We need exercise to help us with keeping a healthy heart, body, and mind. And whether you want to go in order to gain weight, or simply to get the blood moving, it seems there are an endless number of studios, gyms, pools, and tracks available, so finding the right one can be difficult. It’s important to choose the correct location for you, so you can get active and stay that way.

Here is a quick list of tips on choosing the right gym:

1. Research the gym you want to go to. Ask whether or not the staff is certified in weight training, and if they have proper experience. It will be a great benefit to have an educated person assisting you on different techniques and machines.

2. Have a walk through. Look at the machines to see that they are well maintained. Check the cushions and the cables. Also, breathe the air. It’s important to have a well ventilated space – oxygen equals energy.

3. Check the temperature. Cold gyms increase the possibility of muscle injury, while gyms that are too hot can be uncomfortable and put you in danger of passing out. Look at doors leading to the outside and see if they are properly insulated.

4. Check the facilities and schedules. For example, some places will have a pool available, and being that swimming is a great way to stay fit, you may want to use it. But options like pool use are often set to regular schedule by the gym, and if your life doesn’t fit in that schedule it is tough luck for you. Understanding your own timelines before you go in is important.

5. Are there regular follow-up opportunity’s to speak with a trainer? Knowing what is happening with your progress is important. A good gym will have someone to talk to in order to help you improve and keep you from injuring yourself.