nearby, you’re more likely to go.
Gym Hours — Does the Gym Fit My Schedule?
We all live busy lives these days as we balance our jobs, classes, family, friends, hobbies, and passions. That means you’ll need your gym to be open at times that allow you to get your workout in, whether it’s early in the mornings, later in the evenings, or on the weekend. Also check out the gym’s class schedule to see if the classes you want to take are available at times that work for you.
Variety — Will I Enjoy Working Out at This Gym?
You know how the old saying goes, variety is the spice of life, and that applies to your gym, as well. While there is comfort in routines, studies have found that people who enjoyed the exercises they were doing were more likely to stick with the program. When a gym offers a variety of classes, equipment, and unique fitness experiences, it allows members to try different workouts until they find something they like best. Plus, it gives members a chance to explore different exercise options so they don’t get bored with the same old thing. And, if you want to stay fit and healthy, it’s important to consistently challenge your body with new and different workouts.
Accessibility — Does This Gym Accommodate My Fitness Level?
Whether you’ve never been to a gym in your life or you’ve been pumping iron for decades, your gym will need the right mix of equipment and staff to accommodate your fitness level so that your workouts are effective.
For example, are you not even sure what you’d do at a gym after you joined? You’re not alone! But if this is the case, you’ll need a gym that has a supportive staff and personal trainers who can show you the ropes and help design a workout program that’s perfect for you. That way, you’ll be able to go to the gym with the confidence you’ll need to work out independently and see progress in your fitness goals. Additionally, a gym that offers group classes like spinning, Power Plate, and TRX can educate you on different workout options and prepare you to exercise on your own.
On the other hand, if you’re a gym veteran, you’ll need a facility that has top-of-the-line equipment that challenges you and keeps you at your fittest. As you shop for a gym near you, look for a variety of options like weight machines, barbells, trap bars, kettlebells, dumbbells, maces, resistance sleds, battle ropes, jungle gyms, and functional trainers.
Benefits — Does This Gym Have All the Amenities, Equipment, and Classes I’m Looking for?
Gyms can vary greatly in the amenities, equipment, and classes they offer to their members, so it pays to do your research and find a gym that provides all the benefits you expect. Some of the most popular options at our gym are listed below.
Amenities
- Personal training appointments
- Cryotherapy
- Hydromassage beds
- InBody 770 body composition assessments
- Exercise tracking monitors and apps
- Climbing walls and caves
Equipment
- Ellipticals and treadmills
- Rowing machines
- Resistance bands
- Slide boards
- Stretching machines
- Stairclimbing machines
- Jacobs Ladder machines
- Spin bikes and classes
- Recumbent and upright bikes
Classes
- Low-impact workouts
- Yoga
- ElliptiGO classes
- Boot camp classes
- Kickboxing classes
- Barre classes and Pilates
- Bariatric Support Group Meetings
Friendliness — Do I Feel Welcomed at This Gym?
It’s much easier and more pleasant to go to a gym where you feel welcomed and supported. As you visit gyms near you, pay attention to the vibe you feel when you walk in. Are the members and staff friendly? Do you feel like it would be easy to ask questions, get assistance when you need it, or even make friends? Does it seem like people are accepted, included, and treated like family regardless of their fitness level, age, or athletic ability?
Atmosphere — Do I Feel Comfortable at This Gym?
In addition to the gym being welcoming and friendly, pay attention to other important details that will determine how comfortable you’ll feel when you go to the gym. Remember, you’ll be spending a lot of time there! For example:
- How crowded is the gym?
- Will I have to wait to use a machine?
- Is it well organized? Can I find the equipment and facilities I need?
- Do I like the music they’re playing?
- Are there plenty of TVs?
- Is there enough space for me to work out?
- Is there enough parking?
Environment — Is This Gym Clean and Well-Maintained?
The importance of working out at a gym that’s clean and well-maintained cannot be overstated, especially in the post-COVID-19 era. Here are some questions you will want to consider as you tour the gym you’re interested in:
- Is the gym regularly cleaned and sanitized?
- Does the equipment look like it’s new and in good working order?
- Are there stations with antimicrobial products available to wipe down the equipment before and after use?
- Is there hand sanitizer available?
- Are the bathrooms clean and well-stocked?
Adventure Fitness Athletic Club Is the Best Gym Near You
At AFAC, our goal is to be the best gym in Thornton, Colorado. That’s why we work hard to provide all of the above and more for our members, and we’re always open to their feedback. If you’re in the market to join a gym in our area, we hope you will visit us to take a tour and speak to our staff. You can also contact our gym owner, Susan, at 720-849-0245 or susan@adventurefitness.club for assistance.
To read more articles from Adventure Fitness Athletic Club, check out our Adventure Corner blogs by clicking here.