How to
Find a Good Gym
If you have visited this website with regard to any chest issue such as Gynecomastia or Pseudogynecomastia but feel that you want to try using a gym to achieve
overall fitness, then the following tips will increase your chances of choosing the right gym for you and
therefore making a success of it.
The 20 Minute Rule…This dictates how far away from your home the chosen gym must be.
Experience shows that you will be unlikely to visit the gym the necessary 3 to 4 times per week if your journey
takes over 20 minutes. Initially your enthusiasm will carry you but once the novelty has worn off, the tendency
will be to miss workouts!
The Layout…Look for a well-ventilated gym as there is nothing worse than a stuffy
environment that makes you too hot and causes breathing difficulties. The machines and equipment must be well
spaced out so that risk of injury and accidents is minimised.
Suitable Atmosphere…Do you prefer a busy, noisy gym or a quieter one? You will train
better and more effectively if you are temperamentally suited to the particular environment. It is also
important that you find out what the clientele is like: are they serious bodybuilders or normal fitness-seekers?
Is it sociable or quiet?
Equipment…You will need a good range of equipment to lose fat, gain muscle mass and
effect cardiovascular improvement. This means a good variety of aerobic equipment, resistance machines and free
weights.
Safety Standards…Equipment does
not have to be state-of-the-art but it must be well looked after. Check for benches with worn padding, machines
with worn or broken cables, loose attachments, nuts, bolts etc. Is the equipment clean, with evidence of regular
maintenance?
Ancillary Facilities…Are the changing rooms and showers adequate, safe and clean? Also,
check the toilets, washbasins, hairdryers etc. In the gym itself, is there at least 1 water fountain and free
paper towels? It is also nice to be able to get a drink or shake after a session and a sit down. Do you need
these sort of facilities?
Instruction…As a qualified fitness instructor myself, I know the importance of
professional qualifications, so do ensure that your chosen gym has trained personnel. You will need them right
from your medical consultation and induction thru’ to your subsequent program design and re-assessments. You
will reach your goal quicker this way. When you join, does your instructor perform a detailed medical
questionnaire and give you the opportunity of a range of tests and measurements? Are you properly supervised
thru’ your first workout? Is help and advice on nutrition available?
Trial…Any gym worth it’s salt will let you have a trial workout. This is also useful if
you go at a time similar to that which you will normally workout so you can see how crowded the gym gets. Most
gyms are at their busiest from 4.30pm. to 7pm.
Overall cost…Are there a choice of payment options? Is a non-refundable deposit
required? Is there a penal cancellation clause? Do you have to pay extra for sauna, sun-beds, spa bath etc? Are
discounts available for more than 1 person joining or off-peak membership?
For those of you with Gynecomastia or Pseudo-gynecomastia who intend using a gym, bear in mind that you should look to
improve your general fitness first before majoring on the chest. Do tell your fitness instructor as
communication is all!
Good Luck!
Bruce Barker.
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