The gym search started this week in earnest. So far I’ve visited two gyms and looked up countless others online. The majority are quite expensive, even with the awesome exchange rate I have. I’m really only considering two because I know people who already go to them.
Gym #1
Atmosphere: I went to visit this gym with a friend’s mom who is joining. It’s an all women’s gym which I actually liked once I was there. The atmosphere in the gym was nice with only women working out.
Equipment: This gym was pretty small and only had the basics. There was one set of free weights I saw and that was not a huge focus – the weight machines and cardio were the stars here. They have a smaller sized room for classes so I wonder how many people attend and if they are ever too full. Everything was new and the showers/locker room is AWESOME. We have a crappy shower at the house so it’s tempting to join just for access to the shower.
Location: This gym was located in a shopping center and has lots of other locations around New Zealand. In fact, there might be a closer gym to where I currently live that I could use. Either way, I would have options about the location where I worked out.
Staff: The woman giving us the tour seemed nice enough but it felt like I was being pushed to join. To get a chance to try out the gym I had to feel the paperwork to join minus my bank account information. She seemed nice enough but not very interested in me as much as the person I went with.
Cost: This gym is $650 NZD for 6 months. With the exchange rate that means it is $460 USD or $76 USD per month.
Gym #2
Atmosphere: This is a co-ed gym and during the time we went it was mostly males working out. They have a more serious atmosphere and a bigger focus on strength – they even sell whey protein in the lobby. It was a bit intimidating to see all the big dude working out and I briefly wondered how comfortable I would be getting my workout on in the midst of them. I’m normally not scared to venture into the free weight area in a gym, but depending on the atmosphere and how crowded it is I can be scared off.
Equipment: This is a much bigger gym than gym #1. They have a huge free weights section and have much more equipment than the women’s gym. Pretty much everything I would want is at this gym, from free weights to cardio machines. I didn’t get to take a look at the shower facilities but I’m sure they are adequate considering the size and cleanliness of everything else in the gym.
Location: I walked to this gym with Kepa from our house. It’s almost a mile away from us so that’s already a workout in itself. ;) It’s about a minute or two from the house if we drive. The only downside is that it only has two locations and the other one is somewhere I’m not aware of, so I would only have one location to attend.
Staff: The lady who talked to us and gave us a tour was very nice and asked how we met and about Kepa’s weight loss. Afterwards she sent us a text to my phone which was really nice. Usually gyms call a few days later but I’ve never gotten a text from someone so quickly afterwards. I liked it.
Cost: This gym is much cheaper and costs $599 NZD for 12 months with no joining fee. That means $424 USD or $35 per month. Less than half the price of gym #1.
Decision Making
Either way I’m going to be spending basically all of the money that is in my bank account and dropping my wedding fund back to zero just to join a gym. I’m mostly okay with that because joining the gym is so important to me both physically and mentally right now. But it is a bit depressing! Since money is such a huge factor I’ll probably end up going with gym #2 but I want to try them both out. No point in joining a gym if I’m too scared to go workout there!
Which gym would you go with?
If you use a gym how did you decide to join?
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{ 42 comments }
I think it’s a great idea to give them each a try to get a good feel for them.
Another bonus of gym #2 is that it’s co-ed so you and Kepa could either walk or drive to it together AND encourage each other to actually get to the gym which is always a help, at least for me!
Scale Warfare´s last [type] ..Healthy You Challenge Update
I pretty much decided on the second, but I want to try them both out just to give them an equal shot. ;)
Hey Mary! I have not yet congratulated you and Kepa on your engagement! CONGRATULATIONS!
I would definitely go with number 2. There are too many advantages! Less $$, you can work out with Kepa, close to home, better equipment and boys are always willing to help girls working out, whereas the female only gym has no one to help should you need it! (males are usually better at form/strength training imho).
Whichever decision you make, make sure the pros outweigh the cons and make it right for YOU!
Denise´s last [type] ..Wonderful Monday!
Thanks Denise! :)
I like your #2 option! Especially since it’s walkable and a quick drive. Makes it harder to ditch since it’s so close!
I just decided to not re-join the gym! When I started my weight loss/exercise journey, I did all exercise from home and on my own. I joined the gym for the first time last year to change it up and I liked it, but found it a chore sometimes to get there. Now that I’m running 3x a week, the gym doesn’t seem that necessary since I can workout the other days at home with DVDs and my new obsession, Exercise TV!!
Marisa @ Loser for Life´s last [type] ..Catch Up
Try both, but if you get get a girl buddy or Kepa to join you may feel more comf with #2 (you and Kepa could both join 32 combined for the price of gym #1 …big price diff!)Also being able to walk to gym is an awesome feature BUT no point joining if you feel put off by all muscle men there and no women….
But I would try both gyms and a crucial question-do either have classes
(like bodyfit, yoga,aerobic.spinning,pilates,zumba etc etc?)That is the best way to meet people/make friends and I find to stay motivated and have fun with group setting!
(if you got a part time job in the mall I guess that could make gym #1 a credible option too….but often more convenient if gym near home)
Look forward to reading a review of your trials at both gyms and maybe even discovering another? Good luck!
They both have classes so I can meet people at both through that option. :)
I’ll definitely post about both gyms!
Edit…join the TWO of you(not typo “32″) oops!
I would definitely go with #2; the co-ed-ness of it is good for you and the boy ;o) and I like that they focus on strength. Strength training was what really got me interested in fitness and over the weight loss plateau. Hope this helps :o)
OMG no brainer – gym #2. I have done the all “ladies” gyms before (Curves) and it wasn’t my bag. I’d much rather workout with guys, no drama. And I love the free weights, they are my favorite thing to do at the gym. Plus you got the price going for you. I’d hate working out at all women’s gym. HATE, HATE, HATE IT.
Anonymous Fat Girl´s last [type] ..I keep on fighting the fight
Love it when a gal is so honest like this! Kudos!
And actually I can see what you mean.Sometimes women gyms can be too “fluffy” and men’s gyms you are there to sweat and not just sit in a hot tub…..;)
And really the price difference is HUGE between the two options.Financially personally I would have no choice myself BUT to go for the cheaper option- a no brainer!
LOL. We have the same exact thoughts. I did Curves when I first started working out and got tired of it SO FAST. My main reason to join the gym is for the free weights, so if you couldn’t tell from my review it’s pretty obvious which one I’ll be choosing. ;)
I like #2! It’s closer, cheaper, more equipment and you and Kepa could go together!
Lisa @ I’m an Okie´s last [type] ..It’s a Miracle!
My vote would be for Gym #2. The fact that it’s closer should serve to eliminate any built-in excuses and the wide variety of exercise options should keep you interested.
I joined my current gym (24 hour fitness) for its proximity to my house, the affordability, and the wide range of equipment. I did feel weird working out there the first couple of times, but now the only problem I have with “the beefy boys” is that they’re too often in my way. :)
Cammy@TippyToeDiet´s last [type] ..Book Review- I’m With Fatty by Edward Ugel Giveaway- too!
I would choose #2. It just seems like a better deal (money wise) and you and Kepa can attend together (I personally love working out ith my bf). I don’t think you will be too scared to work out at a gym that has alot of guys. My gym is like that and I love it because no one is paying any attention to me. When I went to an all woman’s gym I felt like #1 it was a fashion show and #2 that everyone was focused on everyone else.
Ah, interesting point about the women’s fashion show at the gym. I didn’t really notice that because I honestly don’t pay attention to what other people wear but when I go back to workout there I’m going to pay attention to that and see!
It sounds like #2 would be the better option, in my opinion. It’s cheaper, Kepa can go with you if he wants, they seem friendlier, etc. Do they have classes? They are a great way to get in shape in a fun environment, in my experience.
And every gym that’s not an exclusive women’s gym is going to have burly guys trying to lift about a million pounds, my gym included. I just ignore them, because really, they’re ignoring me too. Sometimes they are even kind of fun to watch, as they grunt and groan trying to lift too much weight, and proceed to check themselves out in the mirror for the next half and hour. :D
Good luck with your decision. If you’re still on the fence, you can probably try both of them out.
They do have classes.
You are so right about the big guys at every gym. Every gym I’ve ever worked at or worked out at has had them. Usually they aren’t a problem at all, just some get annoying.
I’m not on the fence, but def going to try out both for fun.
When I joined Lucille like three years ago, I really liked the idea of a gym with only women. But the resources at Crunch are so much better and I hardly even notice the men unless they are very good looking. After while, I think you’ll get use to them.
Alexia´s last [type] ..In Defense of Eating Out
I vote for 2! Kepa could go with you if you wanted, there is more equipment, and it’s so convenient for you. Plus, the cost savings is huge. Who cares if it’s coed and there are meatheads? You’re not there to worry about them, you’re there to worry about you!
Emily´s last [type] ..What’s holding you back
for me it’s a no-brainer Number 2. What does number 1 have that justifies double the expense? You’re not really rolling in dough at the moment so you should only join it if there was a HUGE advantage and I don’t see one. Re the multiple locations: how many will you actually use? So is it really a benefit?
Mimi´s last [type] ..Monday Weigh-In
I would go for the cheaper option – a gym is a gym, and if you want to focus on weights.. for toning and what not, I think you’d be better off at the second option. I found women’s gyms boring – our current one is unisex and MUCH better.. though it’s good and has it’s own little sectioned off area for women who want to work out with weight machines away from all the buff dudes!
Aly @ Breathe Gently´s last [type] ..Ask me Anything
I’d go with the gym that had better equipment, personally. Even if I don’t use it, I want to be ABLE to use them. :)
Lisa´s last [type] ..A Different Kind of Sunday Steak Night
I think it’s cool that you are going to test drive the facilities, that’s smart thinking.
I think each gym has its own personality and we either like it or not. I would go with the one that you just liked the most. Pick the gym like you would pick your friends. Be really picky – especially when the bank is involved.
I would go with gym two for the closeness, cost and friendliness of the staff…
‘Drea´s last [type] ..On A Lighter Note
Definitely the closeness and the helpful staff – not that I would totally know since I’ve never joined a gym in my life!!
Diane Fit to the Finish´s last [type] ..Favorite Time of Day
#2 FO SHO!
Molly´s last [type] ..Drop Dead Gorgeous by December
I think Gym #2 makes the most sense for your every day life – it’s close to home, has all the equipment you want, and is much cheaper. The fact that the other gym has other locations is okay, but are you going to be doing a lot of traveling? And is an awesome shower really worth double the money? I’d go with what fits your daily life NOW. You can always get guest passes at other gyms when you want variety or travel to other towns that don’t have your gym.
seattlerunnergirl´s last [type] ..Never Give Up or- Back to the Beginning – Guest Post
LOL if you had any idea about the shower at our house you wouldn’t even ask that question. It might actually be worth double the cost – no joke.
From what you’ve said I would go with Gym #2. Once you start going regularly you won’t be intimated by the muscle heads and you and Kepa could go together if you wanted to, oh, and it’s cheaper which is a bonus. Have fun!
Go in with the right mindset to gym #2. You are there to get your workout on, not to be scared by what other people are doing!!
Sana´s last [type] ..Siblings
Take the cheaper one!! The equipment is basically the same – and you get the extra exercise walking to and from! :D
Gym 2, for the reasons everyone has pointed out above. Looks like we’re all unanimous here. You’re going to feel really guilty if you choose not to take our advice….
Ten Pounds´s last [type] ..Shooting stuff
Haha. I won’t feel guilty. I wrote the post so I supplied all the information so I set it up for you all to pick gym #2. It’s not like you guys are making some profound statement. Hehe. But yeah, I’m going with that choice most likely. Unless of course I want a shower. ;)
Gym number 2!! With the cheaper price it seems you’ll be getting more and the more serious atmosphere might be really motivating. Not to mention the walk (or bike ride) to the gym will be awesome.
Diana @ frontyardfoodie´s last [type] ..Pregger Pics 38! Can you say DONE
Gym 2 sounds like the best option for you. I pay a lot of money to go to a gym similar to your gym 1, but I had to change to another one of their gyms and it is a totally different feel, so you can’t guarantee anything. I reckon a gym you can walk to is a great idea!
I just did a post about joining a gym last night!
The one I joined is co-ed and just newly opened. It’s currently one floor – but the second floor is opening in Sept. All the cardio machines, stretch areas and group class studios will be on one floor, all the weights and strength machines on the other. (Which will make it a little less intimidating, I think!) Plus, since the gym is brand new, membership is $10/week for the first 500 members, which was the main thing for me.
Since I’m not a hardcore gym person, I’m happy as long as I can do a class or two of yoga, get some cardio in and do a little strength training. I don’t need tons of equipment or anything fancy. I was considering Curves, but my bf was interested in joining a gym, too, and I wanted to be able to go to the gym together (which clearly wouldn’t work in a womens-only gym!)
Gym 2 sounds like the winner, but good luck with whichever you choose! :)
Danielle´s last [type] ..Ouch!
Hmm, if it were me, I’d go to gym 2. wait, you didn’t mention classes or not at the second gym. If there are no classes, then I change my mind to gym 1. but other than that, assuming there are classes at both, I’d choose #2 because: its co-ed (im not one for all womens anything, who needs all that estrogen), its cheaper, it has more equipment, the woman was friendly. The part about not having a lot of locations is bad for when you vacation, but for me, that wouldn’t be a deal breaker. I do use a gym, 24 hr fitness. I decided to join right after I moved here, when I had not much $ and it was pretty much all I could afford. Well, there was another I could afford (golds), but there are only 3 locations around here and one was pretty impossible to get to, another is still hard to get to and would be sketchy coming back at nite, and the other is in a good location, but is known to be a gay hookup gym that even my gay guy friends don’t want to go to lol. There could have been others I could afford but I stopped when I found 24 hr fitness, the one I go to, because its not that busy, and has good equipment. (and classes, but I didn’t take classes when I first signed up, I thought I didn’t like classes).
merri´s last [type] ..4 Yrs Ago- 8-22-06 Reno
Gyms on this side of the world are expensive, mine in Australia is about $62 NZD a month and considering I am a bit bored of the gym and only going 1 or 2 times a week, it is a bit expensive for me too.
Oh and a belated congrats on the engagement and move to NZ! :-)
It seems like the biggest benefit of option #1 is that it has multiple locations so it’s harder to make an “excuse” not to go….but with #2, the “cheapness” of it is the benefit.
See how you feel after trying out both of them. I think #2 is just going to fit better into your budget and life right now, and that the confidence you gain from going into the weight room with the “big boys” is only going to push you harder!
Destination:Athlete´s last [type] ..perception versus intention
I try em both out and be sure to do so at the times youd be using them as well!
then see what I thought…
MizFit´s last [type] ..Lets REDEFINE MILF
I go to Habit in Wellington, I know they have one in Auckland. I couldn’t recommend them highly enough. I never mention them on my blog, because I don’t want heaps of people joining lol :-)
Hopefully you will come down to Wellington soon!
Lucinda´s last [type] ..Long Run – Short Nutrition
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