Total reading time 5 minutes. You will spend less time reading this than you will choosing what underwear to wear.
“Hey Adrian. Where is the best gym?”
It’s a question that comes up in conversation everyday, either by students, or just members of the general public, and it’s a tough one to answer. Why? Because, it’s not a here or there answer. It’s not even my standard answer “It depends”. I could answer “School of Strength”, but it’s not that simple. Some people fit our philosophy. Some people don’t. And, you know what! That’s okay. So, let me explain it a bit further.
For me, a gym should have the following at the very least:
- Some form of cardio equipment
- Some form of strength equipment
- Some form of mobility apparatus, whether that be foam rollers, bands, sticks or balls.
- Some form of warm up area
- Some form of linkage to allied health professionals, and are well respected in their area of expertise.
- A warm and inviting environment
Now, based on your requirements, these can go in a multitude of orders. Me personally, it’s all about the strength and mobility kit. Foam rollers. Massage balls. Mini bands. Racks. Benches. Quality Olympic bars. Pretty, coloured bumper plates. Chin up bar. I am not fussed what sort of flooring there is. Just as long as it’s flat underneath the rack. I am not too interested either by the environment. Just as long as they let me do my own thing. I can still remember going to a gym, telling the front counter staff what I was going to do, only to head to the gym floor and be told I couldn’t do the things as part of my own program. No slams. Too noisy. No handstand practice against the wall as its dangerous. Poor maintained bars. I didn’t even ask for my money back. I just informed the person behind the counter when someone tells you what they need to do, make sure that this is allowed in your space.
Your idea might be the latest machines, wall to wall mirrors, while it could even be a place where you and your friends feel supported and welcome. We all have our own little pet hates, and pet loves. This is what you need to find out for yourself. You can’t let others push you into a gym, or a training space where you don’t feel good about training there. That suits their needs and requirements, not yours. Believe it or not, your needs and requirements are what matter when you are looking for a training place.
There are many more reasons why you may class one gym as a better one, and each have their pros and cons. However, at the end of the day, there is not one best gym, because if there was, there wouldn’t be gyms popping up everywhere. After all, not everyone likes vanilla ice cream. Mmmmm. Ice Cream.
So, if you haven’t yet found the right gym, or “best gym” keep looking. You never know where the best gym may turn up. Or, you may even do what I did, and start your own.
Remember, while their may be contests held in every location on the country to find the “Best”, whether that be coffee, cake, dinner, bread, beer, breakfast (and the list goes on and on), your decision is the only one that matters. Same applies to picking a gym to train at. So my advice is to ask around. Go and visit each one. Get a feel for who goes there when you are likely to go. Find out the prices. Find out what they offer.
Oh, and don’t be shy to say, “Sorry this just isn’t working out here.” After all, its your money.