Yes, I'm Biased. Here's My Honest Take Anyway.
I own Green Door Fitness in Capitol Hill, Denver. So obviously I think you should come train with us. But I know we're not right for everyone, and I'd rather you find the right gym than sign up for the wrong one and quit in two months.
After 15 years in this industry (training clients, managing gyms, and finally opening my own), here are the things that actually matter.
1. Location Wins Almost Every Time
The gym that's 5 minutes from your house or office beats the gym that's 20 minutes away, even if the farther one is objectively better. I've seen this play out hundreds of times.
When it's raining, when you're tired, when you had a long day, those extra 15 minutes of driving become the excuse that keeps you home. Pick somewhere close. It sounds simple, and it is.
2. Visit During the Time You'll Actually Go
Every gym looks great at 2pm on a Tuesday. That's when it's empty and clean and quiet.
If you're going to train at 6am or 5:30pm, visit at 6am or 5:30pm. How crowded is it? Can you get on the equipment you need? Is there enough space? Is the energy good or is everyone just staring at their phones between sets?
3. Watch How the Staff Interacts with Members
This tells you everything about the culture. Are the trainers engaged? Do they know people's names? Are they correcting form and encouraging people, or are they on their phones behind the front desk?
At a big box gym, the staff is there to scan your card and sell you a smoothie. At a coaching-focused gym, the staff is there to help you train. Those are very different experiences.
4. Equipment Matters Less Than You Think
Unless you're an advanced lifter with very specific needs, most gyms have enough equipment for a solid workout. The difference between a $30/month gym and a $150/month gym usually isn't the dumbbells. It's the coaching, the programming, and the community.
That said: check that they have the basics. Squat rack, bench press, cable machine, dumbbells up to a weight you'll eventually need, and some cardio equipment. If those are there, you're fine.
5. Ask About Their Programming Model
This is the question most people forget to ask. "If I sign up, what happens? Do I get a program, or do I just figure it out on my own?"
At most gyms, you get a tour, a quick equipment overview, and then you're on your own. Maybe a free session with a trainer who's really just trying to sell you a training package.
At Green Door, every member gets a custom program, and there's a trainer on the floor every time you come in to coach you through it. That's not the norm. Most gyms don't offer that. Ask what happens after you sign up, and you'll quickly learn what kind of gym you're looking at.
6. The Contract Question
Read the contract. Specifically:
- How long is the commitment? Month-to-month is best. 12-month contracts lock you in and gyms know that a large percentage of people who sign annual contracts stop coming after 3 months.
- What's the cancellation process? Is it a phone call, or do you have to send a certified letter to their corporate office?
- Are there hidden fees? Annual maintenance fees, key fob fees, "rate lock" fees. Ask about all of them.
7. Try Before You Buy
Any decent gym will let you try a workout before signing up. If they won't, that tells you something.
At Green Door, we have a 28-Day Pass for $97 with a money-back guarantee. Train for 28 days, and if you don't like it, you get your money back. We do that specifically so people can see if the gym fits before making a long-term decision.
The Types of Gyms in Denver
Big box (24 Hour, Planet Fitness, Colorado Athletic Club): Cheap, lots of equipment, minimal coaching, huge membership. Good if you know what you're doing and just need a place to train.
CrossFit boxes: Group classes, competitive atmosphere, strong community. Good if you like being pushed hard in a class setting. Not ideal if you want individualized programming.
Boutique studios (Barry's, Orangetheory): Class-based, specific format, high energy. Fun for cardio/HIIT, but limited for pure strength training.
Coaching-focused gyms (like Green Door): Smaller, personalized programs, trainer interaction every visit. Best for people who want guidance and accountability. Usually more expensive than big box, less expensive than hiring a private trainer.
My Honest Recommendation
If you know exactly what you're doing and just need a room full of weights, go to a big box gym and save your money. If you want coaching, accountability, and a plan, look for a smaller gym with qualified trainers who actually interact with you during your workout.
Green Door Fitness is at 2404 E Colfax Ave in Capitol Hill. Walk in any time to check it out, or call 720-541-7163. We'll give you a straight answer about whether we're the right fit.