Courtesy of JCC Buffalo

There is no secret recipe for a healthy life, but maintaining a balanced diet that focuses on nutrient-rich, low-calorie foods and exercising the recommended amount each week might be as close as it gets. For many people, staying physically fit involves going to the gym. 

There are over 205,000 health and fitness clubs worldwide and about 185 million gym memberships, according to data from Statista. In 2024, roughly 25% of the U.S. population had a membership to a gym, studio, or other fitness facility, based on a recent survey from the Health & Fitness Association. Given the wide variety of gyms and fitness centers available to consumers, finding the right place to start or continue a fitness journey may take some effort. To choose the best location, people can keep these key points in mind when checking out their options. 

  • Identify your needs and wants. First, decide what matters most to you in a facility. Do you want a location that emphasizes group classes? Are the hours convenient? Do you prefer a traditional gym with more free weights than machines? Are you looking for a facility that opens early in the morning or one with a pool? Make a list of your preferences to narrow down your options. 
  • Consider convenience. Even if a gym three towns away has all the features you want, ask yourself whether you’ll go there often enough when you need to exercise. A facility that’s closer to home or work makes it much easier to maintain your workout routine. 
  • Define your fitness goals. Losing weight is a common goal for many people, while others may aim to build muscle. Those focused on weight loss might look for a gym that offers a variety of cardiovascular exercises and specialized weight loss programs. Nutrition counseling could also be important. For muscle building, a facility with extensive weightlifting equipment and resistance training classes might be a better choice. 
  • Seek expert guidance. If you’re unsure where to begin your fitness journey, a gym with personal trainers can be a wise investment.  
  • Assess the appearance and ambiance. Visiting different gyms lets you compare similar facilities. Look for cleanliness and maintenance in all areas, including locker rooms and workout zones. Check if there’s enough equipment to accommodate everyone during your typical workout times. Consider the atmosphere and vibe of the gym—you want it to feel comfortable and welcoming. 

Fitness-minded individuals have various factors to consider when choosing fitness centers. Locally, the JCC offers top-notch gym equipment, numerous programs for adults, teens, and children, group exercise classes, cardio and conditioning sessions, personal training, an aquatics program, pickleball, cycling studios, indoor heated pools, art workshops, a café, adult day trips, discussion groups, mahjong classes, crochet classes, theatre workshops, live theatre, summer camps, and much more. Most importantly, the JCC provides activities for all ages in a welcoming community environment at both its locations in Getzville and Buffalo. Learn more at www.jccbuffalo.org. A key goal of the JCC is to keep membership affordable. Learn more at https://www.jccbuffalo.org/forms/membership-application.