Last week, Power Systems Master Coach, PJ Stahl shared his top 3 reasons why you should invest in yourself and get connected with a personal trainer. Short term or long term – an investment in yourself and your goals is truly priceless. Set aside the time and resources to work with a trainer for some amount of time and you can apply what you learn for the rest of your life.
Today there are more places to exercise than ever before. Clubs, studios, boot camps, rec centers, and the list goes on. With so many options of workout facilities these days, how do you know where to start? Not to worry – here are 3 steps you can take on your way to finding YOUR facility fit.
ONE – Start with the Big Picture
Entering this process with a positive mindset and a firm, goal-centered direction is step one. After you join a facility, you can always seek help from a trainer to provide guidance and accountability – but if you are not internally and intently focused on WHAT you want to do and WHY you want to do it, then you are not in the best mindset to make change happen.
Once you have laid an internal and firm foundation to reach your goals, start to think about the type of training environment that you want.
- Large club w/ lots of amenities and up to 24 hours of operation?
- Smaller studio with group & one-on-one training options?
- Specialized studio experience (Barre, Yoga, Dance, etc.)?
With your goals set and your ideal “workplace” established, it’s time to move onto step two.
TWO – Location, Location, Location!
Start eliminating barriers by identifying places that match “what you want” AND that are convenient to you. Track the list of the facilities you are considering along your daily commute. When you are looking to establish a new exercise routine (or rekindle an old one) set yourself up for success by considering locations that are near your home, your workplace, or both.
Don’t get me wrong, location doesn’t have to be a major factor in the decision process. However, choosing a location that is easy for you to get to on a regular basis is a great way to start eliminating excuses early. Even if you fall in love with a gym, studio, or training group – if it is too far off your beaten path – it’s very likely that your weekly check ins will dwindle from 4-5 days a week to 1 or 2. Finding yourself in this situation can be detrimental to your success as irregular workouts might not yield results fast enough to keep you motivated.
Besides location, other things to consider for your convenience are facility hours and class schedule. Do the hours and days of operation accommodate your schedule? Are the fitness classes that interest you held at a time that is convenient?
Start to eliminate your excuses before you even walk into the door will bring you that much closer to achieving your goals.
THREE – Start Test Driving
Now that you have determined the type of facilities you want to join that are conveniently located – it’s time to start test driving. Joining a health club, studio, or purchasing a training package is an investment, so feel free to take a test drive.
- Drop in, visit, or drive by during the times you would typically visit the facility. This will give you a feel for the space at that time of day, i.e. how crowded it is, etc. This will give you an idea of what to expect and can also start eliminating facilities from your list if things like overcrowding or parking issues are a turn off for you.
- Set an appointment time with a representative during which you can get a tour, ask all your questions, and get all the information you need. Scheduling an appointment is helpful because it ensures that you have set aside the proper amount of time to investigate your potential investment and that you will be in the right mindset to make a good decision.
- If you aren’t ready to commit yet, or if you still have other facilities to check out, take the time to test drive all your options. Most facilities will extend you a class pass or a week for free to help you decide. Try the equipment, the amenities, try some classes, try one, try them all!
- Sign up for an assessment with a trainer. Remember, this is an investment in your time and money. If you don’t feel comfortable, confident, and at ease with the time you spend with a trainer during a short assessment, you won’t feel comfortable with them as a trainer.
Finding the coach and training environment that is right for you is crucial not only for reaching goals but also for establishing a habit and long-term commitment to health. You don’t have to wait until the New Year to start shopping for your facility fit. Start now while you have plenty of time to evaluate and test drive your options. Take your time to work through all the details and start to establish your habits now, and you will be sitting confidently in the driver’s seat toward your 2018 goals!
