Starting or Restarting Your Fitness Journey
Starting or restarting your fitness journey often begins with a crucial first step, and it’s choosing the right gym. Whether you’re starting a new fitness program or restarting, there’s a ton of options in Daytona Beach, Ormond, and Port Orange.
Why Choosing the Right Gym Matters
So how do you find the perfect fit for you, your goals, and your lifestyle? Selecting the ideal gym goes beyond mere convenience. It’s a decision that impacts your fitness journey, your results, and what your life looks like once you integrate into a gym.
The right gym can be the catalyst that moves you toward what you want your body to look like and what you want your body to be able to do. It provides the resources and the environment necessary to achieve your goals.
Inversely, finding the wrong gym can end up wasting your time, your money, and your motivation. Many people quit their journey altogether because they picked the wrong gym.
Define Your Fitness Goals
Be Clear on What You Want to Achieve
Before you step foot in a gym, you need to know what you want to get out of it and what your fitness goals are. That needs to be specific to what you want your body to do, what you want your body to look like, and how you want to feel.
Types of Goals and Matching Gym Programs
Weight Loss
If your goals are to lose weight and lose body fat, then you’re going to want a program that understands those goals. You need a coach and a facility that provides a combination of cardio, strength training, and nutrition guidance.
That combination is what gets results. If a program only gives you equipment, or only workouts, or only nutrition, you’re missing a key piece of the puzzle.
Read Breakthrough Your Weight loss Plateau
Muscle Gain
If you’re trying to build muscle, the strategy is similar to weight loss, but the goal is different. You need access to strength training, free weights, and a coach who knows how to help you gain muscle without putting on excess fat.
If you’ve heard of a dirty bulk, you know some people do this wrong. They gain weight without building the muscle they want.
You don’t need to be a bodybuilder. Anyone can build lean muscle to look great and feel great.
Overall Health
If your goal is overall health, these same principles apply. You want a holistic program that includes strength training, cardio, and nutrition.
You want to build bone density, improve cardiovascular endurance, and gain lean muscle mass. These help you live longer and better, and prepare you for everything life throws at you, from surfing to playing with your kids.
Specific Training Goals
If you’re training for something specific like CrossFit, weightlifting, Hyrox, or running, you need a coach who knows how to improve performance in that area.
Trying to do it on your own can waste time and energy. A knowledgeable coach will fast-track your progress.
Read How to Crush Your Gym Goals
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Gym
Proximity to Work or Home
This might seem obvious, but many people overlook it. The gym’s location matters. If it is hard to get to, it will be hard to stay committed.
Try to find a gym within 10 to 15 minutes of where you live or work.
Operating Hours
If a gym isn’t open when you can work out, it won’t work for your routine. Look for class times or access that fits your schedule.
That could include:
- Classes before or after work
- 24-7 access
- Hybrid options with in-person and virtual workouts
At Modern Human CrossFit, we offer all three. You get convenient class times, 24-7 access, and at-home workouts seven days a week so you can stay on track no matter what. Check out our schedule here.
Gym Atmosphere and Support
Vibe and Community
A positive gym community can change everything. It helps you show up even when you don’t feel like it.
You will have friends who expect to see you, and coaches who know your name and greet you with a smile. That kind of energy keeps you coming back.
Trainer Interaction and Support
Support and accountability from your coach can be the difference between progress and plateau. A good coach checks in with you, gives feedback on your movements, and helps you develop better habits.
Most people fail because they lack knowledge and accountability. A coach gives you both.
That’s what we do at Modern Human CrossFit. We guide you through movement, support your lifestyle changes, and hold you accountable so you get results.
Understanding Pricing, Gym Memberships, and Trials
Membership Cost
Understanding pricing is important. Gym memberships vary. Choose one that fits your budget and consider how it fits into your lifestyle.
While a gym membership is an investment, it often offsets other expenses. If you cut back on fast food, soda, or coffee, you can afford a gym that costs between $150 and $200 per month.
Contract Lengths
Contract terms vary. Choose something you can stick with. A longer-term contract might help you stay motivated and committed.
Free Trials and Guest Passes
Many gyms offer a trial or guest pass. At Modern Human CrossFit, we take it a step further.
We pair your free class with a free consultation. You meet the members, try a class, and sit down with a coach to go over your goals. You leave with a clear plan.
Coaching Credentials and Experience
Check your coach’s certifications and experience. This is key for safety and results.
Some certifications can be earned in 24 hours. Look for coaches with proven results and experience helping others achieve the goals you’re aiming for.
At Modern Human CrossFit, we have the highest credentials and deepest experience in the area.
Christian Genson holds the CrossFit Level 3 credential, which fewer than one percent of coaches have. Kayla Genson is a certified nutrition coach and medical lab scientist who can guide your fitness and nutrition based on real data.
Our coaches are trained to teach movement, hold you accountable, and motivate you to keep showing up.
Making Your Final Decision
Before you choose a gym, visit a few and ask the right questions.
Ask about:
- Operating hours
- Pricing
- Coaching staff
- Results
At Modern Human CrossFit, we ask you questions to make sure we are the right fit for your goals. Many gyms try to sell you. We make sure you’re in the right place for what you need.
Read CrossFit vs. Conventional Gym: Why the Investment Pays Off
Try Out Facilities First
Reach out to gyms and try a class. Meet the coaches. See if you connect with the community.
The best gym for you depends on your goals, priorities, and preferences. The most important factor is finding a gym that aligns with your vision.
If the gym helps you reach your goals and fits your lifestyle, it is worth the investment.
Take the Next Step With Modern Human CrossFit
If you’re still reading, you’re looking for a gym.
Modern Human CrossFit is here to help everyday people build the strength, fitness, and health they need to say yes to life’s adventures.
Whether you want to hike, surf, run races, or just keep up with your kids, we are the gym for you.
Our classes combine strength, cardio, and bodyweight exercises to build a foundation of fitness that delivers real results.
No matter your goal — getting stronger, losing weight, or living healthier — we have the coaching and community to support you.
Click the link to book your free intro. You’ll try a class and meet with a coach to lay out a plan for your success.
Get after it.
