The Ultimate Gym FAQ: Everything You Need to Know Before Joining a Gym

Thinking about joining a gym? Here are the top FAQs beginners and seasoned athletes ask, from what to expect to how to get the best results!
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October 19, 2025
The Ultimate Gym FAQ: Everything You Need to Know Before Joining a Gym

For some people, the idea of joining a gym is exciting. It’s a fresh start toward your fitness goals. But for others, it can be incredibly intimidating. Especially if it’s your first time searching for a new gym home. So, whether you’re a beginner or just ready for a change, you probably have questions.

At 10.40.10 Fitness, we’ve helped hundreds of Northwest Chicago suburbs area residents achieve some pretty epic goals over the years. Not to toot our own horn, but we know what we’re doing when it comes to helping you lose weight, gain strength, have more energy and feel more confident.

And the people who’ve been successful here all started with questions similar to the ones you might be asking yourself. So we’ve put together a list of the most common questions we’ve heard from people when they’re thinking about joining a gym. Our goal is to give you honest answers to help you make sure 10.40.10 Fitness is the perfect fit for you.

FAQ About Joining a Gym

1. How do I choose the right gym for me?

When most people first think about joining a gym and begin their search, they tend to compare options based solely on price. And honestly, it’s likely because they just don’t know which questions to ask, and “how much does it cost?” is a simple one.

But the most important questions are the ones that really matter for your gym experience. Start by asking about the type of classes that are offered. For instance, at 10.40.10 Fitness, we offer a variety of class formats, like Strength, Stamina, Cardio + Core and even yoga. This gives you a well-rounded fitness routine to help you get the best results.

You also want to feel welcomed and comfortable from the start. Ask about the community and culture. And definitely check out a free class - seeing the community in action and trying a workout is the best way to know if it’s your vibe.

2. I’m new to working out—will I fit in?

At 10.40.10 Fitness, the answer is "absolutely." Almost everyone here started as a beginner at some point. We believe in progress over perfection, and that the best gyms are built around community, not competition.

One of the coolest things about classes here is that beginners take classes right alongside the more experienced athletes. There are modifying options in every workout for every fitness level, and your coaches are here to help as well. You’ll be surprised how quickly you feel at home.

3. What should I expect during my first workout?

The first time you come to class, you can expect a friendly welcome, a clear explanation of the workout, and guidance from your coach every step of the way. And as previously mentioned, you don’t need to “be in shape” before you start - we’ll help you modify the workout to match your current fitness level.

The format for classes at 10.40.10 Fitness is unique. We start each class with a 10-minute warmup, followed by 40 minutes of work. Then we close with a 10-minute cooldown. Throughout the entire workout, we encourage you to take things at your own pace, and remember that no one expects perfection on day one.

4. What should I bring to the gym?

The most important thing during your first class is that you’re able to move comfortably. Wear comfortable workout clothes and athletic shoes. Most members bring a water bottle and towel.

And that’s it! We’ll provide all the equipment needed to complete the workout, and eventually you can track your results in our app so you can measure your progress along the way.

Equipment is provided in every class and you can easily track progress in the app.

5. What if I’ve been working out but want a new gym?

Sometimes experienced athletes are looking to switch gyms because they’re feeling uninspired, not seeing results or even craving a stronger sense of community. If that’s you, a new environment with quality coaching can reignite your motivation and help you break through to new levels of fitness. So if you’re already active but looking for a change, we invite you to try a free class with us at 10.40.10 Fitness.

We think you’ll love how attentive our coaches are, and that the programming will challenge you and get you some game-changing results. We also hope you’ll notice how genuinely happy the members are here - our culture is welcoming, encouraging and fun, so hopefully you’ll feel right at home with your new gym family.

6. How can I make the most of my gym membership?

Like most things in life, the key to results in the gym is consistency. And the great news is that doesn’t mean consistently wrecking yourself. Over the years at 10.40.10 Fitness, the members who have gotten the best results are the ones that just keep showing up. Our workouts are proven and they work, so you can trust us to provide you with programming that delivers results if you simply do your part by walking through the door consistently.

To get better results faster, pair your training with solid nutrition and recovery habits. Fuel your body properly with the right foods, and prioritize recovery with things like foam rolling and stretching. Plus, at 10.40.10 Fitness, we offer great recovery options like a sauna, cold plunge and compression boots. And don't forget about the effectiveness of our yoga classes for improved flexibility and mobility!

And don’t underestimate the power of people for your fitness results. Engage with your gym community by attending events, introducing yourself to other members and celebrating milestones. Fitness is easier (and way more fun) when you’re surrounded by supportive people.

7. What makes 10.40.10 Fitness different from other gyms?

You can tour all the gyms in the Northwest Chicago suburbs and you’ll find that each one has “state of the art” equipment. Some of them offer classes. Most will boast about their staff certifications. But one look at our Google Reviews will tell you that there’s just something different here.

10.40.10 Fitness is filled with people who truly care. Our team of coaches wants to see you succeed, and the people beside you in class care about your progress. The people here come from all fitness levels and walks of life, but they share one goal: to get better every day, together.

We focus on coaching, community, and real results - not quick fixes or empty promises. Whether you’re brand new or an experienced athlete, we’ll help you train smarter, stay consistent and actually have fun along the way.

Ready to Find Your Gym Home?

If you’ve been thinking about joining a gym, the best time to start is now. Whether your goal is to lose weight, gain strength, meet new people or just feel more confident, we’ve got you covered at 10.40.10 Fitness. And we promise, it’s not nearly as intimidating as you’ve imagined in your head. The team of coaches and the incredible community are here to guide you, and cheer you on every step of the way.

Book a free class today and give us the opportunity to show you how you can reach your goals with fun, challenging workouts that actually make you look forward to showing up.

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