What You Need to Know When Choosing a Fitness Club
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- Location - choose a fitness club that isn't too far from home and work so that you don't have an extra excuse not to go. Think about how far you are comfortable driving for other task in your life like going to the supermarket, dry cleaners. Choose a gym that is located within your driving comfort area, and you'll be more likely to add a trip to the gym into your daily or weekly routine.
- Programs - examine your fitness goals and preferences, and choose a gym that offers what you desire. If you need to lose weight, choose a club that offers program on weight loss and nutrition. If you enjoy swimming and tennis but don't want to perfect your dead-lift technique, a local swim and tennis club or YMCA might be good for you.
- Staff - find out if the gym hires professionally certified fitness instructors. If you are interested in nutrition counseling, massage therapy or physical therapy see if the club offers trained professionals in those fields.
- Equipment - choose a fitness club that has a wide variety of well maintained equipment. Consistent fitness often relies on variety., and you will want access to several types of machines and workout tools such as mats and fitness balls.
- Maintenance - the entire club should be clean and safe. Make several visits to the club to see how well-lit the parking lot is. Examine the locker rooms to make sure they are well-staffed and cleaned regularly. The club should provide cleanser and towels in the workout area so that members are encouraged to clean up after their workout.
- Contract Terms - health clubs vary greatly in their contract offerings. While some clubs will ask you to sign a contract for a year (or more), many clubs offer month to month memberships if you sign up with an automatic monthly payment. Determine what your ideal contract term would be before signing.
- Child Care - many clubs offer free child care. If this is a concern for you, choose a club that hires trained child care professionals, and has a clean well-maintained child care facility.
- Hours - many clubs are open 24 hours a day, and offer discounted rates for those who will come at off-peak hours. Examine your schedule and determine when you are most likely to work out. Visit the club at several different times during the week to determine the busiest hours, and whether there will be a wait for equipment.
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