Have you ever walked into a gym and knew right away it wasn’t for you?
Why was that? The environment? The people? The price tag at the end of that contract?
There are many factors that go into finding a gym or studio that’s a good fit for you.
We understand that finding the motivation within yourself to start exercising can be difficult sometimes, so when there is an external de-motivator it can be game over.
Ultimately, different people will have different needs, but there are some things to consider when choosing the right gym for YOU.
The Coaching
While there are tons of different types of exercise gyms and studios out there they all boil down to basically 3 different levels of coaching. Every facility has different amenities, but the coaching that is available is going to be the biggest influence on your success. While being able to hit the sauna or coffee bar after your workout might sound nice, having access to fitness professionals that can show you the most direct path to results is a game-changer if you are serious about achieving the body, fitness, and health you want.
#1) ON YOUR OWN
Some gyms will look nice and shiny, with rows and rows of equipment, but may or may not be able to provide you with the right experience, support, and coaching.
With big gyms, they will tour you around the gleaming facility, and maybe even give you a complementary session with a trainer, but then you will be left to your own devices. Usually after you sign the contract, the staff are nowhere to be found.
If you have experience working out and already know exactly what to do – then this option can be a good fit. But if you’re just getting started – you will find this option challenging. If you don’t have experience using the equipment and have no idea what exercises to do that are right for your body, that’s is a recipe for potentially injuring yourself, getting discouraged, feeling self-conscious, and not achieving what you are hoping for. Also, with this option, the accountability is all on you. Know one is waiting for you or expecting you to show up to get your workout done. You’ll have to have the discipline and routine to make sure that you are showing up.
#2) GROUP CLASSES
Many facilities run group style exercise classes specializing in everything from running, yoga, swimming, boxing, weightlifting, martial arts, even surfing!
These classes can be a great way to get active and have fun! Plus there is an instructor to guide you through. But it is important to consider your personal goals and needs when making your choice of where to start. A fast paced, competitive class might drive some to greatness, while leaving others feeling self-conscious or struggling to keep up. If the class is very large and you have limitations or injuries it can be hard to know what to do if to stay safe. Plus, these classes often run at only set times of the day which can be challenging if you have a busy schedule.
#3) PERSONALIZED TRAINING
The third level of coaching is where your exercise program is created specifically for you and you are coached either in a small group or 1-to-1.
This is what we do here at Movimento Fitness. We are a private training studio and we specialize in semi-private training specifically for members age 40+.
What is semi-private training? Members in our programs train with 1-2 other people in the session along side their dedicated coach. There is always a maximum of 3 people in a training session. Every person in the session is working at their own pace, through their OWN program specifically designed for their abilities and their fitness goals. Every member gets personalized training, guidance and support from the coach, and has the camaraderie of being in the session with other people. You get 1-to-1 coaching at a fraction of the cost of typical 1-to-1 personal training sessions. Plus, we are the GO-TO training studio for members over 40 so you can rest assured that we are experienced in working with various fitness levels, health conditions and/or limitations.
Personalized training is a great fit if you:
=> Have never worked out before or haven’t exercised in a while
=> Have health conditions, past injuries or limitations
=> Have specific health and fitness goals that you want to reach
=> Want to keep progressing forward and stop getting stuck and giving up
=> Are looking for support and guidance from fitness professionals to ensure you are correctly completing each exercise (and using the equipment properly) for maximum results and to keep you safe/avoid injury
=> Want that personal connection! That you are not just another face in the crowd!
We run our semi-private training sessions starting almost every half hour through out the day from 6am to 8:30pm Monday to Thursday, from 6am to 2pm on Friday, and 8am to 11:30am on Saturday. This means that we can help even the busiest people find times to get their workouts in.
The Community & Environment
Another thing to consider when choosing a gym or studio is the community of members and the environment. Do you feel great when you finish your workout and walk out of the facility? If not great, then at least better than before? A good gym should provide you the support to lift you up when you’re having a bad day. The endorphins that flow during a workout do some of the legwork, but the other members and trainers should also help you boost your mood and push you to meet your goals.
It can be very difficult to stay motivated to consistently exercise if you feel intimidated or don’t feel comfortable in the facility. We strive to make our studio as non-intimidating as possible. Our trainers are always there to show you how to perform each exercise and how to use equipment properly. Our members are everyday people in their 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, & 70’s working towards improving their health. Relationships form when you work toward a common goal, and everyone in our facility is here for one thing: to become a better version of themselves—no matter what that looks like. In addition, our studio is designed to with no mirrors to help you focus only on your workout and never feel self-conscious doing it.
We always want you to feel supported! Each training program we plan, it’s with your functional goals in mind. Looking to become the one-trip champion and carry all your groceries in at once? We can help you with that. Looking to get rid of back pain? We can help with that! Looking to increase your energy levels and get better sleep? Pick up your kids or grandkids with ease? We get to know what your goals are so we can help you get there. Regular assessments included with your program help us to keep you moving forward.
This support should go beyond the gym or studio walls a well. Can you reach out to the trainers and staff with questions, anytime? Do they provide support with other things that are important to your success like nutrition and mindset? Here at Movimento Fitness we help you with all aspects of your wellness journey – exercise, nutrition, and mindset.
We know that sometimes getting in the right headspace is more than half the battle, but our community is here for you to get you there.
Regardless of the looks and the amenities, it’s all about the feel of the gym. If you feel comfortable in an environment, then you’ll feel confident to grow.
The Cost
You can join most big box gyms for somewhere between $11-$49 bi-weekly and that initial low cost can draw you in. It can be tempting to go for the lowest price option when you are just getting started and wanting to dip your toes in the water. But this cost becomes expensive if you’re paying for a membership and not using it. It becomes expensive if you’re paying for a gym that you don’t feel comfortable in. It becomes expensive if you don’t know what to do on your own and need to purchase sessions with a trainer or nutritionist on top of the membership cost.
Personalized coaching options are a higher cost because you receive ongoing tailored support and guidance. However, instead of thinking about this as a “cost” you should consider this an investment in your future health. If personalized coaching can put you on the most direct path to the health you want what is that worth to you?
What is it worth to you…
… to be able to keep up with your kids and grandkids?
… to reduce your blood pressure or lower your blood sugar?
… to not be held back by your lack of mobility or joint pain?
… to no longer be on medication?
… to be able to travel and do those bucket list things you always wanted to in retirement?
… to get rid of frustrating mid-life or menopausal weight gain?
… to feel confident knowing that you are taking action to lower your risk for future disease?
… to feel empowered becoming stronger with each birthday instead of weaker?
… to feel younger than your age?
Here at Movimento Fitness our programs are all-inclusive, meaning that your monthly membership includes 2x or 3x training sessions per week in our studio with our coaches, custom training programs built around your needs and goals, nutrition guidance, ongoing assessments, Inbody scans, and ongoing support and guidance from our team and our amazing community of members. Plus, we are a local, family owned business so we strive to make everyone feel right at home! Everything you need to be successful is included in your membership.
You can check out our introductory program here to try us out and see if we are the right fit for you: Stronger For Longer 6 Week Program
Ultimately, the gym should have your best interest at heart. You’ve already chosen to make this investment in yourself, so the facility should help you make that return on our investment.
If you’re ready to join a community of support and start working out at a facility you feel comfortable in, drop us a line! We’re ready to help you jumpstart your fitness journey if you are!
Click here to book an information call with us. No movement necessary. No payment necessary. Let’s just chat and find out if we’re right for you! If not, no worries, we just want to make sure you get what you need!
