Location
For your fitness program to be a
success, exercising has to be
convenient or it won't become a
realistic lifestyle change. The closer
and easier it is to get to, the better.
Naturally, you don't want to join a
crummy place just because it's
nearby, but be sure to keep in mind
that if you choose a club that's out of
your way you're much more likely to
find an excuse to stop going. Try to
find a suitable club that is close to
your home or work.
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Hours
Lots of health clubs open early and
close late. But before you join, make
sure your club is open during the
times you plan to use it. Check
whether the club is too crowded or if
there are long lines for equipment.
Also take note of how helpful the staff
are, and how well maintained their
equipment is.
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Staff
Staff members should always be
polite, helpful, and professional toward
all clients. Instructors and trainers
should be professionally certified. If
you have physical limitations, make
sure there is a staff member trained to
work with you. Make sure there is
always someone available to answer
your questions, to show you a new
exercise, or how to use a piece of
equipment. Good quality clubs will
have a friendly, encouraging, and
knowledgeable staff.
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Equipment
Weight-training machines, treadmills,
bicycles, mats, balls, and all other
equipment should be clean, modern,
and in good working order. There
also should be enough equipment to
avoid making members wait. For
instance, treadmills are the most
popular piece of equipment at health
clubs. Not having enough of them
means you'll have to wait in line for a
turn. Up-to-date equipment is safer,
more comfortable, and easier to use.
Make sure your club has
state-of-the-art equipment.
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Free Trial Offer
You can't choose a health club based
on a phone call, a price quote, or a
color brochure. You need to
experience the facility. Take the time
to get to know the staff and members;
if complementary personal assistance
is provided to help you become
comfortable with the equipment, use it!
Ask a lot of questions and pay
attention to the answers. Be sure to
try out the club at the time that you
would normally workout - you'll get a
better feel for how crowded the club is.
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Agreement & Payment
Options
Find out exactly what the membership
fee includes (ex. personal training,
towel service, lockers, childcare, etc.).
Are there extra costs for additional
services? Make sure you know what
type of agreement term you are
agreeing to - is it a month-to-month
agreement, or is there a minimum
length of time involved? Ask what
type of payment options they offer.
Most clubs will debit the funds directly
from your account. This can make it
easier to pay membership fees, but
make sure it's easy to cancel should
you move or decide that the club has
not meet your standards.
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Reputation
The best people to ask for
recommendations for health clubs are
those you trust most - your friends
and family. Before you join, it is a
good idea to talk to current members
about their experiences with the club.
The Better Business Bureau can also
tell you if the club has had any
complaints registered against it.
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Little Details
As you tour the club, pay attention to
details. How clean is the facility? Is
the music too loud? Is most of the
equipment in working order? Too
many "out of order" signs may
indicate poor maintenance. Are new
members provided with a club
orientation and instruction on how to
use the equipment? Make sure the
club is a place where you would enjoy
spending time.
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