Stop Wasting Time! 3 Gym Hunting Mistakes You Must Avoid

By Jason David

3 common pitfalls faced by beginners in the realm of fitness and how to overcome them effectively.

1. Stop Price Shopping: Understanding the True Value of Quality Coaching

When choosing a gym, many beginners fall into the trap of focusing solely on price. But price shopping alone rarely leads to long-term health success. While it’s essential to stay within budget, prioritizing quality coaching and the opportunity to build long-term skills is even more important.

High-quality coaching often comes at a higher cost, but it’s an investment in your health that pays dividends. If you’ve achieved success at a budget gym like Planet Fitness, that’s great, though it’s rare. But if you’re still searching for results, it may be time to look for a facility that offers expert coaching and a more comprehensive approach.

Helpful tip: Your gym membership should cost more than your Amazon Prime subscription. Your health is worth it.

2. Stop Prioritizing Safety and Injury Prevention Above All Else

Safety is always a top priority in fitness, but avoiding all risk can hold you back. Most injuries happen when individuals ignore their coaches or act recklessly, not from the inherent challenges of the activity itself.

If your coach tells you to take a break because your form is slipping, listen. Pushing through fatigue with bad form is a fast track to injury. Trust your coaches and take responsibility for your own safety.

Injuries are a possibility, but they’re often minor and part of the process. Athletes understand that setbacks happen and use them as opportunities to learn and grow. Avoid the “safety trap” of staying stagnant, and focus on improving yourself responsibly.

Helpful tip: Think about the people you admire who’ve faced challenges in their sport or activity. Do you admire their perseverance? Why?

Legal Disclaimer: If you join a good gym, you WILL get hurt. This isn’t fine print. It’s reality.

3. Find Something You Suck At: Embracing the Learning Curve

Everyone starts as a beginner. Whether it’s CrossFit, martial arts, or another activity, you’ll likely be bad at it when you start, and that’s okay. Growth begins with effort, not perfection.

Look to those around you for inspiration. That 64-year-old in your first CrossFit class didn’t get there overnight. She put in the time. The white-haired guy with a purple belt in jiu-jitsu was once a beginner, just like you.

Embrace the initial challenges and trust the process. With persistence and dedication, you’ll improve more than you ever thought possible.

Helpful tip: What would you tell your child if they struggled in soccer or their first violin recital? Apply that same encouragement to yourself.

In Conclusion

Making a change doesn’t mean overhauling your life. It starts with a single decision. Find a legitimate gym. One that makes you nervous walking through the door, not because of the price tag, but because of the challenges ahead.

Instead of fearing cost, let it guide you toward what you need. And if you’re worried about being the oldest, weakest, or clumsiest, know this. You won’t be the only one. You’ll just be the newest.

Picture yourself telling your doctor about a sprained ankle from box jumps instead of needing another prescription for blood pressure meds. That’s an achievement to be proud of.

Your first day will likely be your hardest. Your first CrossFit thruster will feel awkward, and your first jiu-jitsu move might look more like a flail than a technique. But that’s okay. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about starting something new.

Looking for a gym near you? Visit Gym Force to find one today.