Changing gyms

[Roxy722]

I was talking to a bodybuilder that I met at the show I volunteered at and one of his strategies in keeping his progress moving along and his motivation high is to periodically change gyms. He said sometimes he just feels "blah" about training and bored of it and changing gyms will get his energy levels back up and moving. New people, new atmosphere and all that stuff.

I've thought about that since then and wondered what you think about it? Have any of you ever tried that? Most of my gym "friends" have moved on and the population of my gym has really changed in the last few months so I've been debating a change.

There's a few things though...I don't have many options in my end of the city and most places want you on some sort of a contract so gym hopping becomes more of challenge. Just curious if anyone has done that just for the sake of change and better motivation?

 

[nefertiti]

I was talking to a bodybuilder that I met at the show I volunteered at and one of his strategies in keeping his progress moving along and his motivation high is to periodically change gyms. He said sometimes he just feels "blah" about training and bored of it and changing gyms will get his energy levels back up and moving. New people, new atmosphere and all that stuff.

I've thought about that since then and wondered what you think about it? Have any of you ever tried that? Most of my gym "friends" have moved on and the population of my gym has really changed in the last few months so I've been debating a change.

There's a few things though...I don't have many options in my end of the city and most places want you on some sort of a contract so gym hopping becomes more of challenge. Just curious if anyone has done that just for the sake of change and better motivation?

I can't work out at just any gym....I hunt for my perfect fit, based on the kind of equip they have, the general atmosphere, people, location, etc. I need something that has more emphasis on catering to serious training than to the casual gym goer - very few gyms fit this. I also like getting into a groove with the other regulars so they all get to a point where they realize hitting on me is pointless and don't try anymore. So basically...switching around my gym situation doesn't really benefit me in any way unless I had some sort of negative experience at the previous one.

My current gym is pretty much perfect. I'm positive the guy running it is a bodybuilder because there is a heavy emphasis on serious weight training, very little cardio stuff, very few machines. The end result is that on any given day i've seen maybe 5-10 people tops who aren't legitimately in good (or fantastic) shape, and I know of five people who compete on a national level (even a woman BBer), and I'm sure there are more. being around people like that when i'm working out drives me like nothing else. Love it. I jokingly call it the serious people gym....my coworkers call it the steroids gym (lol).

 

[Island_Girl]

I agree that it is nice to have a change of scenery, so to speak, but also too, it's all about YOU. Your attitude and how you approach your training. How serious are you? I have a 24 hour fitness membership. Before this, I was going to a cheaper gym that pretty much was a little bit more hardcore than 24, but the owner were never taking care of their equipments. Cardio equipment and workout equipment were broken for months before they got around to getting it fix. Hubby and I got tired of it and decided to get out before they go under, if they did.

Our membership at 24 allows us to visit all the other 24's. I really like that.

 

[trex74]

I was talking to a bodybuilder that I met at the show I volunteered at and one of his strategies in keeping his progress moving along and his motivation high is to periodically change gyms. He said sometimes he just feels "blah" about training and bored of it and changing gyms will get his energy levels back up and moving. New people, new atmosphere and all that stuff.

I've thought about that since then and wondered what you think about it? Have any of you ever tried that? Most of my gym "friends" have moved on and the population of my gym has really changed in the last few months so I've been debating a change.

There's a few things though...I don't have many options in my end of the city and most places want you on some sort of a contract so gym hopping becomes more of challenge. Just curious if anyone has done that just for the sake of change and better motivation?

I looked around and comparison shopped till i dropped before I found my current gym. I chose it based on facilities, but also convenience (ie close to work), so I had the option to work out before work, at lunch, or after work if I wanted (which I generally don't).
Its a boutique gym, small, not too many cardio machines either. Its got a squat rack, a good free weight area, and some machines for variety. Theres also a smaller room for stretching which is also geared toward lady stuff (balls/ab machine/smaller range of weights) if I was so inclined. I use it for stretching.
I wouldn't change just for the sake of change though. I like a chill atmosphere, and wouldn't want try out another gym and find it too big, with too many people, and too much noise.

 

[RottenWillow]

I was talking to a bodybuilder that I met at the show I volunteered at and one of his strategies in keeping his progress moving along and his motivation high is to periodically change gyms. He said sometimes he just feels "blah" about training and bored of it and changing gyms will get his energy levels back up and moving. New people, new atmosphere and all that stuff.

I've thought about that since then and wondered what you think about it? Have any of you ever tried that? Most of my gym "friends" have moved on and the population of my gym has really changed in the last few months so I've been debating a change.

There's a few things though...I don't have many options in my end of the city and most places want you on some sort of a contract so gym hopping becomes more of challenge. Just curious if anyone has done that just for the sake of change and better motivation?

A change of gym scenery definitely works for me. Since I have trained at home for years the way I implement the change is just to rearrange all my equipment and change my gym mats. Switching gyms though is a heck of a lot more complicated. Like contemplating a divorce, you might really need the change but find it's just easier to stay where you are.

 

[Roxy722]

Thanks everyone for the feedback and thoughts. Nefertiti....I need to find a gym like yours! That sounds awesome. I agree...change for the sake of change is not always productive, especially with gym contracts etc and ultimately it's about the individual person. It was an interesting thought to consider. I'm at a Gold's, which you would think would be serious, but it's a bit more like a nightclub with groups of 20 yr old guys, travelling around in packs trying to look buff. You know ...the guys with the huge arms and chicken legs?!? Anyway...thanks again everyone for the thoughts. I'm staying put for now.

 

[nefertiti]

Thanks everyone for the feedback and thoughts. Nefertiti....I need to find a gym like yours! That sounds awesome. I agree...change for the sake of change is not always productive, especially with gym contracts etc and ultimately it's about the individual person. It was an interesting thought to consider. I'm at a Gold's, which you would think would be serious, but it's a bit more like a nightclub with groups of 20 yr old guys, travelling around in packs trying to look buff. You know ...the guys with the huge arms and chicken legs?!? Anyway...thanks again everyone for the thoughts. I'm staying put for now.

One of the regs at my gym:

I don't aspire to get that built up, but she still motivates me to push harder. There are a few figure girls/women who's names I don't know who also give me that extra push.

 

[Roxy722]

Awesome! ^^

It definitely inspires. That was how I decided to compete that first time was watching others in the gym train and seeing how much they changed and developed. Cool pic.

 

[nefertiti]

I just really really love having a gym where there are a group of regular women who train hard. Even in previous gyms I liked, I was pretty much....it (other than maybe one or two of the more hard core trainers). Which is pitiful. One of the women trainers at my gym has definitely abused the sauce a bit much, which I've actually never seen in person (meaning, she's gotten the masculine features, had some hair loss, etc). I'm almost tempted to do a sesh with her and get her hooked up with EF hahaha. The above female also trains, but individually, and I'm sure she charges out the butt.

 

[foxbody351w]

Changing gyms was detrimental to my physique and my gym motivation..let me explain..

I used to workout on base in an Army gym..being the ONLY girl in the "weight" section with a room full of soldiers really makes you push yourself-you definitely dont want to feel like a big lard butt working out with all those guys around..

fastforeward to today..I had to move because my husband deployed I went back home... The gym Im at now is great for the 24hr thing but its nothing but old folks looking to do a light walk on the treadmill and do a 20min full body "workout"....

It has been SOOO demotivating..caus Im considered one of the most FIT people there and Im not even close to being up to my standards.

I definitely think a change can be for the good if you are losing motivation..you may think maybe you are down on motivation for other reasons but it could be simple as not having a good hardcore gym amosphere with people that share the same physique standards as you.

PS..After "letting myself go" at that gym for 8months I moved 2 a diff gym so I can whip my butt back in shape before the holidays.