What can you get from a fitness club that you can't get from a regular gym?

Cost, types of membership and opening hours all play a factor in this decision, but at the end of the day going to the right gym is all about the facilities.

What you get from joining a fitness club compared to a regular gym obviously differs, but what are the major benefits and perks of signing up to a more well-rounded establishment?

Join the class

For some, the most daunting part of going to a regular gym is being there and having to workout on your own. Going alone in the gym needs a huge amount of not only confidence, but also motivation to really push yourself to go to the limit. With a fitness club, there are set daily and weekly classes that members can sign up to, so they don’t have to workout alone. From spin and yoga, to zumba and circuits, you’ll be sure to find a class you want to participate in and feel part of a group who want to get fit and be active. And the best part is they’re usually included within the membership fee.

Training personal to you

As we’ve said, if you lack confidence in your own ability at the gym it can really be an off-putting factor. But with a fitness club, you don’t have to feel intimidated if you don’t really know what you’re doing in the gym, thanks to personal trainers. A member of the club’s staff can talk you through all the equipment and provide you with training plans so you can get exactly what you want out of your gym workouts. Plus you’ll have an experienced and knowledgeable figure to support and motivate you through your session.

Go for a dip

You’d have to search far and wide to find a regular gym with a pool. Away from the running machines and dumbells, swimming is an effective exercise for getting trim. An hour’s worth of swimming can burn 500 calories, as well help tone your abdominal muscles, glutes, quads and obliques. This low-impact exercise works your body in a different way to cardio and weights, meaning the chances of injury are reduced and flexibility can be increased.

All the hidden perks

You’ll find yourself quite limited to the same exercise machines if you go to a regular gym, whereas fitness clubs have an extensive range of facilities to cater for all sporting needs. Some clubs often offer racket sports courts such as squash, tennis and badminton, as well as more niche activities like trampolining and rooms purely for spin bikes. With all these extras at your disposal, you’ll be able to get a full cardio and muscular workout at fitness club.

It’s not just about the exercise

Going to the gym shouldn’t finish as soon as you’ve done with your workout. Your body has been subject to stress and strain during the session, so having some relaxation afterwards is key. Fitness clubs offer spa facilities to their members, meaning that once you’ve done in the gym you can sit back, rest up and clear your pores in the steam room, sauna and jacuzzi.