Find the gym that fits your life

By Jackie Valley

Sunday, Jan. 11, 2015 | 2 a.m.

Another frosted Christmas cookie? No problem.

One more frothy cocktail? Hand it over.

An extra scoop of grandma’s butter-soaked mashed potatoes? Of course.

If this sounds familiar, don’t despair. The holidays are meant for indulgence — that’s why we have New Year’s resolutions.

Among the most popular? Ambitious and enthusiastic vows to shed pounds, eat fewer carbohydrates and tone floppy muscles.

Here’s the catch: Accomplishing such feats takes more than a verbal declaration. For many, it means joining a gym. And finding a gym that suits your fancy can be an undertaking, given the plethora of options available in the Las Vegas Valley.

So before you sign on the dotted line, consider the following tips from Pete McCall, a personal trainer certified by the American Council on Exercise.

Location, location, location

Convenience matters. Be realistic about how far you’re willing to drive to the gym.

If you’re more likely to exercise right after work, consider finding a gym near your office or workplace. Otherwise, stick closer to home. It’s amazing how much of a burden driving an extra five minutes can feel like over time.

“It can be the most beautiful gym in the country, but if it’s not near you, you’ll find excuses not to go,” McCall said.

The piggy bank factor

Monthly gym fees can range from $10 to more than $100 for a single person and several hundred for a family. Figure out what you can afford ahead of time.

McCall compared it to choosing a restaurant: If you’re looking for a quick bite and don’t care much about variety, find a cheaper place. A richer experience, however, will mean forking over more money.

“Not all gyms are equal,” McCall said.

If you want spa-like amenities or a wide range of classes, be willing to dig deeper into your pocket.

No matter the choice, though, paying a membership fee should be good motivation to go.

Spot check

Take tours of the gyms you’re considering. Keep an eye out for dust or dirty surfaces. If the owners don’t keep the place clean, the exercise equipment could be in disrepair, too.

While you’re there, ask about classes offered, costs to attend them and certification of personal trainers and instructors. Knowledgeable trainers can help you reach your fitness goals more quickly without injury, McCall said.

The social scene

Try to get a sense of the gym’s clientele. If you go often enough, the gym can become a great social outlet, so choose a place frequented by the type of people you might enjoy getting to know. Some gyms cater to the young, single crowd, others to families.

“That’s why group fitness programs are so successful,” McCall said. “You’re there with friends and meet new people.”

And don’t necessarily dismiss a gym popular among co-workers. Chatting up your boss during a spinning class might improve your office relationship, McCall said.

Kid-approved

If you have young children, squeezing in workouts can be difficult. But it can be more attainable if your gym offers child care.

Do your homework first, though. Are the child-care employees state-certified and trained? Do they separate babies and toddlers from older children for safety? Ask about costs and schedules, too.

The benefits of a gym membership can extend to older children as well. Find out what classes and activities are offered for children and teens and the age minimum for using workout equipment.

The great outdoors

Hate the thought of working out with a ceiling over your head but can’t get motivated to go for a solo run? You’re not alone.

That’s why outdoor group exercise classes are becoming increasingly popular, McCall said.

Boot Camp Las Vegas is one example. Hourlong classes are offered at multiple parks across the valley.

Online information

As more people strive to achieve healthy lifestyles in addition to rock-hard abs, gyms are taking notice and launching blogs with recipes, weight-loss tips and workout plans. Such online perks can add value to a gym membership.

Gym hunters should consider whether membership comes with post-workout engagement opportunities, McCall said.

“Are they giving me resources outside the gym that I can use?” he said.