How do you differentiate between a commercial gym and a private gym? Are the fee structures different in a commercial gym compared to a private gym?
Commercial gyms are generally nationwide chains for anyone to join and workout or join classes. Private gyms are similar, but they are owned personally, perhaps by a former fitness instructor. There are many differences, like private gyms may be designed for a specific demographic (heavy weights, etc.).
What are commercial gyms?
A gym anyone can go to. The terminology can be confusing, a commercial gym is often thought of as a public gym, but you still need to be a member or pay a fee each time you visit.
Commercial gyms are primarily there to make a profit, so the scale of the gyms is normally large, and you can find these gyms in multiple locations in a city and around the country.
You will only find heavy-duty commercial exercise equipment that can withstand lots of punishment from all kinds of users.
Its main purpose as a gym facility is for people to work out rather than as a social environment.
What is a private gym?
A gym is owned and managed by an individual and not part of a chain or franchise. Again the terminology is confusing. Anyone can join a private gym, in theory.
The private gym may be focused on a wealthy demographic that can be in an affluent area to offer a service to a well-heeled clientele.
The gym is likely to be considerably smaller than a commercial gym with not so many staff.
Private gyms use high-end equipment that may have specific brands, such as Nautilus, which produces machines that are engineered precisely with the science behind the design.
The fees for a private gym will be proportional to its clientele, which means it can be out of the average person’s reach.
Do you get a good workout in a commercial gym?
It depends on the individual. If you want to train hard, you can achieve amazing results in a commercial gym.
Commercial gyms employ a range of instructors who specialise in different fields of exercise. Fort instance, you may attend a body pump class in a commercial gym with 50 to 100 gym goers joining in the class.
You can achieve your fitness goals with a wide range of classes and dedicated instructors if you are motivated.
Do you get a good workout in a private gym?
Again it depends on the individual. In a private gym, you may not have the full range of exercise classes available, but this does not mean you are missing out. Private gyms can provide a one-on-one gym experience to help keep you motivated, so you achieve your goals.
One-on-one instruction in a gym is invaluable. Learning the correct techniques of working out correctly can prevent injuries and shave time off achieving the look you desire.
Also, working out in smaller classes is more demanding. There is nowhere for you to hide.
Do you make friends in commercial gyms?
Yes and no. Most people in a commercial gym are there to work out and not socialise. However, if you attend the gym at the same time as you work out, you will likely see the same faces repeatedly, and you may start a conversation.
You will find even instructors come and go in commercial gyms, and continuity is not always there, but most people are not there for that reason.
Do you make friends in private gyms?
It’s easier. Private gyms can be more intimate but don’t be under the illusion you are working out in a small space because you are not.
Private gyms may see some of their customers during the day as part of their daily fitness regime and may have a higher rate of female members.
There are likely to be spa facilities valuable and even a recreation area where you can have a coffee and chat.
So making friends is potentially easier than working out in a commercial gym.
Pros and cons of a commercial gym
| Pros | Cons |
| More equipment | Less availability of equipment due to a number of members |
| More classes | Need to book in advance and can be an additional cost |
| More amenities | More members more strangers |
| Child care | Intimidating for beginners |
| Membership costs are lower |
As you can see bigger does not always mean better, competition for equipment can be high if you use the gym at peak times.
Pros and cons of a private gym
| Pros | Cons |
| Specialised equipment always available | Membership cost can be high |
| fewer people, more competitive environment | Maybe intimate and feel left out and intimidated |
| Customised classes with fear numbers | To much attention when you need to rest |
| One -on one tuition | Fewer amenities |
| Shorter business hours |
Membership costs can be prohibitive to some would-be members and smaller classes are not always better for some people who need to be able to slack off for a moment or two.
How do you choose a gym that is right for you?
There are several factors. Choosing a gym can be daunting, particularly for those just starting the quest for health and fitness.
Here are some factors you should consider for either commercial or private gyms:
- What time are you available to go to the gym? Is there a gym local to you that can accommodate your hours?
- Will you be allowed to do your own thing or workout with a friend, or does the gym want to set your workout regime and guide you through it?
- How clean is the gym? Does the gym get cleaned multiple times throughout the day?
- Are the staff knowledgeable, amenable and more respectful regardless of your experience level.
- What perks come with your membership? Free parking? Can you use all the amenities in the gym?
