Deciding which Gym is Right for You + Win a 30 day pass to all the best gyms!

November 5, 2015 by Amy Darcy 11 Comments

Over the last 10 years I’ve switched between group training at big gyms, group training at small businesses outdoors, personal training in gyms, self training outdoors, self training indoors. Despite the changes, before I begin any paid training sessions, the same questions remain – Will this be worth my money? Is this training the right fit for me? This post shares what I’ve learnt about selecting a gym AND I have 3 x 30 day unlimited passes to all the best gyms near you to GIVEAWAY!

There is no magical formula that can decide if this training for you. I can only advise you go GIVE IT A GO! You’ll never ever know if you never ever go! Most gyms have a one day free trail pass. I find these aren’t ever really enough (unless you want to work out all day and completely smash yourself trying every class and facility available – which is completely unrealistic).

A pass that increases your gym trial time to 30 days at all the best gyms near you

I’ve been greatly encouraged by utilising a Moovit pass the last month. For $49 you get 30 days unlimited access to all the best gyms near you (currently open to QLD residents only). Female only gyms, 24/7 clubs, CrossFit, small class orientated studios, commercial clubs, yoga studios. It helped me decide which was right for me, right now (remember as life changes so do you training needs and what you enjoy).

Which gyms I enjoyed with my Moovit pass

I loved the bigger gyms which had lots of classes – Fitness First (where I train now) and Go Health clubs, because I could fit in a workout almost any time. I also liked the one on one PT with Define Health and Fitness, where I focused on core work – something not able to be assessed in such detail in large group classes. They also run fun outdoor sessions at Kangaroo Point.

Win 1 of 3 Moovit passes! – sorry this competition has now closed. Congratulations to Lauren Graveson, Mark Barrett and Mindy (MJ).

To win 1 of 3 Moovit Passes, all you have to do is tell me your worst gym experience and/or why you need 30 days unlimited access to all the best gyms near you! Most creative/funny answer wins. Open to QLD, Australian residents only. Competition closes 12 November 2015.

Amy Darcy

Editor & Founder at Eat Pray Workout

Amy is the founder and editor of Eat Pray Workout. She is an Australian lawyer, army wife, health & fitness lover and Mum. Sharing her passion for a holistic and realistic approach to wellbeing and fitness, her mission is to inform, inspire & empower women to live a flourishing healthy lifestyle.

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Comments

Lauren Graveson says
November 6, 2015 at 11:52 am
It started out as a nice day in the month of May, I had the morning off before work and I was going to head down to my local gym. I donned my favourite work out top (gotta keep the ladies in check) and a brand new pair of Lorna Jane tights. I headed on in and it was much busier than usual for mid morning but I thought I'd do a few weighted exercises before running it out on the treadmill. I bent down to do my 5th squat in a set of 10 reps and heard a rather unusual noise, thinking nothing of it I went on to complete my set. It was only when a nice young gent said "ummmm, you may want to check out the back of your tights in the bathroom". To my horror I had split from the bottom of my waist band to half way down my leg of my brand new tights. Well rest assured I used my small workout towel as a bandeau and hightailed it out of there faster than you could say "jimminy cricket" and I never went back. That was my first experience with changing gyms.
Reply
- Amy Darcy says
  November 8, 2015 at 9:26 am
  This made me laugh SO SO much Lauren!! HILARIOUS! Did you take your tights back to LJ? xx
  Reply
Mj says
November 7, 2015 at 4:13 pm
One of my very first PT sessions (5yrs on 50kgs less) I was doing a circuit training class and not being used to any physical fitness - very quickly I am embarrassed to say not only did I vomit in my gym towel mid circuit but ended up on my back with the PT holding my legs up high as he recognised I was about to faint ... Very embarrassing and awkward! I have since left town haha
Reply
- Amy Darcy says
  November 8, 2015 at 9:25 am
  Mj, you poor thing! Haha! But congratulations on the 50kg less - I bet that vomiting seems worth it now! :) If it makes you feel any better I vomited a little in my mouth the other day at training (30kg on the sled runs is a killer). Hard work hey, it can be gross. xx
  Reply
Mark Borrett says
November 8, 2015 at 2:45 pm
I decided to detox this year and was happy to do 'Oc-sober' so when I participated in a group yoga session with my wife I thought I would feel good. Problem was a boozy night and bbq took place just the night before, the constant squatting and the relaxing of my abdominal muscles made for some quite unpleasant sounds and smells from me. I managed to excuse myself from the session much to the embarrassment of myself and my poor wife.
Reply
- Amy Darcy says
  November 14, 2015 at 11:08 am
  That is HILARIOUS Mark! Your poor wife hahaha.
  Reply
Toni Faint says
November 12, 2015 at 11:30 am
Doing a class and being so unco that your two steps behind everyone else plus going in the wrong direction is made to look easy by me. I need to lose 20 kg so must find a gym that suits me
Reply
- Amy Darcy says
  November 14, 2015 at 10:47 am
  That is me in a step class Toni - you're not alone haha! What type of exercise do you enjoy? x
  Reply
  - Toni Faint says
    November 14, 2015 at 7:40 pm
    I love boxercise and body combat
    Reply
Kelly says
November 12, 2015 at 10:09 pm
I moved to a local area and joined a local gym. They seemed nice enough at the time, I guess that's because they were signing me up onto a contract. I have many medical conditions & work very closely with my support staff (medical & physiotherapy) to help me to a better place of wellness. My programs designed by my medical staff to achieve my specific goals. I applied myself & did very well; however the gym staff and the personal trainers did not respond in a positive way. I was bullied very badly, I reported it every time & yet the management did nothing. The bullying got worse - seemed to be a game to them. - this abusive behaviour and in the end a young male personal trainer chased me through the gym & them yelled abuse at me (on a full gym floor of men - nobody did anything about it). I was further bullied when I went into cancel the membership, had to be done in person. And it didn't stop there. Finally after cancelling the membership these staff continued a phone calls, text messages, social media & stalking me around town - really very sad for them. i had to ring the CEO of the the entire business & get them to stop. This experience left me with a fear of gyms, gym staff & being successful & had a severely negative effect on my health. I know the value of being fit and well & I am now ready to throw myself into a new more positive environment & work towards wellness.
Reply
- Amy Darcy says
  November 14, 2015 at 10:46 am
  Hi Kelly, Wow that sounds really horrible. I can't believe a gym would do that to someone. Sorry you had such a horrible experience and I wish you all the best as you get back into it again. I hope you can find a gym full of loving and supportive people. Which city do you live in? I might be able to recommend some good trainers who can help you settle in well. x
  Reply