Choosing a gym is often the first step to better health and fitness.

A gym membership also gives you access to the latest exercise equipment.

At-home gym machines are often of lower quality than their professional counterparts and can lead to injury.

Woman working out at a gym

On top of that, you might not know how to safely use them.

More than 20% of injuries were associated with treadmill use.

AsMuscle and Fitnessputs it, finding the right gym is similar to building a relationship.

Men and woman taking spinning classes

you gotta reflect on your goals, plan things out, and do some vetting.

For starters, consider the following aspects before getting a gym membership.

Training for strength or muscle growth is different than training for fat loss.

Personal trainer showing his client how to deadlift

Another option is to look for CrossFit gyms, which offer different types of exercise equipment.

The question is, do you really need these services?

Consider your pre- and post-workout routine, too.

24-hour fitness center

Consider your fitness level

The experts atWebMDsuggest choosing a gym based on your fitness level.

If you’re just getting started, look for traditional fitness centers that offer a little bit of everything.

Ask about their personal trainers, their qualifications, and their approach to health and fitness.

Bodybuilding.comrecommends looking for personal trainers with advanced degrees or certifications.

Anyone can obtain a basic certificate, but this says nothing about his experience and knowledge.

Also, note that some gyms offer discounts on personal training packages.

The more sessions you book, the lower the price.

Gold’s Gym, on the other hand, appeals mostly to bodybuilders and powerlifters.

For example,Anytime Fitnessoffers a seven-day free pass in most of its locations.

As a rule of thumb, avoid long-term memberships, especially when joining a new gym.