Training at GoodLife Fitness

It’s coming up a year since I joined GoodLife in December 2017 in Red Deer. Truthfully my attendance hasn’t been that stellar. Running always takes a priority over going to the gym. I really liked the gym in Red Deer. It was brand spanking new, clean and spacious. (I admit the steam room was my favourite part.)

Now that I am in living in Calgary, I have more options. There seems to be a GoodLife fitness on just about every corner. I was overjoyed to learn there’s a location within walking distance of where I live. Unfortunately I was not impressed with the cleanliness of the gym, and finding a disposable razor in the main workout sealed the deal. I need to train at another location. 

So far I have trained at the Beacon Hill, Deerfoot, Northland, and County Village locations. I really liked the spacious Beacon Hill location. Not only was it clean, the gym had space for box jumps and sledge pushes. As well there were a few different single glute machines. (I try to focus on single leg exercises because my right leg is stronger than my left. I really like the standing glue kickback things.)

The Deerfoot location is just minutes away from my office. I went last week during lunch and it had everything I needed. My plan is to train at least once a week at lunch hour. Next week I will be more efficient with my time. (The first few minutes in a new gym is always spent looking for the equipment.)

I didn’t know this gym was a women’s only one when I finally found it. I had a bit of a hiccup finding it because there was no clear signage. Finally I stopped a pedestrian in a parking lot who explained it was on the top floor of Superstore. I should have known. I shopped at Superstore near my house earlier in the week, and I noticed there was a gym on the top floor. The cashier and I had a great chat about where the best places are to train in the city. She gave me some tips. 

Anyway …. all I could smell was fish when I walked up the steps to the gym. Fortunately the smell was gone once I opened the doors to the gym. It was a small but good space. There’s four women’s only gyms in Calgary. I think that’s great for women who feel more comfortable working out in the presence of other women. Gyms can be intimidating with all the meatheads strutting around. 

Things to look for when joining a gym: 

• Top of my list is always cleanliness. It’s always encouraging to see staff cleaning. Also help them out by telling the front desk staff that it’s a mess etc. Also don’t be part of the problem. Ensure you are wiping down the machine or area after you use it.
• Location. Location. Location. I don’t like driving very far to work out (same with running) because the closer it is the more likely I will train. 
• The price. We all have expenses. Make sure it fits into your budget and don’t waste your money. Get to the gym.
• Opening hours. Do they work with your schedule? I’m fortunate because there’s 15 GoodLife locations in Calgary. If one is closed, likely another is open.
• Amenities/Equipment/Classes. I don’t generally go to classes but if it’s your thing, be sure to check out what they are offering. Be careful because sometimes extra classes add to your monthly fee. 

No doubt I will be heading to the gym more and more as the winter creeps closer. This month I have been focusing on glute strength. 

What do you look for in a gym? Do you strength train at home or at a gym?