As we head into 2026, there are some people out there who may be considering a traditional gym after years of doing Peloton or some at-home routine. I prefer a dedicated, stand-alone gym and have usually been a member of one type or the other for the past 30+ years in an effort to keep myself in shape.
But over the last couple of years, I’ve noticed more young people at these traditional gyms. While cycle bars and cross-fit gyms can be fun, I’m usually shocked at how much they charge so I can totally understand why the younger generation are now considering more affordable options.
If you’re picking a gym, I usually focus on three or four basic criteria.
- Location: Keep it as close to home/office as possible. Within a 10 minute drive is ideal, within a 5 minute ride is perfect!
- Group classes: If you’re a fan, then the selection of classes, schedule, and instructors will have a huge impact on your choice. If you don’t care, you can save some money by choosing a gym without classes which are usually a pricey option and addition.
- Machines: Usually the choices will revolve around weight machines, cable machines and free weights (dumbbells, barbells). Depending on your preference, you might like a certain mix and possibly, even certain brands of machine and equipment.
- People/staff: Even if you don’t interact with gym people that much, I prefer gyms where the members are truly focused on their work outs. Some lean towards more social settings, others are good for beginners, some are super-serious gyms for body builders and power lifters. I prefer middle in the road but with people that are truly there to work out! I don’t like gyms where people are just hanging around, standing, and chatting. Just my preference but you need to find your gym tribe.
| Gym Dos | Gym Donts |
|---|---|
| Get into a regular habit of going to the gym by identifying the best time slots in your schedule as the week approaches. Be consistent, there are times when your body and mind are ready to hit the gym. | Don’t fiddle around with your phone when using equipment or on a machine! You may not think someone is waiting on that machine but in busier times, someone probably is waiting. Staying focused on your workout is about respecting everyone’s time. |
| Do wear closed-toe footwear to protect your feet. Sandals and the like are a no-no. Not great for lifting, hazardous and sort of gross to look at. | Don’t leave plates or cables on a machine after working out. Re-rack your dumbbells, and plates, it’s the right thing to do and signals to others that you’re done. |
| Do ask for advice or a lifting spot if you need help and/or are uncertain how to use a machine. 90% of people at the gym are happy to help for a moment. | If you want to flirt, don’t abuse a situation of a person on a cardio machine or finishing up a set. If you want to talk and socialize, try to do it before/after their workout ends. Socializing does happen, just be respectful |
| Do be careful walking through machines and racks, give people plenty of clearance for their lifting to make sure you don’t accidentally get in the way or get clipped by a moving weight arm, very rude. | Don’t block the walkway or areas of the floor where people naturally flow. If you’re chatting at the gym, find a quiet area off the beaten path. |
| Do put plates back on storage pegs at the machines and try to stack them with the heavier weights on the bottom, lighter plates on top. And keep a good variety of plates on the machine. No need for 6 10-lb plates at one machine | Don’t hog up machines for extended lengths of time and if you do, let people work in. If there’s only one machine type and you’re doing super sets (multiple sets across two exercises), you might be hogging both machines for 10 minutes or so. |
| Do clean up after yourself. If you use a paper towel or track anything into the gym (litter/leaves), pick it up and dispose of it properly. Those garbage cans are there for a reason. And check your locker thoroughly before leaving. | Don’t leave the benches and seats sweaty! I’m not a clean freak and don’t mind a little moisture left behind but if you’re doing cardio and/or are just a sweaty person, please give it a quick wipe down before moving on. I also wipe down any grips given cold/flu season. |
| Do let the staff know if a machine is broken, a pin is missing or maybe a cable is near its end of life. Equipment maintenance is important and you can help. | Don’t leave bags/bottles by a machine for an extended length of time. Please make sure to move it with you or tuck it away where people won’t mistake that a machine/bench is being used/taken. |
Now as for memberships, I’d go month by month until you’re pretty sure the gym is a right choice. There’s usually no major difficulty in going from month to month to a year-long gym contract and getting the savings but I think it’s important to make sure the gym works for you before committing.
If you’re a newbie going to the gym for the first time (or first time in a while), take it easy when you start. No need to go at it too hard when starting out, spend the first month just getting to understand how much weight you should be working with and what seat settings you should be using. Build slowly or else I guarantee you’ll be super sore and reluctant to come back in for your next visit. And have a solid goal in mind, lifting and working out is as much about your mindset as it is about your body.
So are you ready for a great new year at the gym for 2026? Follow these guidelines and I’m pretty sure you’re likely to have a more enjoyable and efficient experience at the gym. We’re all rooting you on but the more you can avoid newbie errors, the more progress and positivity you’ll take from your gym experience!
