Pros and Cons Of Joining A 24/7 Chain Gym

Many out there want to get more fit and healthy.  One of the first ways is to choose which type of gym you want to attend.  I currently attend Anytime Fitness, a 24/7/365 gym that is part of a chain of over 2,200 worldwide. I was used to attending a local gym for years with limited hours. I have found Anytime to be more advantageous, and so have many other fitness buffs. 

It appears 24 hour fitness centers are opening everywhere, and increasing in popularity.  Here are some of the pros and cons of joining this type of facility. 

Pros:

1. You obviously get to workout anytime, anywhere your gym is located.  If you're on vacation, or a night out, you can squeeze in a late workout.  You control your hours and workout pace.  You also are not limited by holidays.

2. You open yourself to a wider network of people and equipment.  Before, you may have been limited to only one gym, with a certain variety of equipment and classes. Now you are exposed to an unlimited variety of the latest in equipment, classes, and overall fitness tools.

3. Security is usually tight at these sorts of facilities.  There are extra cameras and alarms.  Therefore, no one can just come in, not even during staffed hours. Police also have rapid response times when an alarm is enabled.

4. You are now low on excuses to workout, which goes back to #1. Many chains have something for everyone besides flexible hours and days. There are large gyms, small gyms, and those right in the middle.

5. The members are very friendly and helpful.  The rules are stricter, especially during non-staffed hours.  Therefore, more people, veterans and newbies, tend to take their fitness more seriously.  They are also very willing to help you out and let you work in sets with you.

Cons:

1. Personal touch can be lost. Many locally owned gyms depend solely on the membership base to survive and not stockholders. Therefore, they are often quicker to show their appreciation and grace.

2. It's easier to find a workout buddy or group at a traditional gym. Since hours are limited, more people come at the same time, to the same gym, and building bonds is easier. Members of 24/7 gyms tend to come at scattered hours and days and are harder to catch.

3. Cost. Monthly fees and contracts are easier with a local gym. 24/7 gyms have to abide by corporate regulations, which means higher start-up costs, and long term contracts.

4. It can be easier for a newbie to be distracted and lose focus. At a traditional gym, staff and trainers are always on hand to encourage and assist. There are times where one may feel isolated at a 24/7 gym.

5.  You may not have a 24/7 gym close to you. Let's face it, having access to many gyms is nice, if you're out a lot and/or are in close proximity. The closest and cheapest gym to you may be the local, mom and pop gym and that is fine.

I chose my gym because it fit my preferences and fitness lifestyle.  I am not trying to force anyone to join. The aim is to show what appears to be an evolution in fitness, and something that may be worth a try. 

The main thing is being somewhere where you're comfortable and motivated to go regularly and lead a healthier lifestyle.  The final decision will be up to you.