A modern gym is a place that houses exercise equipment for the purpose of physical exercise. In addition to exercise equipment, which includes barbells and weights, a modern gym has many more facilities available for its members.
Most gyms have a main workout area. This area primarily consists of dumbbells and free weights as well as exercise machines. The area also typically includes mirrors so that people exercising can monitor and maintain the correct posture during their workout.
A cardio area or cardio theater is also quite common in modern gyms. This area includes many kinds of cardiovascular equipment such as rowing machines, elliptical trainers, stationary exercise bikes and treadmills. They also include a number of audio-visual displays in order to keep exercisers entertained during cario workout sessions.
The gym may also offer group exercise classes. These are typically conducted by qualified fitness instructors and include classes based on aerobics, cycling, high intensity training, boxing, yoga, pilates and muscle training. Gyms with swimming pools also offer aqua aerobics classes.
Personal training is typically available at most modern gyms. Personal trainers are helpful for training, fitness, nutrition and health consultation and advice. They can devise a customised fitness routine including a nutrition plan to help clients meet their goals. They can even help monitor and train with members. However, access to trainers usually involves an extra hourly fee.
Sports facilities are also available at some gyms. Swimming pools, boxing arenas as well as squash courts are sometimes available. In some cases, there are additional fees to use these areas.
Newer gyms generally include snack bars, health shops, restaurants, child-care facilities, cafes and member lounges. It is not out of the ordinary for them to have a steam shower, sauna or wellness areas. There are typically extra charges to use these extra facilities, though.
Since modern gyms offer so many facilities and amenities, the cost of a membership varies greatly between gyms. Costs can be altered through the purchase of higher-level memberships such as a Founders Club or Lifetime membership. These types of memberships have a higher up-front cost but a much lower monthly rate. These are likely to be beneficial to those who use the gym frequently and plan to hold their membership for years to come.
