Running shoes or cross-trainers — Clean, non-marking soles for the gym floor (Required)
Everything you need to know before your first workout. What to bring, what to expect, and why there’s nothing to be nervous about.
First Visit FAQ — Your First Time at The Next Step Gym in North Bay
If this is your first time at a gym in North Bay — or your first time in years — you probably have questions. Maybe you’re not sure what to wear. Maybe you’re wondering if someone will show you around or if you’ll be left standing in front of a machine you’ve never seen before.
That’s normal. About 70% of people feel some level of anxiety before their first gym visit. You’re not alone, and you’re not behind. This page answers the questions people actually ask before walking through our doors at The Next Step Fitness Centre.
Before Your First Gym Visit in North Bay
These are the practical questions — the things you want to sort out before you leave the house.
Q: What should I wear to the gym?
Comfortable, loose-fitting or stretchy clothing that you can move in. Running shoes or cross-trainers with clean, non-marking soles. Avoid jeans, sandals, or open-toed shoes. You don’t need brand-name gear. Wear what feels comfortable and lets you move freely.
Q: What should I bring to my first visit?
A water bottle, a small towel, your gym shoes, and a positive attitude. If you have a lock, bring it for the lockers. If you don’t, we can help you out. That’s really it. You don’t need gloves, straps, or any specialty equipment.
Q: Where do I park at The Next Step?
The Next Step Fitness Centre is located at 1370 Regina St in North Bay’s west end. There’s street parking available on Regina St and the surrounding area. If you’re coming during off-peak hours, you’ll have no trouble finding a spot close to the entrance.
Q: Do I need to book an appointment or can I just walk in?
If you’re coming for a free trial, give us a call at (705) 475-0724 or email thenextstepgym@gmail.com so we can have someone ready to greet you. If you’re already a member, you can walk in any time — the gym is open 24/7 with keycard access.
Q: When is the best time to come for my first visit?
If you want a quieter gym, weekday mornings and early afternoons tend to be less busy. But there’s no wrong time. The gym is never so packed that you’ll feel overwhelmed, and our trainers are available to help regardless of when you come in. The Next Step in North Bay isn’t a warehouse gym with 500 members on the floor at once.
What to Expect on Your First Day at the Gym
Walking in is the hardest part. Once you’re through the door, it gets easier. Here’s what actually happens.
Q: What happens when I walk through the door?
You’ll be greeted by a trainer or staff member who’ll show you around. They’ll walk you through the facility — the equipment floor, the change rooms, where to put your things. It’s not a sales pitch. It’s a tour so you feel comfortable in the space before you do anything else.
Q: Will someone show me how to use the equipment?
Yes. If you’re on a free trial, you’ll get a free session with a certified trainer who walks you through your program and every piece of equipment in it. If you already have your own routine, we offer a free orientation session so you can learn the machines at The Next Step specifically. Nobody expects you to figure it out on your own.
Q: What if I’ve never been to a gym before — is that okay?
More than okay. A lot of our members in North Bay started here with zero gym experience. That’s exactly why The Next Step offers a free consultation with every new membership — a certified trainer sits down with you, learns about your goals and any limitations, and designs a personalized program. You’re not handed a generic sheet and told good luck.
Q: How long should my first workout be?
Don’t try to do everything on day one. A 30-minute session is plenty when you’re starting out. Amanda Hampel, the owner of The Next Step Fitness Centre, has been saying for years that 30 minutes a day makes a real difference — and the research backs her up. The Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology recommends 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, which is about 30 minutes five days a week.
Q: Can I bring a friend on my first visit?
Absolutely. Having a friend with you can take the edge off. The Next Step has a Bring a Friend program where your friend can work out with you for free. If they decide to join, they get a discounted membership at $40/month instead of the regular $56.50.
Gym Etiquette for First-Time Gym Visitors
Every gym has unwritten rules. Here are the ones that matter at The Next Step in North Bay — and none of them are complicated.
Q: What are the basic gym etiquette rules I should know?
Wipe down equipment after you use it. Put weights back where you found them. Don’t sit on a machine scrolling your phone while someone’s waiting. Be aware of the space around you. That’s really it. The culture at The Next Step is friendly and low-pressure. You won’t get stared at and nobody’s going to judge your form while you’re learning.
Q: Is it okay to ask for help if I don’t know how to use a machine?
Always. The trainers at The Next Step are on the floor to help — not just their personal training clients, but everyone. If you’re unsure about a machine, ask. If you need someone to check your form, ask. That’s what they’re there for. The team includes five certified trainers with credentials through CanFitPro, CSEP, NCCP, and NFPT.
Q: Is it okay to wear headphones?
Yes. A lot of members work out with headphones. Just stay aware of your surroundings and be ready to pause if a trainer or another member needs to get your attention. The gym plays its own music at a comfortable level, so headphones are a personal preference, not a requirement.
Q: Will people judge me if I don’t know what I’m doing?
No. The Next Step Fitness Centre in North Bay isn’t that kind of gym. Amanda Hampel built this place around the idea that fitness is about how you feel, not how you look. The members here are focused on their own workouts, not watching yours. And if you need help, you’ll get it without judgment. That’s not a slogan — it’s how the gym runs.
Gym Membership Questions — The Next Step North Bay
Once you’ve decided the gym feels right, here’s how the membership side works. No surprises.
Q: How much does a gym membership cost at The Next Step?
Monthly memberships are $56.50 per month. That gives you 24/7 keycard access, a free consultation with a certified trainer, a personalized workout program, and a free session to walk through your program. If a current member brings you in through the Bring a Friend program, you get a discounted rate of $40 per month.
Q: Is there a free trial before I have to commit?
Yes. New monthly members get a free week of full gym access — 24/7 keycard, all equipment, all hours. No credit card required, no commitment. After the free week, if you decide to join, you also get a free consultation and a free session with a trainer. Personal training clients get a free consultation with a physical assessment and a free session to test the trainer fit.
Q: Are there contracts or cancellation fees?
The Next Step keeps it simple. There are no long-term contracts that lock you in for 12 or 24 months. If you need to cancel, you can. Ask at the front desk or call (705) 475-0724 and they’ll walk you through it.
Q: Do I need personal training, or can I just use the gym on my own?
That’s entirely up to you. Plenty of members use the gym independently after getting their initial free consultation and personalized program. Others work with a trainer on an ongoing basis. The Next Step in North Bay offers both options, and nobody will pressure you into personal training if you don’t want it.
Why The Next Step Gym Feels Different on Day One
Amanda Hampel opened The Next Step Fitness Centre because she believed a gym should feel welcoming from the moment you walk in — not just after you’ve been coming for six months.
She joined the gym as a trainer back in 2010, took over as manager in 2015, and bought the business in March 2020. She holds two diplomas from Canadore College in North Bay — Sports Conditioning and Fitness & Health Promotion — and is certified through CanFitPro, Canada’s largest fitness education organization.
Amanda’s philosophy has always been that The Next Step Fitness Centre isn’t about how you look — it’s about how you feel. That shows up in how first visits are handled. You’re not sold to. You’re not rushed. You’re shown around, introduced to the trainers, and given the time to decide if the gym is right for you.
“Everyone’s first day at a gym is a little nerve-racking. We know that. So we don’t throw people into the deep end. We show them the pool first, answer their questions, and let them get in at their own pace. That’s how it should be.”
— Amanda Hampel, Owner & Certified Exercise Physiologist (C-SEP), CanFitPro Certified
The gym has been operating in North Bay since 2001 — first as Step by Step Fitness Solutions, now as The Next Step Fitness Centre. Twenty-five years of helping people take their first step into fitness. The team of five certified trainers works with beginners, athletes, seniors, and everyone in between.
First Visit Checklist — What to Bring to The Next Step Gym
Print this out or screenshot it before you come in.
What Members Say About Training Here
4.9out of 5 from 15 Google reviews
I really enjoy when I get to train at this gym while in town. The staff are personable, the facility and change rooms are kept very clean and have amenities you wouldn’t find in a corporate gym. The equipment is in good working condition and includes anything I could think to use. The atmosphere is welcoming and feels especially inclusive to women, people of all ages and fitness levels.
LeahThis gym is wonderful! Very clean and well maintained. If paired with a personal trainer, they will make sure to work with you to develop an individualized plan that is based on knowledge of your needs and goals. Their fitness classes can also be tailored to you individually, which I thought was so great! They have a variety of trainers and classes, so that you can work your fitness goals around the schedule that works best for you. Highly recommend!
Kari PearceYou say that you don't have time to go to the gym, but you are wrong. Sign up here and get two 30 minute scheduled sessions every week with a personal trainer. The fantastic staff here are knowledgeable and super friendly. They are going to custom craft a training program that is going to work for you. And these are a busy 30 minutes that is going to have you in and out the door in no time. Early before work, on your lunch or as you head home from your day. This is the place you want if you don't have time to waste mucking about in a regular gym figuring out what to do next. You can fit this in and you absolutely won't regret it.
Sean Demarcegreat gym. Always clean. You don't feel like a piece of meat here. Well thought out gym and pleasant place to work out. Staff is excellent and friendly. They understand how to train your body to get the most out of a workout. Personal training and regular membership.
Kathryn FeigeBeen going to this gym for the last 8 years and absolutely love it!
Rob LeblancAmazing team, professional & friendly service. They have everything you need!
Shawn Moretonits very well maintained, open 24/7 so I can go whenever there aren't people
Eros LabSuper personal trainers here
Kevin SmithAwesome gym great people!
Ryan LacroixThis place couldn't be any better.
Josh Armstrong
Ready for Your First Visit? Start with a Free Trial in North Bay
Your first workout at The Next Step Fitness Centre comes with a free week, a free consultation, and a free session with a certified trainer. No credit card. No contract. No pressure.
The hardest part is walking through the door. We’ll handle the rest.