6 Clear Signs It’s Time to Switch Your Gym

6 Clear Signs It’s Time to Switch Your Gym

Being able to motivate yourself and stick to a regular fitness schedule is a trait of a responsible person interested in their own health and development. Many people may feel a natural sense of shame for missing workouts or leaving the gym, blaming themselves for not pushing through due to laziness, weakness, or health issues. However, there aren’t always reasons to blame yourself and endure discomfort just for the sake of going to the gym. After all, the benefits of training are only realized when you’re genuinely working out. We’ve compiled several objective reasons that allow you to leave your gym without any moral pressure.

1. Workouts Leave You Exhausted

If you feel unwell during a workout, whether physically or mentally, it’s best to leave the gym. The consequences of overexertion can be unpredictable. Dehydration, nausea, high blood pressure, and dizziness are all signs that you should take a break. Make sure to replenish your energy and fluids. If you’re feeling overwhelmed but don’t want to waste your workout, take a pause. Walk slowly, breathe in some fresh air, and rest. Even a seemingly gentle activity like yoga can become too intense and heated.

2. Instructor Behaves Inappropriately

Even fitness instructors can sometimes be less than pleasant. Don’t hesitate to point out inappropriate behavior. Jokes during workouts may not be funny to everyone, and you shouldn’t tolerate comments about your body that make you uncomfortable, especially if the instructor uses body-shaming as motivation. There are also situations where your trainer might exert emotional pressure, insisting that the workout is more important than anything else. While such statements can sometimes provide perspective, they can also leave you feeling depressed after missing a session. An instructor who gets angry because you’re not performing an exercise correctly can also make your workouts uncomfortable. It’s worth considering whether enduring such behavior is worth the benefits of going to that particular gym. If the instructor’s behavior becomes aggressive, not only should you leave, but you should also file a complaint.

3. The Gym Atmosphere Becomes Toxic

Being a newcomer at a gym isn’t always unpleasant, but it can be awkward joining a new group, especially if the other members know each other and the instructor well. While you’re there for a specific purpose and not necessarily to make new friends, the atmosphere should not be toxic. Your personal comfort is as important as the instructor’s ability to maintain it for all participants. Given the cost of a gym membership, you shouldn’t leave feeling repulsed by everyone you encountered.

4. The Instructor’s Only Goal Is Money

While it’s understandable that instructors need to earn a living, their primary goal shouldn’t be just money. If the gym is overcrowded and workouts become increasingly uncomfortable due to lack of space and fresh air, it’s not beneficial. While it’s reasonable for instructors to want to maximize their earnings, the needs and personal attention of clients during workouts are equally important. If you feel like you’re just a source of income, it’s time to find a gym that values your comfort.

5. The Instructor Doesn’t Fulfill Their Obligations

When you join a gym, you sign up for group classes where individual attention from the instructor is minimal. However, the instructor is still obligated to demonstrate exercises correctly, explain tasks clearly, and attend to clients who need personal adjustments. They should answer questions and provide both general and personalized advice. If you notice a lack of experience or a careless attitude from the instructor, it’s time to find a new gym.

6. An Emergency Arises

Instructors who take their job seriously can sometimes be inflexible about attendance. However, emergencies should be obvious to both you and the instructor. It’s perfectly normal to leave the gym if you receive news of an urgent matter requiring your attention. If you prefer to be fully engaged during your workout, leave your gadgets in the locker room to avoid distractions.

For more information on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can visit CDC’s Physical Activity Basics.