Gym dandy?

Walk into any Winnipeg fitness facility in January and you're bound to spot scores of exercisers running the treadmill, circling the track and spinning the bikes -- determined to fulfil their 2012 health resolutions.

Now is as good a time as any to join a gym and start the year with a new exercise plan.

But how do you know which exercise club to join?

Before you make that decision, here are some crucial questions to ask:

Would you prefer a public or a private gym?

A public gym is funded by the community/government and often allows you to drop-in or pay-as-you-use basis. (The YMCA-YWCA is a good example of this). Benefits of the public gym include access to non-members for a small fee, lower membership costs and often lots of programs for kids. Possible cons: the equipment may not be as updated as for-profit gyms or it may not be staffed as fully (although this isn't always the case.)

A private gym, on the other hand, is often more expensive to join than public gyms. If you want to try a drop-in workout, you'd most likely have to go as a member's guest -- and you'll have to pay a fee. Benefits? The gym may be equipped with the latest and greatest equipment and will probably have plenty of staff around the answer your questions.

Consider whether you want to join a national, international chain or regionally-owned chain.

Aside from the chains, consider small, ultra-private gyms that may offer group classes but also provide exclusive, one-on-one personal training. Keep in mind that this type of personalized service will likely cost more and may mean that you lose your money if you don't show up to an appointment. This risk may be worth it, however, if you're the type who needs the personalized attention to stick to an exercise program.

Another type of private gym is the type that offers specialized types of activity such as yoga or Pilates.

Are the membership perks really as promised?

One Winnipegger recently revealed to me that the personal training sessions that came with her gym membership were nothing more than a glorified gym tour. When she asked her "trainer" to devise a gym program for her, she was told that she would have to pay for that information. Lesson learned: Know exactly what you're getting before you purchase a gym membership. If a gym promises you a couple of free personal training sessions, find out who will be training you and exactly what those sessions will entail. As well, if you're interested in the massage therapy or physiotherapy offered to gym members, remember to find out if the fees for each service are what you're willing to pay.

Do the gym's operating hours suit your schedule?

Do you plan to tackle most of your exercise sessions after your late-night work shift? Make sure you join a gym that operates on your schedule. Many gyms open early in the morning to accommodate before-work exercising. But do the weekday and weekend closing hours suit your needs? Make sure they do, otherwise you won't end up getting the most out of your membership.

A new crop of 24-hour gyms has popped up in Winnipeg. These facilities are perfect for late-night shift workers. Cons: A 24-hour gym won't likely be staffed at 4 a.m., so you'll be left to your own devices some of the time.

Is the gym nearby?

Live in River Heights and work downtown? If so, joining a gym in Transcona is probably not the best option for you. If you plan to hit the weights during your lunch break, it might be best to join a gym near your workplace. Otherwise, join a gym relatively near home so you can whip back and fourth between the two places on a whim.

Are the staff qualified exercise professionals?

Have a question about how to use a piece of exercise equipment or how to position your body while lifting a set of free weights? Then you want to make sure that the person answering your questions is a qualified exercise professional rather than just a gym sales staffer. Don't be afraid to ask before you join who will be staffing the gym floor. Another tip: There are no regulations about who is allowed to use the title "personal trainer." If you're interested in personal training sessions at a potential new gym, find out before you join what their experience, qualifications and credentials are. If you have a injury, for example, it's safest that you see a trainer who knows how to deal with your particular injury.

Can you test before you join?

You wouldn't by a car without test-driving it first. So don't join a gym without working out there first. (Some facilities will let you do this free and others will for a drop-in fee). Use the opportunity to look around, get a feel for the gym, ask questions and find out if it's the place for you.

Who goes there?

While you're test-driving the gym, find out if you're comfortable with the atmosphere and clientele. (Does the facility offer a social atmosphere where there's a lot of chatter between clients? Are the members more serious and focused on their exercise? Does the gym double as a pick-up joint? Are the members friendly and supportive of each other's exercise endeavors? Are they competitive?) What you're looking for is up to you.

Are the membership fees fair?

Some gyms offer straightforward pricing while others opt for a more mysterious price structure -- something different for each member. Remember to shop around for a price you like and don't be afraid to use your price checking to negotiate. Look out for hidden renewal fees. If you're not interested in paying an annual fee all at once, see if the gym offers monthly payment options.

Follow Shamona on Twitter: @ShamonaHarnett

Have an interesting story you'd like Shamona to write about? Contact her at shamona.harnett@freepress.mb.ca

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition January 9, 2012 D1