So you’ve tried exercise and diet at home. But somehow no matter how long you stare at your treadmill or how many locks you put on the refrigerator the pounds just aren’t going away. If motivation is the deciding factor in whether or not you go through with a weight loss program then you may consider a gym membership.

Many people have found success by going this route not only because of the equipment available but because the people around them working their tails off make it seem a little more doable. After all, if you’ve got to suffer, why not suffer together?

Okay—so you’re really not supposed to suffer through a workout at a gym but you’d be surprised at the amount of people who have signed up for a membership with stars in their eyes only to find the facilities weren’t clean, hours didn’t fit their schedule, the drive was too long and they couldn’t get out of their contracts.

A member of Bally Fitness found out that even though he was moving to an area without a center, he could not get out of his three year contract without some major penalties. Don’t get stuck paying for a high priced gym membership that wasn’t all you thought it was like many people have before. I’ve compiled a list of the top rated gyms in the US and rated them against each other so that now, you can find a best friend in your gym membership card.

Here are my top five picks:

Bally Fitness: With a membership to Bally Fitness you’ll also get access to their online support area which will give you tools to help you keep track of your goals outside of the gym. Unfortunately, they have some bad publicity because of their strict contracts (you have to sign them for 3 years and basically take out a loan from them). This is why I would nominate them as a last resort gym.

World Gym: This gym has good facilities and service but nothing that stood out from the crowd. However, I found one happy customer who actually received phone calls from the gym when she skipped a few days to help her achieve her goal (which she did). There are over 300 locations and they occasionally offer free passes.

PowerHouse Gym: Can you say ahhh! Many of these high class gyms include in-house massage, tanning beds and spas. You can be sure that the little details will be taken care of all the way down to rubber floors that help absorb impact. The only problem is getting out of the spa room and onto the exercise machines. But you can also use it as a great reward for getting through the workout. They also have over 300 locations in 15 countries but offer no free passes.

YMCA: This gym has a huge focus on family activities so if you’ve got little ones bring them along. You’ll have quality time and be teaching your children healthy habits at the same time you’re burning fat. The only major complaint I have heard against the YMCA is that their equipment is not for serious athletes. But if you’re just looking to get a good cardio workout or lift some weights this may be the way to go. Plus, you don’t have to sign a contract to get in if you don’t want to. There are over 2,500 locations so you probably won’t have a hard time finding one nearby.

Gold’s Gym: You may have heard them be referred to as the ‘Mecca of Body Building.’ This is why many beginner athletes find Gold’s Gym to be intimidating when they first join. However, you can turn this into your biggest motivator as you strive to keep up with the amazing people around you and transform your body. They have 600 centers in 25 different countries

So there you have it. From Bally Fitness to Gold’s Gym you can find a center that gives you the rewarding experience you deserve. Just make sure that you like the associates you’ll be working with and that you read through the contracts carefully. Then get ready to enjoy a whole new way of life the will make you feel more energized and confident every day.

Karen Gates
http://www.articlesbase.com/fitness-articles/compare-gyms-and-save-82544.html

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