All Gyms Are Not Created Equal

Exercise is about your health and quality of life. If you have a bad experience, don't give up. Yes, you may have to pay a little more for a good gym with a quality staff but it's worth it. It amazes me that people will pay $65-$100+ a month for cable TV but will automatically join the gym with the cheapest rate without thinking twice.

All fitness centers are not created equal; it's not about the machines. You could have two gym both offering the exact same equipment, amenities, classes, etc. and one could be far superior to the other.

Does the staff know member names? Do they offer advice or do they spend their shift reading the newspaper and ignoring the exercisers? Do you like the atmosphere? Are you comfortable there? If not, you'll never maintain a regular routine at that facility.

Check out different places before you join. Do you feel like you'd fit in? Do you get the hard sell or are they interested in your needs?

And remember, you get what you pay for.