Thread: Small Gyms vs. Large Gyms

less assholes to deal with, but then again they might all be assholes in which case you cant escape them

I think it really comes down to price and if they have the equipment that you need. It isnt really worth it if the dont unless the price difference is huge

local gym $350 vs. Golds gym $650

You can't beat Golds gym equipments. They are all new machines. They always have the latest machines out. But this local gym has way less people thus no waiting on machines plus lots of parking spaces. The machines are not so old but getting up there in age and design which in a way is good because it'll force me to use more free weights.

I personally prefer smaller gyms, they usually have a much more friendly environment then the biger ones.

I second a smaller gym.

One caveat though, since alot of gyms come and go DO NOT PAY FOR A LONG PERIOD CONTRACT! The last small gym I joined went belly up unexpectantly and turned into an all womens gym
Luckily I paid monthly so I wasen't in too bad of shape financially speaking.

Small gyms are the shit...assuming they have the necessaties (bench, barbell/dumbells, power rack, dip/pull station is pretty much all you need). Quit worrying about the machines you pansy and start squattin!

Well just depends on the equipment. As long as its good I am to. Ussually little gyms aren't to equiped, but its nice to be left alone.

Originally posted by Yanick
Small gyms are the shit...assuming they have the necessaties (bench, barbell/dumbells, power rack, dip/pull station is pretty much all you need). Quit worrying about the machines you pansy and start squattin!

LOL! Yep, this small gym got all that and a squat rack! I'm not too crazy about their leg press machines though. It looks like it could tilt to one side if you don't load it correctly.

Not enough women

Originally posted by x~factor
LOL! Yep, this small gym got all that and a squat rack! I'm not too crazy about their leg press machines though. It looks like it could tilt to one side if you don't load it correctly.

So just make sure you aren't stupid and load it correctly...problem solved. Jeez Ray, do I need to tell you everything?

Originally posted by P-funk
So just make sure you aren't stupid and load it correctly...problem solved. Jeez Ray, do I need to tell you everything?

That does it then. I'm signing up tonight!

Originally posted by Vieope
Not enough women

You are right. There was none when I went to check it out yesterday. Oh well, less distractions.

Originally posted by x~factor
Is there any advantages or disadvantages joining a smaller gym compared to a large chain gyms like Gold's and Powerhouse?

Thanks.

IMO, larger gyms have better equipment. Why, because of clientel. When something breaks, they'll be able to fix it MUCH faster than the smaller gyms. May take them a little longer.


Pick a gym that meets your goals/interest

I would rather go to the gym itself and make a decision based on that, the name on the door doesn't mean much to me unless the signup fee is CRAP (24 Hour I hear is $159 now?)

I would like to make it clear, when I said Larger Gyms are better.....I meant, Chain and SQ FT wise........


A name is a name is a name is a name.......Just like mudge said

my 2 favorite gyms i've ever belonged to are ironically polar opposites. one was very small and VERY basic. lots of serious lifters though. locker room was a little scary. they cleaned it...but still. (didn't matter to me - i changed at home anyway)

they had a few old pieces of equipment that i really liked and haven't seen since (vertical leg press was awesome)

i'd say that little hole in the wall was my 2nd favorite gym.

my favorite? Gold's Venice. absolute heaven. i never knew how motivating an atmosphere could be until i belonged there.