When you walk into a potential gym, pay attention to all the details. Is the lighting too bright? Too dim? Music too loud? Classes too crowded? Are there too many "meat heads" for your taste? Things that may not seem important during your initial tour can become major gripes later on. Cleanliness of the gym is a common example, so look for signs of regular maintenance.
“Two telltale signs of gym cleanliness are the bathrooms and the corners,” says Joe Vennare, certified fitness professional and co-founder of Hybrid Athlete. “If the bathroom is dingy and there is dirt or dust-bunnies in the corners, upkeep is an issue.” Vennare also recommends checking to see if the facility provides a way to disinfect equipment after use. “Look for gym wipes or a spray bottle and towels, and see if anyone actually uses them,” he says.
