Exercising at home or out on the paseos can be an efficient and easy way to work out. There is no commute and it is free. But it is often difficult to stay motivated, disciplined, and consistent.
If you prefer to train at a gym, you are not alone. Over 64.19 million Americans have gym memberships. Gyms give you a dedicated space to focus on your fitness goals. And with a wide range of gym equipment, you can choose several exercises.
The Paseo Club is a social club in the Santa Clarita Valley that offers tennis, pickleball, swimming, and fitness facilities. There is also a large gym equipped with cardio and weight machines, free weights, TRX suspension systems, mobility and stretching zones, and much more.
There is a lot to consider when you are assessing your local gyms. Gyms vary widely in cost, size, equipment, and amenities. Luckily, the Santa Clarita Valley has many options for you to choose from. In this article, you will learn what to look for when considering becoming a member of a SCV gym.
5 Things to consider when investing in a gym membership
Going to a gym is a great option for people who need to exercise at specific times, like to tailor their workouts according to their interests and goals, and want to customize the intensity of their training.
It is worth researching which gym in Santa Clarita is a good fit for you. Below is a list of the most important aspects of a gym to examine.
1. Equipment
People turn to the gym for a myriad of reasons and interests. Are you a biker looking for an indoor cycling option? Do you love to focus on heavy weightlifting and want to PR your next back squat? Do you want a well-rounded workout and need a healthy mix of cardio and weight machines?
Identify what type of equipment you need access to for your training. Depending on how popular the gym is, make sure there is enough of your favorite equipment available. There is nothing more frustrating than having only an hour to exercise, and you spend fifteen of those minutes waiting to get on a treadmill.
Here are some common types of gym equipment to look for:
- Free weights: Dumbbells, kettlebells, and barbells
- Cardio machines: Treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes, rowers
- Weight machines: Leg and arm curls, seated press, lat pulldown, assisted pull-up, ab crunches
- Rigs and barbells: Weighted plates, clamps, barbells of different weights (men, women, and trainer bars), trap bar for deadlifts, training area with thick rubber mats to protect the floor
- Functional fitness gear: Tires, sleds, plyometric boxes, jump ropes, battle ropes, and med balls
- Stretching/mobilization areas: Clean floor space with mobility tools such as foam rollers, resistance bands, and yoga balls
2. Availability
One of the benefits of having a gym membership is flexibility. Gyms are often open for long hours, and you can drop in whenever it best suits you, whether in the early morning, during your lunch hour, or in the evening. But just in case, review the gym’s hours to confirm their schedule is right for you.
A gym’s hours of operation are not the only aspect to consider. You also want to assess the proximity of the gym to your home and/or workplace. Is it worth going to a gym with better equipment or is it a little cheaper if it tacks on an extra twenty minutes of driving? For some people, convenience will win out over cost or quality. But others have time and don’t mind traveling to their favorite gym.
Lastly, as mentioned before, check out the gym when you are most likely to attend, so you can see how available your favorite equipment is. If it appears there will be long wait times to get access, it may be worth checking out some other places.
3. Overall Quality
The quality of a gym can vary widely. Some places are immaculate with updated equipment, well-cared-for bathroom and shower facilities, and attentive staff that are available to help at a moment's notice.
Other gyms have dust bunnies in the corner, antiquated gear, and inadequate (and undertrained) staff. While gyms like this are often more affordable (unless you are on a shoestring budget) they are often not worth your investment.
It is best to choose a gym where the owner or manager is invested in the quality of their facility, has knowledgeable staff, and well-maintained equipment. In this situation, you are more likely to have an overall positive experience.
4. Amenities
Some people only need a place to train and the necessary equipment to achieve that. Other people want a more multifaceted experience with specific amenities to make their time at the gym worthwhile.
Amenities can be both practical necessities and creature comforts.
- Swimming pool
- Personal trainers
- Child care center
- Snack bar or cafe
- Sauna/steam room
- Group fitness classes
- Spa or massage therapist
- Pilates or yoga facilities/classes
Use this list to decide what amenities are essential to you and are worth prioritizing when you sign up with a gym.
5. Cost
If you really want to commit to your health and fitness routine, you must be realistic about your budget. Choosing the nicest gym when you are a college student and working part-time as a barista may not be a sustainable choice.
On the other hand, a great gym inspires you and can help you stay motivated and consistent with your workouts. Your health is a worthwhile investment. Being physically active often saves you expenses by avoiding costly medical procedures and medicines.
Be practical about what you can afford each month. But also be generous with yourself by joining a gym that offers as many of the features and amenities that you want in an exercise facility.
Investing in a gym is investing in yourself
Choosing a gym that meets your needs can benefit your motivation, accountability, workout variety, and social life.
In this article, you learned about the five most important things to consider when you invest in a gym membership. One of the best ways to decide if a gym is a good fit for you is by taking a tour.
Most gyms offer tours of their facility so you can get a better sense of the environment, equipment, and features. This is a great time to ask questions and meet staff and members.
The Paseo Club has serviced the Santa Clarita Community for over twenty years. It is a club for people of all ages — children, adults, and seniors. The gym is open during all hours of operation and has a diverse array of equipment for the most discerning gym enthusiasts.
For people who like to mix up their solo workouts with classes, there are over 60 fitness classes available each week. The club also offers small group classes and personal training for members who want even more personalized attention.
With our tennis and pickleball courts, a junior Olympic pool, fitness areas, cafe and clubhouse, spa, and childcare center, there is something for everyone at the Paseo Club. If you would like to learn more, come in for a tour of the club and see all eight acres of our grounds.
If you are excited to become a member of the Paseo Club now, you can purchase a membership online. Join our healthy, social community today!
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