Some Gym Questions Answered
In a previous blog, I answered 5 very common fitness questions. In this blog, I’ll stick with that format, but with the added twist of tailoring the questions and answers to pertain to frequently asked gym questions. As a 21 year Austin personal trainer, and a gym owner for nearly a decade, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting, and working with many folks from all walks of life. I’ve worked with absolute beginners, all the way to many doctors, professional athletes, etc. The one thing they all have in common, is that they all had plenty of questions. Be it fitness questions, or gym questions, they abound and are plentiful. Today, I will address 5 of the most common gym questions that I’ve been asked over the years. Should your gym questions not be addressed, as always, feel free to contact me and I’ll gladly answer all of them.
1) Why do Gyms Have Contracts? Not all gyms have contracts. My gym, the Austin Fitness Center, for example has no contracts, set up fees, account maintenance fees, or anything like that. The reason that most gyms have these contracts and fees in place, however, is because most people join gyms with the greatest of intentions to get in better shape, and then quit not much later. It’s the realization that sacrificing our pleasures and indulgences holds little appeal. Furthermore, the realization that getting in shape is a lot of work and requires a lot of commitment is enough to deter many. Unfortunately, most gyms don’t have a build it and they will come approach, but rather one of let’s make as much money as possible up front. Considering some of their operating expenses, perhaps it’s justified. That’s up to the individual consumer to decide.
2) Why do Gyms Have Initiation Fees, and the Like? See the above question and response, as there are a lot of similarities. All I can say further on this, is that if you build a quality gym, keep it clean, and run it well, you won’t have to have contracts, extra fees, etc. People will come. It’s much the same with personal training. There’s plenty of Austin personal trainers that sell training packages and bundles. I don’t do it because I have always held the belief that if you know what you’re doing, like what you’re doing, and can really do it, people will return. It’s been 21 years now since I became an Austin personal trainer and so far, that approach has worked just fine.
3) What Qualifications do Personal Trainers Need to Have in Order to Work in a Gym? Different gyms have different policies, naturally. Big box gyms, such as Golds, for example, want their trainers to be certified through NASM. This is a basic, entry level certification that will teach the value of certain exercises, but with minimal emphasis on anatomy or nutrition. In fact, last I knew, it advised against trainers offering nutrition advice. In my gym, it’s a much different story. I’ve been a personal trainer in Austin for over 20 years to doctors, professional athletes, physical therapy patients, etc. I’m not overly concerned about the latest and hippest certification. Long ago, I set out to learn as much as possible about the anatomy. Not just what was where, but how things work together. If you don’t know these things, you’re not going to have much to offer the potential client. Nutrition is an absolute must for a personal trainer to master. Not just basic nutrition, but an in depth knowledge, coupled with various illnesses, conditions, and ailments as well. Crohns, IBS, eating disorders, thyroid disorders, etc.
Ultimately, it matters little what accolades and achievements you have hanging on your wall, and how many quizzes you can pass in an online course. Knowledge is essential, but just as essential, is the ability to use that knowledge on the different people you work with in order to help them overcome whatever obstacles are in their paths.
4) What Kind of Gym Should I Join? Only you can truly answer that one. We all have different tastes and needs. I personally like a small neighborhood gym, so much so in fact, that I built I one! If you are interested in power lifting, you should obviously go to a gym that is not only friendly towards that pursuit, but one that is well equipped for it as well. My gym, for example, prohibits the use of hand chalk, so if you’re a powerlifter, the Austin Fitness Center may not be your best choice. Some gyms specialize in rock climbing, others in martial arts, and some others in geriatric exercise. There’s plenty of options. You should simply figure out what you are looking for in a gym, and explore your options.
5) Should I Consider Building my Own Home Gym Instead of Joining One? I wrote an essay about building a home gym not too long ago. You can find it here. Home gyms are expensive, space consuming, and more often than not, end up being places where people hang their clothes as opposed to working out in them. If you are a seriously dedicated trainee, and have the space and financial ability, then go for it. I personally would rather keep my home as my home, and pay my dues elsewhere, literally, and figuratively.
Ready to Get Started?
Andy
Latest posts by Andy (see all)
- Workout Motivation: How To Get Motivated To Work Out - March 9, 2022
- Body Fat Types: Subcutaneous and Visceral Fats - June 1, 2019
- Why Diets Work If You Stick With Them - April 1, 2019
