͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
| |
|
|
| I joined my local Pilates studio because it’s 5 minutes from home, fits within my budget, and (most importantly) meets my needs. The instructors are very kind, give clear directions, and there are plenty of schedule options to choose from. The class size is small and intimate, too, so I’m not overwhelmed by a large group of people. The monthly membership is on the pricier side, but it’s worth the money because it checks off so many boxes.
|
| The reasons behind choosing a gym, studio, or fitness center are very personal. So, what factors should you consider when debating if a spot is right for you? Keep reading to find out what matters to us, and what might matter to you, too.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Be well,
Morgan Mandriota
Newsletter Editor, Healthline
|
 |
|
Written by Morgan Mandriota
October 8, 2025 • 4 min read |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
|
|
| How we found our current gym, and why we’re sticking with it
|
| “A variety of class offerings is a must-have for me. I don’t want to pay for separate memberships at a yoga studio and strength class studio, but I love all types of group fitness classes. Three years ago, I joined a gym that offers everything from HIIT-style classes to sonic meditation.” — Emery Wright, editorr
|
| “I’ve left gyms when class schedules didn’t work out for me, or when an introductory membership deal ended and the regular price didn’t seem worth it. I joined my current gym in June. It’s a bit pricier than other local gyms, but I like that it offers a wide range of classes at times that suit me. I much prefer instructor-led classes because they keep me motivated, and I enjoy the community vibe of working out alongside others. I also appreciate that it has a sauna and steam room in the women’s changing area, which makes me feel more comfortable and like I'm getting more for my money.” — Chloe Szilagyi, editor
|
| “I want to feel like the teachers and trainers know what they are doing, not just trying to check a box. I’ve found one yoga studio I absolutely loved and consistently went to because the owner really knew her stuff. It wasn’t just any other, move-through-each-pose-quickly kind of class. She took the time to break down poses into small steps and explained what was happening in your body and muscles. Instead of rushing through it, you understood it and were better for it.
|
| “I feel like so many trainers don’t take the time to correct bad posture or incorrect form, and it’s such a disservice. The only reason I stopped going was because we moved to a different state, and no studio has ever really compared.” — Catherine Conelly, commerce editor
|
| “I joined my gym because it’s within walking distance, and it’s inexpensive. I bought some personal training sessions in the beginning. They focus on strength training and how to lift weights safely. This builds your confidence. Now I attend a couple of weekly classes for strength training.” — Susan McBratney, medical editor
|
| “I wanted to get as much as possible for my gym membership, and I’m really lucky that my local gym is owned by a nationwide company, so my membership level provides me access to all gyms with the same membership price! I can use the athletic track, gym (cardio, machines, free weights), swimming pool, squash and tennis courts, and even a cycling track!
|
| “I’ve left other gyms before because the membership was expensive and didn’t give me much. Another reason is that they only had communal open showers.” — Veronica Zambon, senior market editor
|
| | |
