• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Generation Iron

Generation Iron Fitness & Strength Sports Network

  • Movies
  • Original Content
  • Reviews
    • Supplements
      • Pre-Workout
      • Fat Burners
      • Testosterone Boosters
      • Creatine
      • Protein
      • BCAAs
      • Multivitamins
      • Omega-3
      • Joint Supplements
      • Super Greens
      • Meal Replacement
    • Recovery
      • Best Cold Plunges
      • Best Saunas
      • Best Foam Rollers
      • Best Massage Guns
    • Programs
      • Best Online Workout Programs
      • Best Workout Streaming Services
      • Best Home Workout Programs
  • Equipment
    • Cardio
      • Treadmills
      • Best Exercise Bikes
      • Best Stair Climbers
    • Fitness Accessories
      • Best Apparel
      • Best Gym Bags
      • Weightlifting Shoes
    • Strength
      • Best Dumbbells
      • Best Barbells
      • Best Kettlebells
      • Best Squat Racks
      • Best Weightlifting Belts
      • Best Home Gym Equipment
      • Complete Home Gyms
    • Training
      • Best Knee Sleeves
      • Best Wrist Wraps
      • Best Weightlifting Wraps
      • Best Weightlifting Gloves
  • More
    • About Us
      • Our Team
      • Our Experts
    • Advertise
    • Franchise With Us
    • Exercise Guides
    • Athlete Profiles
    • Podcasts
    • Power 30
    • Bodybuilding Awards
    • Supplement Awards
  • Shop
Bodybuilding

Victor Martinez’s Guide To Finding The Right Gym

by Derek Dufour Published on Jan 18, 2024

This post may contain affiliate links (disclosure policy).

Choosing the Right Gym: Victor Martinez’s Perspective

When it comes to finding the right gym, there are a lot of options. But not all gyms are created equal – especially if you are trying to find one that caters to serious lifting. That’s why Victor Martinez sat down with the Generation Iron crew to discuss his favorite gyms and how he decides which gyms are best for training as a bodybuilder.

In many ways, we live in the best time ever for gym-goers. There are more gyms than ever before – and more variety. However, there is also a massive proliferation of corporate gyms and chain gyms. While Planet Fitness or 24 Hour Fitness may be perfect for the general gym-going public, it may not suit the needs for more serious lifters.

Victor Martinez has spent his life in New York City finding the right gyms throughout his pro bodybuilding career. In this special extra Generation Iron Podcast clip, Victor shares his discerning preferences when it comes to selecting the perfect gym.

His disdain for corporate gyms is palpable, as he champions the atmosphere of local gyms with personable owners. Victor highlights the importance of understanding the gym’s vibe and rules, expressing a distaste for overly casual environments and disruptive recording practices.

Victor Martinez’s rule of thumb: if he can connect with the gym owner, he knows it will be a good gym. He believes that the kind of attitude a gym owner has will be the energy throughout the entire facility. This is part of why Victor does not like corporate gyms. You never see the owner. The gym itself has no real personality. And all you get is generic equipment with overcrowded patrons all trying to film themselves doing a workout.

Speaking of equipment, Victor Martinez says that a red flag for him is when a gym only has two or three brands of equipment. This says to him that the gym is simply sticking with a specific set of brands without considering what is best for variety and alternate lifts.

When he sees a gym that has a wide assortment of brands and equipment – Victor knows that thought was put into each purchase to provide the best options for lifters.

RELATED: 6 Best Gyms in The World You Need To Train In Before You Die

How Much Is Too Much To Pay For A Gym Membership?

Victor Maritinez also explores the ideal gym membership price, with Victor suggesting that many corporate gyms overcharge for unnecessary add-ons, presenting a consumer advocacy perspective.

In a somewhat shocking statement, Victor Martinez says that he would happily pay up to $500/month for a gym membership. But that’s only if the gym has the atmosphere and equipment to meet his standards. Most of the time, local gyms that fit his standards will charge much less.

As for chain gyms, they can run various prices – but in Victor’s opinion none of the prices are worth it. On the cheap end, you’re getting places like Planet Fitness with limits on how heavy the weight will go and how hardcore you can train. On the more expensive end, you’re not really getting the best experience – but instead paying extra for saunas, juice bars, and other add-ones.

Victor believes if you are paying $150/month for a corporate gym, then you’re pay $100 too much. However, he would easily pay that same price for a local gym. Both because he knows that the money is going to a local businessman and because those sorts of gyms often provide better facilities for serious lifters.

Wrap Up

At the end of the day, what kind of gym is best for you will vary depending on your personal tastes. But if you are a serious lifter or bodybuilder like Victor Martinez, you’ll likely find that his tips are helpful in quickly determining if a new gym you’ve stepped into will make the cut for a membership.

You can watch the special Generation Iron Podcast short clip above. And make sure to check back every week for full episodes of the podcast only on the Generation Iron Fitness Network or wherever podcasts are downloaded.

About Derek Dufour

Derek Dufour has been managing all digital operations on the Generation Iron Network for over six years. He currently manages a team of editors, writers, and designers to provide up-to-date content across the GI Network.

View All Articles

Primary Sidebar

Get the Latest

Stay informed with the latest news, product reviews, & expert advice.

Popular Reviews

  • best protein powders

    The Best Protein Powder Supplements of 2025 (Tried and Tested)

  • Best Creatine Supplements For Bulking & Muscle Growth of 2025 (Personally Tested)

  • top x pre workout

    The 14 Best Pre-Workout Supplements of 2025 (MD Reviewed)

  • Performance Lab SPORT BCAA

    The Best BCAA For Bodybuilding Health & Performance Goals

Trending Articles

  • female fitness models

    18 Best Butts On The Internet (Updated 2024)

  • ronnie coleman the king workout

    Ronnie “The King” Coleman’s Complete Bodybuilding Workout

  • The Ultimate Mike Mentzer Workout and Diet

  • Chris bumstead's 2024 workout and diet plan

    Chris Bumstead’s 2025 Complete Bodybuilding Workout & Diet Plan

Popular Now

  • best protein powders

    The Best Protein Powder Supplements of 2025 (Tried and Tested)

  • Best Creatine Supplements For Bulking & Muscle Growth of 2025 (Personally Tested)

  • top x pre workout

    The 14 Best Pre-Workout Supplements of 2025 (MD Reviewed)

  • female fitness models

    18 Best Butts On The Internet (Updated 2024)

  • best citrulline supplements

    The Best Citrulline Malate Supplements for Performance and Pump

  • ronnie coleman the king workout

    Ronnie “The King” Coleman’s Complete Bodybuilding Workout

Generation Iron

Generation Iron is the first and only digital network delivering health, fitness, bodybuilding, and strength sports content. We deliver premium content with the biggest names in fitness and provide expert coverage, reviews on top brands, workout tips and trends in the worlds of fitness, health and strength sports.

Strongman Corporation
Vladar

Sections

  • Trending News
  • Original Movies
  • Original Content
  • Supplement Reviews
  • Equipment Reviews
  • Exercise Guides
  • Nutrition Guides
  • Athlete Profiles

More

  • About Us
  • Our Team
  • Our Experts
  • Advertise
  • Franchise With Us
  • Podcasts
  • Power 30
  • Shop

CONTACT

Generation Iron Brands LLC
134 West 29th Street Suite 902
New York, NY 10001
Email: [email protected]

Follow

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • X / Twitter
  • YouTube

© 2025 · Generation Iron · Disclaimers · Privacy Policy · Accessibility