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We’re more aware of the importance of exercise for both our mental and physical health than ever before. And with this awareness comes choice - there are so many different types of fitness and gyms to choose from, so it’s important to find the option which best suits your wants and needs.
With so many to choose from, it can be difficult to understand what each type of gym offers, and the differences between them. But knowledge is power - so we’re helping you make the best decision for you by empowering you with all the information you need to understand what type of gym is your perfect fit. The first way to that is with a Free Trail so, you can get to know the club before making a decision.
CrossFit gyms have exploded in popularity since their conception in 2000. These gyms offer a form of high intensity strength and conditioning workouts, emphasising functional movements and core strength. With a focus on complex lifts like your deadlift, squat and chest press, CrossFit workouts specify a target timeframe for you to keep smashing out the reps, rather than giving you a number of reps to aim for. Incorporating elements of gymnastics, weight training and cardio, there’s an emphasis on building power and strength. Each day there’s a “WOD” (workout of the day) which allCrossFitters across the globe will complete ( there’s an estimated 4 million CrossFitters worldwide!). You can expect movements which reflect push/pull, squat and hip-hinge movements of everyday life, involving a range of equipment from kettlebells, free weights, and cardio equipment.
It all sounds very sweaty and challenging, so are there any downsides to choosing a CrossFit gym? CrossFit gyms mostly offer only group classes, meaning you can’t rock up to the gym and smash out a workout of your choice, at a time that suits you best. There are very rare “open gym” slots, which have limited capacity and are normally scheduled in off-peak times, making them difficult to fit into your work day and other commitments. The CrossFit program is a one-size-fits-all approach, and as we mentioned each day the WOD is completed by all participants - which means there’s no degree of customisation, and no opportunity to attend classes of varying difficulties. This can also make it difficult to achieve your own personal goals, as you’re completing a generalised program with no targeted strategy to help you see the results you want. Given it’s such a popular method of fitness, with participants going so far as to call it “cult-like”, classes tend to be fairly large, with very few instructors present to supervise and correct the form of such big groups. This often leads to compromised form, slower results, and often increased risk of injury - in fact, CrossFit is renowned for having extremely high injury rates owing to the significant strain it places on your body. And, of course, it’s expensive… With its popularity came soaring prices, making it an unaffordable option for many looking to improve their fitness without the accompanying price tag.
HIIT gyms are another increasingly popular option if you’re looking to optimise your health and fitness. HIIT training involves alternating periods of maximum output or effort, followed by a brief period of rest or very low-intensity movement, with the aim being to push yourself as hard as possible during the working sets. HIIT gyms offer these intense workout classes daily, with a focus on cardiovascular health and pushing yourself to your max each time you hit the gym.
By now, we’re all aware HIIT training offers many benefits. You can complete shorter sessions but still yield better results owing to the after burn effect which allows you to continue burning calories long after the class, and also the sheer intensity of the training style. HIIT training is also incredibly versatile, with bodyweight and weighted exercises proving to both be hugely effective in helping you achieve your desired results - with a strong track record of assisting in weight loss objectives too. The intensity of HIIT workouts has also been shown to significantly increase your exercise capacity, cardiovascular fitness and endurance, making it a great option for overall health benefits.
While HIIT can be a fantastic training style, there are some things to consider before signing up to a HIIT-only gym. Firstly, HIIT is incredibly demanding on your body. It can cause serious injury if overdone, and can be taxing on your nervous system and other body functions too. In fact, if you do too much HIIT you may even experience negative effects to your hormones, including increased production of your stress hormone, cortisol - which is far from beneficial to your health! HIIT is definitely not well-suited to beginners looking to invest in their fitness for the first time, as it requires a strong foundation of fitness and cardiovascular endurance from the get-go.
Plus, HIIT gyms only allow you to use the facilities at certain times - namely when classes are being held - so if this limited window doesn’t suit your schedule, then you end up having to forego your workouts time and time again, paying for a service you’re unable to take advantage of.
There’s no denying this simple fact: you can’t beat the convenience and flexibility of 24/7 gyms like Zap Fitness. 24/7 gyms are open all day (and all night), every day, giving you the chance to fit in your workout at whatever time best suits you and your schedule. In today’s busy world, this is of the utmost importance to most people, as it gives you peace of mind knowing you can get your workout done regardless of what the day throws at you. No more wasting money on gyms which don’t suit your schedule!
And speaking of prices, Zap offers multiple membership options to ensure you can find a plan which best suits you and your needs. With competitive, low prices guaranteed, and a range of benefits thrown into the mix including rewards for bringing a friend along, you can be sure you’re getting the maximum bang for your buck.
Plus, our expert, highly-qualified trainers are always on hand to help you with your form, correct your technique, challenge you and offer new ideas to change up your fitness routine and improve your results. With the option of attending classes, personal training sessions or sweating it out solo on the gym floor with our top-quality, huge range of equipment and machines, the choices are endless at Zap. The convenience, flexibility and variety offered by 24/7 gyms makes them difficult to beat when it comes to enhancing your performance, results and health, all while keeping costs to a minimum.
Want to ease into things with the help of one of our expert personal trainers? Lean more about our PT options.
Or are you ready to take the plunge and join the Zap community? To take advantage of our super low prices, 24/7 access, ultimate flexibility to help you achieve your goals in a fun and effective manner, top-notch equipment and facilities, and our amazing trainers, join us here today!
Boutique or “wellness” gyms are all the rage, particularly with the rise of Pilates and reformer Pilates workouts. Wellness gyms centre around the idea of holistic wellness, connecting mind and body to lengthen, lean and tone muscles using lower-intensity or low-impact workouts.
The idea is that you don’t need to push your body too hard to achieve results. There’s also an emphasis on working your mind at the same time as you work your body. Often, these wellness gyms will include or encourage fancy recovery protocols from saunas to remedial massages, thanks to their luxurious approach to health and fitness.
While this all sounds wonderful, it comes with a price tag… A big one. Boutique gyms often charge extremely high prices for memberships, and limit the amount of times you can attend classes each week. They’re also very restrictive as to what times you can use the gym during the day, meaning they’re unlikely to work for those with unpredictable or busy schedules. Plus, you can only attend the classes on offer, so there’s no opportunity to smash out an independent workout of your choosing, designed to help you achieve your specific goals. So while they may seem appealing and luxe, wellness gyms are more about aesthetics than they are about function, variety and results.
Each type of gym has its pros and cons, so when choosing which option to invest in it will always come down to your own personal needs and wants for your lifestyle and your fitness goals and preferences. Taking the time to choose the gym which fits into your schedule and allows you the variety and flexibility you need to achieve your specific goals is essential - as is sourcing an option which is affordable and realistic.
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