How to Pick a Health Club
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May 23, 2007
Provided by the Maryland Athletic Club & Wellness Center (MAC)
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You’re ready to get in shape and join a club. But how to make the most of your determination to fit fitness into your life? Experts say finding a gym or fitness club where you feel comfortable and physically challenged is key.
The International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association offers the following tips:
- Identify your fitness goals and look for a health club that offers programs and services to help you achieve them.
- Ask friends and co-workers where they work out and why.
- Look for a health club close to home or work. A convenient location will make it easier for you to get there on a regular basis — and will increase the likelihood that you’ll stick to your new exercise routine.
- Visit a health club during the time of day when you are most likely to work out. This will help you gauge whether the club meets your needs and expectations. Also ask if you can get a trial membership before committing to a long-term plan.
- Choose a club that makes you feel comfortable.
- Check the locker rooms, equipment and club amenities to determine if the facility is well-organized and clean.
- Talk to fitness instructors about their programs and ask when classes are held and who attends them. This will help you determine if the club offers classes that interest you and are appropriate for your fitness level. (Also find out if fitness classes are included in your membership plan or if they cost extra.)
- If you have a specific health challenge, look for a club that has a personal trainer or fitness instructor certified to work with people with health challenges. Talk to the trainers about your special needs. And don’t be afraid to ask about their credentials or to see their certification.
- When you join a club, ask about the membership agreement terms and review the applicationdetails thoroughly. Be sure that you understand the cancellation policy, billing procedures, length of the agreement and membership renewal process to prevent confusion about your membership in the future. And don’t ever feel pressured to sign on the spot. You are entitled to take the contract home and read it before you make a final decision.
