Be honest about why you are starting or wanting to enhance your wellness journey. Maybe you want to get in shape, or your doctor recommended it for stress or an injury. Maybe you are seeking to become a part of a community, or need a “safe” place just for you. Perhaps you have no idea and are just curious. As former Forbes contributor Jeff Boss has said, “When you set a goal, you naturally direct your attention toward a next step and, as a result, lead yourself in the right direction which forces your actions—your behaviors—to follow … Whatever the mind believes, the body achieves. The body follows the mind.” Clarifying your motivations will help narrow down your choices. For example, recognizing that you are mainly interested in a studio’s cardio equipment and free weights may lead you to different options than if you realize your desire is for a more personalized experience.

Once you have an idea about what your goals and motivations are you can research the following questions to further narrow down your options. Does the studio have a mission statement that resonates with you? Does it have positive member testimonials on its website or social media? Are the instructors and studio established? Doing the research is helpful in getting an idea of the studios that interest you. Next, it is time to visit and experience.

Many studios offer introductory specials to new members. This gives you a chance to step into a studio, take a class and see if it’s the vibe that you’re looking for. While keeping in mind your recently-identified goals and motivations, ask yourself these additional questions. Do you feel welcomed in the space? Are the studio hours or the times of the classes in alignment with your schedule? Will the size of the classes allow for personalized attention? Do you like the decor or the smells of the space? Most importantly, trust your gut.

Finding the right studio for your wellness journey is easier once you have set your goals and motivations, done some research and visited a few studios. Remember to keep an open mind, do not be afraid to ask a lot of questions, and most importantly, enjoy the journey.