12 Signs It's Time to Break Up With Your Gym

OVER YOUR CURRENT GYM? Here's how to know it's seriously time to jump ship.

Joining a new gym always starts out awesome… 

You take the tour of the facilities, get the full hype-squad treatment, and have your initial fitness consultation with a trainer. You’re pumped about getting in shape, and can’t wait for all their big promises to become a reality so you can finally start hitting your physique goals.

Things are in motion, and the future of your fitness is looking bright. You head off for your workouts with a spring in your step for a while, stacked with energy and motivation. Until suddenly, one day… You get the feeling that maybe something’s off and your gym's just not cutting it anymore.

Just like any other relationship, it’s important to take a good hard look at things from time to time. And tough as it may be to admit, it might be time to break up with your gym. Whether you've been sticking to the same spot out of convenience, routine, or simply not realizing you could do better - It's time to get with the program.

And trust us, there's a world of fitness out there waiting for you, and you deserve better than a mediocre gym experience. 

Here's 12 signs it's time to pull the plug:

12. THE VIBE IS OFF.

You should feel motivated, comfortable, and inspired in your gym - not like you're walking into a dark, dank dungeon that reeks of someone else’s sweaty socks. If the energy is bringing you down instead of powering you up, it's time to find a new spot.

11. THE EQUIPMENT IS OUTDATED.

I'm sorry, but if your gym still has a row of outdated treadmills from the 90s, it's time to move on. Similarly, if you find yourself constantly adjusting the malfunctioning machines or avoiding old, crappy equipment altogether, you know what to do. Your gym should be a place where you can efficiently and effectively work out, not a hazard zone. Don't forget, you're paying for that membership, so you deserve gear that's up-to-date and in good shape so you can crush your fitness goals with ease. Plus, working out on beat-up equipment can be demotivating and make you feel like you're not making progress.

10. THE TRAINERS ARE CLUELESS.

If you're not getting the guidance, intel or attention you need to make progress, it's time to say "see-ya" to egomaniac trainers who strut around flexing in the mirror or posting to their story all day. You need trainers who know what they're doing and can help you reach your full potential.

9. IT'S TOO CROWDED.

It's tough to stay focused when you're dodging sweaty bodies left and right. And nothing takes you out of the zone like constantly having to stop and wait your turn for a machine, hovering around like a hawk so nobody else swoops in. If your gym is always packed to the brim and you’re over bumping elbows, it's time to ditch that overpriced membership. You deserve a workout space that gives you the freedom to move your body without feeling like you're in a mosh pit. Alternatively, skip the gym altogether and go rogue with a home workout program from MME like the Warrior Shred & Run below, so you can work out on your terms, in your domain. 

8. YOU'RE BORED OUT OF YOUR SKULL.

If you dread heading to the gym and find yourself scrolling through Instagram instead of working out, it's time to find a workout routine and environment that actually excites you. At Military Mental Endurance, we offer a variety of gym-specific workout programs guaranteed to keep you engaged and motivated. They're specially designed to take with you to the gym as a personal trainer in your pocket, so you can keep your self-directed sweat sessions fresh and fulfilling. Alternatively, take your pick from our bodyweight workout programs you can do anywhere without waiting around for the weights.

7. THE AMENITIES ARE LACKING.

If you're shelling out big bucks for a gym membership, you should be getting top-notch amenities. That means if you're not getting things like a towel service, sauna, or lap pool, it's time to part ways and find a place with the bells and whistles that'll keep you coming back. Things like well-appointed locker rooms with toiletries, ice plunges, temperature-controlled workout zones, chilled water fountains, juice bars, and complimentary protein powder stations are all details that make the best gyms stand out from the rest. Don't settle. 

6. YOU'RE NOT SEEING RESULTS.

The ultimate goal of going to the gym is to see progress in your fitness journey - so if you've been going to your gym for months but aren't seeing any real change in your body or performance, it's time to try a new approach. Despite putting in the time and effort, if you're not seeing the results you want, it's time to reevaluate your gym routine. Your gym should be equipped with the right equipment, classes and support that align with your fitness goals, so if you are not receiving these things, it's time to switch it up and explore a workout program that does. Check out these hard-hitters from MME that will get you ripped in record time:

5. THE STAFF DON'T SEEM TO GIVE A CRAP ABOUT YOU.

Listen, we all have bad days, but the gym staff should always be there to support and encourage you, and not act as though they're being tortured as they check you in. If you're getting attitude or being ignored altogether, it's time to find a gym that values its members. Are the front desk staff approachable and helpful? Do the trainers offer support and guidance when you need it? If you find that the staff is aloof, uninterested, or downright rude, it might be time to move on. You want a gym that makes you feel welcome and valued, not like you're just another number.

4. THE ATMOSPHERE IS TOXIC AF.

Does your gym feel like a warzone? Are people constantly competing and judging each other? If the atmosphere is negative, it's never gonna inspire you to be your best self. Your gym should be a motivational, supportive, uplifting environment, not a place where you feel like you're constantly being scrutinized by jerks and posers. How are we not past this?

3. YOU FEEL LIKE A COG IN THE MONEY MACHINE.

Ok, everyone knows gym memberships can cost a pretty penny at the best of times. But if you keep getting sprung with membership price increases and the quality of the facilities doesn't seem to be improving, it's time to reevaluate the value you're getting. Furthermore, for all your hard-earned dough, you should be getting an experience along with your sweat session, not just a place to exercise. Your gym should be a collaborative place where you feel like part of a passionate, driven community that's working toward a common goal. If you've been working out at your gym for a while and still haven't gotten a good vibe about their mission or felt appreciated, it might be time to reconsider your membership.

2. IT'S TOO FAR AWAY & THE CLASS SCHEDULE DOESN'T WORK FOR YOU.

You're a busy person with a schedule to juggle. If you're driving across town or getting stuck in traffic for the sake of a workout, that's a big barrier to hitting the gym with a regular cadence. Also, if you like group training and your gym doesn't have a class schedule that fits your needs (or the classes are always full) it's time to find a gym that can accommodate your lifestyle. Or, workout on your terms with one of the do-anywhere programs from Military Mental Endurance - zero commute required.

1. THEY'RE TOO DAMN RESTRICTIVE.

If your gym has too many rules and regulations that make your workouts feel like a chore, it's time to break free from the chains. At Military Mental Endurance, we believe in a "no excuses" mentality that empowers you to take charge of your fitness journey without any hoops to jump through or big chain BS. Carve your own path to greatness with our Generation Elite 12-month training program below and tell your gym's list of rules to stick it for good:

Here at MME, we've designed a hard-hitting collection of proven bodyweight and gym workout programs that will help you achieve your fitness goals and then some.  Specially designed to go with you wherever your workouts take you, you'll be crushing your fitness goals in no time. No more expensive gym memberships or personal trainers needed - just a program that will kick your butt and get you results. Ready to break up with your old gym and discover a new fitness journey? Check out our collection of military-style workout programs right here.

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