There are a number of reasons why you might be moving to a new gym. It might be through necessity such as a house move or work placement, which would mean it’s a forced move by all accounts. On other occasions you will decide that your existing gym no longer fulfil your needs of training, be it a lack or equipment or the absence of a particular service (i.e. exercise class) you are looking for.

Whatever the reasons are for you leaving your current gym, you need to make sure that your new gym offers the equipment and services you want. In this guide I hope to share with you the top five things you need to consider when changing gyms.

1) Gym Membership Contract

The usual practice of obtaining a membership is to first sign a lengthy contract (usually twelve months, sometimes more). Before signing a new contract, make sure you have cancelled your existing gym membership and paid any incurring charges for an early cancellation. Running two gym memberships contracts alongside one another doesn’t make economical sense. And of course, always beware if the excessively long contracts!

I am now a member of a gym in Newcastle that offers a contract-free gym membership. Contract-free gym memberships are fast becoming an industry standard, making the need for a contract at all obsolete.

2) Personal Trainers

You are never too advanced to get some expert advice. Enrolling some help from a personal trainer will get you to achieve more from your gym sessions, and reaching your targets quicker in the process.

Although it is rare, not all gyms offer access to personal training and if you are relatively new to the gym scene, I’d strongly suggest you avoid a gym that doesn’t.

3) Multisite Membership

If you are a frequent traveller or intend on joining a gym chain with multiple venues, be sure that they offer an ‘all site’ or multisite membership.

With my new gym membership, I have a site not too far from my place of work as well as a mile away from my home. This gives me the freedom and flexibility of choosing when and where I can workout at no extra cost.

4) Opening Times

I’m sure plenty of you will agree with me on this one. So many gyms offer such lacklustre opening times. Early opening times granted, but some close as early at nine o’clock in the evening. After a long days work it is comforting in the solace of a good workout.

With your new gym, check opening and closing times. Do they fit within your work and private life? If not, it might be worth considering a 24 hour gym.

5) Customer Support

Fingers crossed the majority of the time you will not need any form of customer support or help, but when you do, how will your new gym compare from your last?

Is there a direct phone number? Does any kind of support need to be sent exclusively online? Are they active and listening on social media? A lot of the leading gym chains are now extremely receptive over customer feedback via social media meaning a more meaningful and transparent experience.

Often the difference between a good company and a great company is the level of support they offer, gyms included.

There we have it: My top five factors to consider when moving to a new gym.

The author of this post works out at The Gym Group. It’s a gym in Newcastle which has changed his view on the way things should work within all gyms.