The Gym Checklist

- At least one Cable-cross.
- A Scott board (aka. preacher curl board).
- A Pec-deck.
- A set of Dip-bars + weight belt.
- A Leg press.
- A Hack squat that allows you to stand in a natural position (watch for angled neck-pads!).
- A Leg extension machine that both gives you a full range of motion and adjusts to your body type.
- A seated Leg curl machine.
- Both standing and seated calf presses.
- Enough lat machines to survive a Monday night crowd, with plenty of different handles.

Other checkpoints
Locker room:
- Are the shower walls and ceiling clean or covered with mildew and fungus?
- Are there any signs of lockers having been forced open? If so, you might have a security problem.
- Does it smell like goat farm?
Staff:
- Are they being helpful and courteous?
- Do they make an effort to keep the joint clean and safe?
- Do they play good music, or only their own favorite: "German Beer Yodeling Marathon, vol. VII"?
Equipment:
- Are the machines well-maintained? You don't want to tear a shoulder because one side of pec-deck suddenly came loose, putting all the weight onto the other side.
- Are the rules of replacing the plates enforced, or do you have to spend 5 minutes finding the right plates every time you need them? Gym rules:
- If you grunt when lifting heavy, you don't want to get booted out for violating the rules (some gyms actually have this rule!). There is a difference between normal grunting and aspiring to become an opera singer, though. - Are cell phones allowed? And phone paging? These things can be very distracting.
- Are there any set time limits for using the cardio equipment? Or can people use them until they die from exhaustion, regardless of how many others are waiting in line?
Water fountain:
- Would a human being put his face near it? Or drink from it?

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