Pick the Perfect Gym for Your Arthritis Workout

Whether you’re just starting out or a fitness fanatic, joining a gym is an excellent way to get exercise. These nine tips can help you choose a fitness club that’s right for you.

The most common excuse people give for not working out is that they don’t have time. Eliminate that one from your list by choosing a gym that’s near your home or work. Make sure the gym hours suit your own schedule. Does it have a pre-dawn opening for early birds or an after-hours option for night owls? If it’s close by and fits in your day, you’re more likely to go.

Most gyms allow you to work out for free for a day, and sometimes up to a week, so you can experience the facilities firsthand. Take advantage of it. Tour the gym and confirm that you’re comfortable with everything from the locker rooms to the other clientele. If possible, visit at different times of the day to gauge the crowds.

Pre-workout screenings tell a great deal about the gym’s sensitivity and knowledge of special needs. Detailed assessments of fitness factors such as agility, coordination, endurance, balance and strength can help you structure a successful workout program. Many gyms include this service for free with membership.

Classes are usually included in the membership fee, so find a gym with joint-friendly classes you’ll want to take. Look for aquatic fitness, stretching programs, tai chi and other low-impact classes that can be taken either standing or sitting (like biking) and include a full range of motion. If you’re planning on swimming or taking water-based classes, warmer water is better suited for those with arthritis. Look for heated pools with temperatures above 83 degrees F.

Consider a well-rounded class schedule. For seniors, programs should focus not just on cardio or strength training, but work on flexibility and balance as well. Balance degrades with age, but you can maintain and often improve your balance if you work at it.

You’ll more likely to stick with a routine if you work out with like-minded people of a similar age group. If you’re a Baby Boomer, consider senior-specific programs, which provide mental fitness activities and social programs in addition to physical fitness classes. If you’re overweight, there are fitness centers that tailor to a plus-sized clientele.

Make sure there’s plenty of open floor space so you can move around in comfort. Resistance machines should be relatively easy to adjust, and cardio equipment should include relatively low levels and safety mechanisms so you can get on and off easily. Stretching mats, light weights, exercise balls and resistance bands should be available, too.

Ask to be paired with a trainer who has experience working with people who have arthritis or physical limitations and/or who are overweight or a senior citizen. He or she will better understand your challenges and be able to provide appropriate advice, such as equipment to try or to avoid.

Look closely at any contract before signing and make sure you’re not locked in for any period longer than you want to commit. It’s also helpful to ask if there’s a trial membership period and/or an early cancellation option and/or fee. That way, if you find that the facility is not providing you with the type of assistance you were looking for, you can exit the contract with no significant penalties.

Ready to get started? Try our Your Exercise Solution (YES) tool or download the YES Tool Mobile App to find the perfect arthritis-friendly exercises for you.