Have you ever walked into a restaurant and felt less clean than you did before entering? You can smell the kitchen, in a bad way. The menu has remnants of mystery something-or-other plastered to the front. The wait staff doesn't make eye contact. Looking around, you see just a few people in the place, and it is starting to make sense why. Or how about when you visit a salon? Everyone wants answers to the same questions. Is the salon clean? Is the staff friendly? Do they do a nice job?A gym is no different. Your gym's atmosphere will play a huge part in your attendance and retention. The atmosphere will either make you run to the doors and bust those babies down because you're so excited to get there, or drag your feet each dreaded time, debating if you should even workout that day.CamaraderieWith iPods, smart phones, and modern technology, the camaraderie in gyms between members is not what it once was. There was a time when no one had headphones during their workouts, and people didn't text their friends who weren't even there at the gym about plans for the night. However, even today, walking into a gym and seeing people working out together, talking in-between sets, taking classes together, pushing, laughing and struggling together gives you that gym-family feel. That is where it's at...like there's a scene from "Cheers" going on in the basement of the gym and you have to be invited.Energy/TensionA little bit of nervous / anxious / excited tension is great for the gym. If you walk into a gym during a "high time" and do not feel challenged to have a great workout, you are either at your grandmother's Silver Sneakers class, or at a very boring gym. I am not knocking Silver Sneakers, but rather emphasizing the importance of a challenging atmosphere. I honestly have to say, I love the people in the gym that are a little "too much." I appreciate people who are a bit over the top, energetic, excited, or even borderline crazy. It gives that needed balanced to the normal, calm, self-controlled members (this type is just as equally appreciated.)Gym StaffGym employees are the backbone of the atmosphere. Trainers, front desk workers, group fitness instructors, managers, and even owners all help set the mood. How do you feel when you first walk into your gym? Do you feel that the atmosphere is inviting and warm? Immediately you should have people saying "Hello." From the front desk staff, to the trainer on the floor, to the owner you pass in the locker room. Individuals who are in the fitness industry should want to talk to you, get to know you, and build some type of relationship with you. If they aren't this type of person, they should be behind a desk pounding away on a keyboard. Speaking on behalf trainers, it is pretty easy for us to catch a hint when someone is there just to block out the world, and wear the "beware of dog" mug on their face. To avoid the bite, we don't even bark. (See what I did there?) But honestly, for the most part, members do want and appreciate some type of interaction. Trust me; we are more than happy to give it to you. Gym people love people.Cool Down: ConclusionIf you are in the hunt for a gym or perhaps you are looking to re-join a gym, pay attention to the atmosphere. Take a tour of the place. If the gym does offer a free day or week, take full advantage and make mental notes of how you feel during your visits. Your gym should be one of the best places on earth. Find yours and love it. Tags: Shopping for a Gym
