We’re lucky to have a lot of gym options around us, but not all gyms are created equal, and if you’re picking one to follow your own program in, most of what gets sold to you doesn’t actually matter.
Here’s what I actually tell women to look for:
- Location – Is it actually close to home or work? If it’s out of your way, you'[re less likely to go. Simple as that
- Parking or Walkability – Can you get in and out easily? A 5 minute circle looking for parking is enough to make you skip a session.
- The Vibe – This one’s a feeling, but when you know, you know. Nerves on your first visit are normal. That’s not the same as feeling watched, judged, or like you don’t belong there. If it’s the second one, you won’t keep going.
- Women + weights culture – Is there a separate rack where all the women end up – machines, fit balls, or a rack of lighter pink weights, while the free weights area stays mostly men? Or do you see women moving through the whole gym, using the same equipment as everyone else? That tells you a lot about what’s actually expected of you there.
- Price for what you actually need – If you’re following your own program, you’re paying for the space and the weights. You don’t need a membership that only pays off if you’re there five days a week doing classes.