What to look for when choosing a gym in London

There are quite a few things to consider when choosing the right gym for you and it’s not just about the price. Frequency of use, location, type of equipment, quality of personal trainers, ambience and assorted facilities are all important factors when considering which gym to join. After drawing up your shortlist you need to whittle it down to a couple that you might want to visit before making your final decision on which gym will suit your lifestyle best.

The first thing to consider is ‘location, location, location’. What is most important to you? Should the gym be near your home, close to work or somewhere in between? Or perhaps being near your children’s school is the key. Remember to consider how your gym visits will fit into your current daily schedule as that will also help you decide the location.

Next, ask yourself how often you will be using the gym - and be totally honest! There’s no point signing up to a ‘four times a week’ fitness plan if your commitments simply prevent you from getting there more frequently than once a week - you’ll simply be wasting your money. Perhaps you need motivation and want to attend gym with a friend so you can spur each other on. In that case, is the location the most convenient for you both?

Additionally, what type of fitness equipment do you need? Are you likely to concentrate on weights, the latest cardiovascular machines, or perhaps you want to undertake a mixed programme. Will your chosen gym have the right equipment for you to undertake your fitness regime? If your plan is for a structured and supervised fitness programme, are there qualified, reliable and friendly trainers available at the gym ready to attend to your needs?

Once you’ve finished your work out, will you be able to change in comfort and then have a chat with your friends in a comfortable coffee shop or bar? Or perhaps you want to do more, such as have a swim or pamper yourself in a spa. Lastly, it’s very important that you feel comfortable in the gym and its surroundings. You will want the ambience to be suited to you. In this instance, you'll have to decide whether you prefer loud and energetic music, or perhaps a more sedate environment.

Once you have answered all those questions, honestly evaluated your motivation and all your needs, you’ll know whether you want to go for the ultimate health club in Kensington offering the full works or whether to choose a specialist fitness gym with less add-ons closer to home. You know what you want - now go for it!

Elisha Burberry is a freelance writer who loves her job and the occasional glass of red wine.