1 – Well-maintained equipment (in the right quantities)

There’s a sweet spot with gyms: busy enough to feel motivated, but not so busy that the next piece of equipment in your workout isn’t available. Visit during peak times for a tour to check whether there’s enough space, equipment, and staff to provide helpful tips. Go a step further and ask for a trial session or free pass – then use it at 6pm on a weekday, or weekend morning.

Test the basics: are the benches stable? Are all the cables in working order? Are others putting their equipment back where they found it? This last check is a sign of mutual respect for the space and those who use it.

Check for functional training areas, too. The last thing you want to find is rows of machines that don’t translate to actually increasing your fitness in the real world. These should be near dedicated recovery and stretching stations.

2 – A welcoming community

Take a few minutes during your tour or trial session to sit back and observe. What does the atmosphere feel like? A welcoming community might mean members chatting, waving hello, and greeting staff by name. Members could step in to support each other with encouragement or spotting.

Imagine you’re trying a new piece of equipment. Would you feel comfortable asking for help if you couldn’t figure it out?

Try talking to a couple of different people to get the real vibe. You don’t have to instantly make friends – but observe whether you can feel relaxed enough to push yourself.

3 – Whatever removes your personal barriers

We each have our reasons for going to the gym. For some of us, it’s accountability: catching up with friends, updating our fitness apps, or keeping up with a trainer’s plans. For others, it’s social: going to classes, meeting new people. Look for the features in your next gym that meet those reasons, such as friendly trainers or a varied class schedule.

Equally, we all have our reasons for not going to the gym. Get honest with yourself: what’s derailed you from attending before? If convenience has previously been a barrier, prioritise a gym closer to your home or workplace so it’s not as much of an effort to get through the doors. If loud music and a competitive culture put you off, opt for a more peaceful space.

4 – Human-centric design to keep you grounded

The physical environment has a huge impact on training outcomes. While the stereotypical gym might have dark walls, loud music, and overhead fluorescent lighting, this combination isn’t ideal for our cortisol levels.

Take note of which gyms have incorporated human-centric design. Features to look for include plenty of natural light, plants, advanced air filtration, and sensible design of flow in the space. There’s a difference between a sterile basement or warehouse and a thoughtfully designed space to keep you enjoying training.

5 – Wellness beyond the weights

We’re moving beyond a place where gyms = treadmills and barbells. More and more gyms are becoming holistic wellness or lifestyle centres.
Think: recovery areas with saunas, cold plunges, and red light therapy to aid recovery. Treatment rooms provide space for physios and massage therapists to be on hand. On-site services for biometric testing and body composition analysis can elevate training to the next level. 

Gyms positioning themselves as ‘third spaces’ to truly integrate into your life might have extras like cafes and coworking areas. While these usually come at a cost, they may be worth the enhanced benefit to your wellbeing – and save you on memberships elsewhere.