Okay, let's get the basics out of the way up front, and acknowledge that your choices of gyms may be somewhat limited. Depending on where you live, you may not have that many choices.

Thus, location may be the biggest factor, since something close will be more efficient during a busy week/schedule than something more distant. If you do have more options, however, here are the things any serious lifter and bodybuilder should really check out...

Equipment

This is really what it's all about. You and your bodybuilding goals are only as good as the equipment you have at your disposal. The right equipment will be more effective, and safer, than the wrong equipment or worn, malfunctioning equipment. When you're working with heavy weights, this is especially true and especially important.

When scouting out a new gym (or re-evaluating your current gym), I suggest you look past the exterior beauty and focus on the core quality of the equipment you'll be using. Here are some basic issues to check:

• Does the equipment have a solid feel?

• Do the bars feel straight and stiff?

• Are plates tight, or loose and free to spin? (This will tell something about the maintenance policies of the gym.)

• How is the knurling (the rough gripping area) on the bars? Is it deep and effective, or worn and prone to slippage?

• What about bar styles - tried-and-true, or newer tapered bars and handles? (While this is largely a matter of personal preference, it can still give you some insight into a gym's philosophies and operating procedures.)

• Is the equipment bent or damaged in any way?

• Are bars and plates all matching sets?

• Are there visible load ratings?

• Is the equipment organized and orderly, or strewn about and in disarray?

• If anyone is working out, how are they treating the equipment? (The answer will tell you something about the management and policies of the gym.)

• Can you see a name brand on the equipment? Is it one that you trust? I'll discuss this more in a moment, but the issue here is not only quality, but being able to rely on the poundage, which can really vary when it comes to lesser-quality plates.

• Is there other equipment available that serious lifters might want (such as the body-fat callipers I discussed last week)?

Quality Name Brands

If you polled bodybuilders, these are some of the name brands that would probably come up most often:

• Eleiko has been called the "gold standard" for weightlifting equipment. You'll probably find competitive lifters using this brand and not much else. Is it necessary that your gym have it? No, but if it does, that's a bonus, even if only a few pieces. But, unless you're planning on being an Olympic weightlifter, it's not necessary.

• York has been around a long time, and their equipment is considered the standard for most gyms. Their equipment has been described as "built to last and tough." A solid choice and a good sign if your gym has this brand.

• Ivanko is comparable to York, as far as quality goes. It's been said to have better knurling (gripping surface) and is a bit more attractive to look at, but many gyms shy away from it because it simply costs more and the benefits don't outweigh the costs. If a gym has it, that's great. If not, don't sweat it if there's other quality equipment in the house.

Metal vs. Plastic

This is another thing to check, and it's becoming an issue in many gyms, simply because many gym owners like the plastic-coated barbells and plates. Why? Insurance and money. The plastic coatings absorb shock and help to minimize damage if they're dropped.

So, why should you care? Well, for one, most serious lifter typically prefer the look and the sound that metal plates make (would you rather pump "iron" or "plastic?"). But there's another more legitimate reason, and that's the size of the plates that have an added coating of plastic.

When you're working with heavier weights - say 275 pounds - all that coating starts to add up. That can change the position of the plates on the bar (moving them farther out), which can, then, change the dynamics (the arc) of your lift. And that can possibly lead to an altered motion, and, in theory, added stress and even injuries.

Other Amenities

While the equipment is the "heart-and-soul" of your choice of gyms, you'll also want to check the other amenities and aspects of any gym, such as:

• Size and layout of workout areas.

• Mirrors or no mirrors, usually a personal preference. (I know I like to see the work I'm doing, while I'm doing it, including the results as a form of motivation.)

• Number of members (how crowded and usable is the gym and equipment at the times you want to work out?)

• Type of members, especially the people you'll be working out around. (Remember, in previous issues, I've talked about the benefits of having people around you who share your enthusiasm and can either help you stay motivated, and/or provide you with valuable information about lifting and fitness. In other words, like-minded folks.)

• Staff, including knowledge and willingness to assist you.

• Products available (food, drinks, supplements, etc.)?

• Other amenities, such as locker rooms, and so.

All of that said, just about any serious lifter has heard of legendary gyms that look like condemned buildings, so it's not all about the amenities. But there's also a lot to be said for quality, safe, effective equipment in a sound and motivating environment.