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The Generation X solution for the right look -- whether it is flexing your muscles like those macho men on the silver screen or saying a little prayer every day for a JLo derriere -- seems to be to head for the gym. It's not surprising, then, that gymnasiums are sprouting in every nook and corner. The question, therefore, is how to choose a good gym? Here are some tips to help you get gym-savvy. i. Do your homework It is easy to fall prey to the glib sales pitch of gym managers. You also have the choice of opting for a personal trainer who gives you undivided attention. However, this option comes at a higher price too. When you check out a gym, try and find out how many people a trainer supervises; this is important because, if you do your exercises unsupervised and end up doing them the wrong way, you could seriously hurt yourself. ii. Be focussed Decide on the focus of your exercise programme. Does it align with that of your gym? Every gym has its own USP. While one gym can boast of the best equipment for weight training, another can have an internationally certified aerobics instructor showing you the right moves to burn your calories. What kind of exercise do you enjoy? If you enjoy the high adrenaline rush of an aerobic session, join a gym which is known for the same. Would you like to stick to just lifting weights and doing cardio exercises? Then join a gym that specialises in this form of exercise. Like they say, you either get what you like or you will have to like what you get. If you have never joined a gym before, it would be a good idea to initially choose a gym which offers you a host of activities like aerobics, yoga, weight-training, diet programmes, etc. For the first six months, experiment with all these activities in consultation with your intructor, who will suggest a regime after taking into consideration your height, weight, body measurements and fitness goals. Try to find an activity which you enjoy and which will help you attain your fitness goals. The more convenient your gym is to get to, the more you will use it. Check when you are most likely to squeeze out time from your daily schedule in order to work out. Samreeedhi Sharma, a certified personal fitness trainer and nutritionist, points out, "Your gym should ideally be located near your place of work, near home or directly on your route between the two, else the commute itself can put you off from working out religiously. If your job requires you to put in odd hours, look out for a gym with extended hours." The general atmosphere of the place can turn the scales when it comes to choosing a gym. It is difficult to quantify but can be sensed. Are the staff members polite, helpful and pro-active? What kind of people frequent the gym? Join a gym where you will feel comfortable and welcome. v. Do a test run Is there a system in place to ensure all members have access to the facilities in a fair manner? Don't shy away from asking members for feedback. vi. Equipment matters Is the equipment old and worn-out? How many machines have an out-of-order sign posted on them? Are the floors uneven? Are the exercise mats curling up? Aldhea Shah, spokesperson, Gold's Gym, says professional equipment is always better, "Brand names like Startrack, Cybex, Precor, Lise Fitness are always preferable when it comes to gym equipment." vii. Trainer talk Girish Talwalkar, director, Talwalkar's Gym, says, "The single biggest deciding factor in joining a gym should be the team of fitness instructors. During the trial membership, check out if the trainer is motivating, guides you properly, shows you how to use the equipment, is able to explain which part of the body is benefited by which kind of exercise. The trust factor is most important as far as the trainer is concerned. viii. Moolah matters Be sure you read and understand everything before signing a membership contract. A short-term gym membership may cost you more, but gives you the flexibility to change your gym if you are not satisfied. Read the fine print. Some gyms make money through hidden costs, such as towel fees and locker rentals. If stashing your shirt in a locker costs you an extra Rs 300 per month, beware of it. At the end of the day, you should be happy with your decision to join the gym. ALSO READ!
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