Working Out at the Gym

If your fitness plans include a gym membership, let’s take a look at how to find a gym that's right for you!

A quick reminder – before you get started with any new exercise plan – it’s always a good idea to talk with your eye doctor. For some people, heavy lifting, straining, or rapid movement could be a concern. Your doctor can help you decide what’s right for you.

Now, let’s check out that gym.

When you find a place you’re interested in, ask for a tour from a staff member – or a friend who already goes there – so they can help you learn the layout, and you can get a feel for the place.

They can show you the different workout areas you’re interested in, and you can see how well the space works for you. For example, are the pathways clear and wide? If you create a mental map of the areas and machines you’d like to use, that can help you decide whether this gym is a good fit for you.

While you’re touring the place, bring up any of your safety concerns, like trip hazards, and whether there’s plenty of space to do your activities. If you’re sensitive to glare, think about where the windows are and which way the machines face – and whether that works for you.

Your tour guide can also show you other areas of the gym, like the water fountains – and the locker room, restroom, and showers. They can also let you know whether you can reserve a locker that's easy to access – and you might be able to label your own locker, too.

Speaking of labeling, your tour time is a great chance to find out whether any machines you want to use have labels you can feel – or distinct markings you can find by touch. Ask if you can add your own labels or bump dots to the machines you’d like to use most often.

And one more great question to ask is whether the staff offers support when you need to access equipment, make adjustments, or change weights.

Once you find a gym that works for you, find out if you can access the information you need online, so you can read it the way you like – whether that’s enlarging the font or using a screen-reader. This is helpful for the registration paperwork as well as any class schedules, operating hours, and updates.

And when it comes to operating hours, you might want to find out when the gym is least crowded. If it works with your schedule, that could be an easier time to navigate the room and equipment.

After you’ve found a gym and signed up – even if it’s just for a trial period – that’s when the fun begins. Now you’re ready to get started with the cardio equipment, weights, group classes – or whatever you like best.

For some exercises, it can be helpful to mark off the space you need – for example, when you’re working with free weights or kettle bells, resistance bands or other handheld equipment. That way, you can move freely in an area without any obstacles.

To outline the area you need, try using a mat, a hula hoop, a brightly colored rope – or flat, colorful circles called poly spots. If you bring your own yoga mat from home, mark the sides with bright, contrasting tape – or raised markings like Velcro dots – you can find the edges more easily. For more ideas – including where to purchase poly spots – see the Resources section.

If you bring a white cane with you – or any other mobility device or adaptive equipment – talk to a staff member about where you can keep it, so it’s safely out of the way, and still nearby and easy to access. And if you’d like training on how to properly use a cane, contact an Orientation and Mobility instructor in your area. A Hadley Learning Expert can help you find one.

At most gyms, there are signs are posted with guidelines and etiquette rules. For example, they usually remind you to put away your weights and other equipment, and to wipe down the cardio and weight machines when you’re done. Those signs may be difficult for you to read, so just ask a staff member. They can show you where to find the cleaning supplies, so you don’t have to look around.

As always, if you need more information or you've got your own tips to share, contact a Hadley learning expert. Of course, as with anything new, give yourself time, patience and practice, and you'll get there.