Looking for a Gym? Here’s What
Seniors Need to Know

If you’re a senior looking for a gym, don’t be put-off by all the testosterone-driven, muscle-bulging youngsters. You have a right to good health and fitness and everyone starts somewhere. Remember the tortoise. You want to be among those who live longer.

The way to live longer is to be stronger. Strength training creates younger-looking bodies and improves metabolic functioning on a cellular level. By lifting and pulling weights two or three days a week, seniors can build muscle. You can use the free weights, weight machines and all sorts of strength training equipment, available at most gyms.

I am aware that many seniors do not want to join a gym. There are many reasons for this (what will those young, fit people think?!)

Forget about it. Everyone starts somewhere. And it’s too easy to be distracted or unmotivated when you try to work out at home. I encourage you to join one, especially to get started. Why?

Gym Benefits for Seniors

1. 1. Great equipment. Most gyms have simple exercise machines that help you get started correctly. As the science of exercise advances, engineers are designing and improving machines to advance performance safely. And, exercise machines help protect from injuries. Ergo, the newer the machine, the better it is for your fitness comfort, safety, and control.
   2. Take advantage of personal trainers. Most gyms have personnel who are educated on the proper use of equipment. They monitor your form and development. They are there if you have questions or concerns. For seniors with injuries or limitations, this is crucial. A trainer will help you achieve optimum performance in a reasonable time.
   3. Get a personalized program you can follow. Personal trainers will customize a program routine specifically suited for you, your age, body and current condition. This is especially important for beginners: a trainer can guide you until you understand enough about your body to avoid injuries.

I recommend that you visit local gyms before you sign up, more so for previewing equipment than for price. Most gyms will be competitively priced, particularly for new members. Look for gyms offering cardio equipment, free weights, and the latest in exercise machine technology.

Some gyms have very new equipment and provide towels and liquid in spray bottles for members to clean the equipment after each use. Others are “muscle gyms” with a lot of testosterone and banging of free weights. I do not recommend that type of gym for any beginner―in fact, after many years of gym life, I don’t like those gyms even for myself.

Gym Checklist for Seniors

Here are a few tips I share with other seniors when they begin “shopping” for the best gym. Use it as your checklist:

• Look for a clean gym. Check the machines, locker-rooms, showers, rest rooms and any food or juice bars.
• Take an inventory of their machines; do they offer an assortment (cardio & strength) of new or newer machines?
• Check the number of free weights; do they offer a number of relatively light weights?
• Visit the gym during peak hours (early morning or late afternoon) to check the clientele, and if necessary, return at the time you would normally go to see how crowded it is.
• Inquire about national/international membership if you plan to travel.
• Ask to meet with a personal trainer and request a couple of beginner sessions.

Then, if all is to your liking, sign a gym membership for one month (unless you are 100 percent committed to this program and their yearly or senior discount is favorable). In many cases, daily memberships are available, which allow you to decide if this is the place for you, before you enter into a longer contract.

What do you think? Why haven’t you joined a gym? Or, what do you enjoy about your gym membership? We’d love to hear from you!