Choosing a gym sounds like an easy task, but in reality it is much more difficult than that. This decision will not only affect your finances but also your physical and mental health. It is understandable that you would want to take time to consider which gym option would work best for you. You aren’t alone in feeling a bit of anxiety over this kind of monumental decision! Don’t worry though, consider me a helpful travel guide as you navigate this important decision. There are some things that must be thought about before even stepping foot into the gym.
To get us started down this choosing a gym road, I have come up with a few things you will want to consider before deciding on a gym.
| Gyms | Cost (per month & depending on membership type) | Joining Fee | # of Classes & if they are included with membership | Childcare* | Extras* |
| RAC | $20 – $84.95 | $50 (Only for non-commit membership and workout buddy), | 15 different types (Included)(about 40 classes/week) | Included | Basketball court, pickleball, heated pool, sauna, steam room* |
| Taunton YMCA | $24.50 – $63 | $50 (Only for Family or Adult membership) | 13 different types (Included) | Included | Basketball court, pool, indoor track, racquetball court |
| Planet Fitness | $10 – $22.99 | Currently $1 down (Changes depending on when you join) | No classes | No | Affordable |
| Gold’s Gym | $29.95 – $129 | $0 – $25 (Depending on membership type) | ~12 (Both in person and virtual classes included) | Included | Smoothie bar, sauna/steam room*, women only workout area |
| Bridgewater Fitness | $34.95 – $99 | 34.95 (Only for monthly memberships | 10 different types (Spin classes are an additional cost) | Additional | Display featuring protein bars, supplements and energy drinks for members to purchase |
| WOW | 14.99 – $39.99 | $1 (Only for non-commit) | 13 types (Included with platinum or titanium membership only) | Included with certain memberships | Tanning, guest privileges, titanium training (depends on membership type) |
| East Coast Fitness | $29 – $58 | $58 (Single membership) / $87 (Couple) | 8 different types (Included) | Small fee ($2 for first hour, $1 per additional 30 mins) | Tanning, supplement & smoothie station |
| Fit Factory | $10 – 29.99 | $49.99 (Annual fee) | ~7 different types (Included for certain memberships) | Included in most memberships | Food & juice bar, tanning, women’s only area, sauna & steam * |
* Normally available but coronavirus could have affected this gym aspect
Cost
While this may seem simple, it is definitely something that you will want to consider. Signing a contract and then realizing you can’t make the monthly payments, isn’t something anyone wants. Make sure to ask if there is any sort of joining fee, because you will want to consider that when figuring out your gym budget. Especially because canceling your contract could come with a hefty price tag.
Goals
Really sit down and think about what kind of gym goals you want to accomplish. Your goals will impact what kind of facility you are looking for. For example, if your goal involves working on your swimming, you will need a gym with a pool.
Membership
Ask what is included in your future gym membership. Most gyms will always include access to standard cardio and weight lifting equipment. But!!! Do you need heavier weights because you dream to pick up all the heavy things? Do you dream of joining a high energy dance party every weeknight? If you answered yes (or even no), then you will need to find a gym that meets your specific needs, like one with extensive weight equipment or a gym where you don’t have to pay extra for classes.
Facility
Some important features to consider about the facility include: hours they are open, childcare, facility size and location. Maybe you are an early bird who likes to workout before work to help energize your day or maybe you prefer in the evening to help relieve stress from the day. Not only are the hours important but so is the location! One study found that the closer you are to your gym, the more frequently you will go. Some people prefer the equipment selection of a large gym, while others prefer the close knit feel of a smaller gym. Busy parents would most likely want childcare included in their membership. Whichever features you need, make sure your gym has them!!!!
Why the Raynham Athletic Club?
The Raynham Athletic Club (RAC) is a small, locally owned fitness facility. We strive to make you feel welcome as soon as you walk through the doors. The RAC isn’t just a gym, it is so much more. It is a sense of community. It is staff that will greet you with a smile, class instructors that become friends and other members that become like family. It is an individualized experience tailored to your specific goals and needs. With new management in place, the RAC is working to establish itself as a members oriented gym. A gym where staff works directly with you and helps you achieve your goals. We don’t want you to get lost in your journey to a healthy lifestyle but to work with you every step of the way, from nutritional goals, losing weight to gaining healthy muscle, or just staying healthy. Yes there are all kinds of Gyms with different business goals. Some of them as you can see above are less expensive and financially it might make sense. But without guidance, without motivation, you may just end up paying the fee and never show up. Joining the gym or club is the easy part, but motivating yourself to go to the gym or club is the crucial part. This is now an important focus at the RAC. We want to walk side by side in your fitness journey. We want to build a relationship with you so that you feel excited to come work out. This is how we distinguish ourselves from other gyms. The RAC also is the home to Bay State Physical Therapy, Kneadful Massage, Karate, SoMAFIT, swim lessons and even a dance studio, Susan winter school of Dance. All of the previously mentioned businesses are located right in the gym building, so everything is in an easily accessible location for members. Lisa Shaw is not only one of our fabulous cycling instructors but also has been a member for many years. She actually became a cycling instructor because she loves our cycling classes so much! When asked to describe the RAC she said: “The RAC is all about the members! The bonds and relationships you form with each other, make this gym so unique”. Come and try us out! If you don’t want to make a commitment, we have a plan for that, if you want a short term commitment, we have a plan for that too. If you are coming with your workout buddies, we have amazing deals for that also. Come try us free for a day, we are positive that you will have a great experience!
