About Health Clubs

If you are looking to start working out or get back in shape, joining a health club is a good choice. Health clubs are everywhere and can vary greatly in cost, size and services offered. It is important to shop around before joining a club to make sure you will get the best deal for your money. There are several features to look for. This article will cover some of the basics.

Significance

A health club is a facility where you can find fitness and wellness programs. It usually contains some type of workout equipment, and most locations offer group exercise classes. Many people have exercise equipment at home but never use it. Treadmills and weight machines often become expensive clothes hangers and dust collectors. Many find it difficult to motivate themselves to work out at home. Joining a health club can help you to get on track, especially if you sign up for classes or personal training. This forces you to schedule exercise into your day, as you must be at the club at a certain time. In addition, a lot of people find that it is more enjoyable to work out with others. It provides a little friendly competition, which motivates some to work out harder. Members of a class also look forward to seeing each other. This makes you accountable. If you skip your exercise routine at home no one will know. However, if you do not show up at the club for a few days, your trainer or classmates will often check in and try to support you to get back on schedule.

Size

Health clubs vary in size. They can be very small one-room gyms, which are often found in more rural areas. Some club owners prefer to have a more intimate and less intimidating setting for their clients. These smaller gyms can be a good place to start if you are feeling self-conscious or concerned about having a lack of experience using equipment, as they can offer more personalized attention. There are medium-size gyms that have a large weight training room and may also have one or two rooms for group exercise classes. There are also very large health clubs or complexes that offer a large weight and cardiovascular workout area, multiple rooms for exercise classes, a pool and many other features. The larger the health club, the higher the fees. It is important to weigh how many of these features you will use and how often you will realistically go. If you plan to be at the gym 5 days per week and like to participate in a variety of activities, then a larger health club is a better choice and well worth your money. However, if you are only planning to work out 2 or 3 days per week and want just classes or equipment, look for a smaller health club.

Features

Depending on their size, health clubs usually offer a selection of cardiovascular and strength training equipment. For cardiovascular equipment, you will often find treadmills, elliptical machines and exercise bikes. The larger the club, the more variety you will find. In addition, larger gyms usually have TVs to help you pass the time. With larger clubs, you may also find virtual reality cardio equipment, such as bikes with 3-D screens or equipment where you can race another member at the club. Larger health clubs have a wider variety of strength training equipment and free weight options. While this can be overwhelming at first, in the end you get a well-rounded workout, as you are able to vary your routine from time to time. Some clubs also have rock climbing gyms and courts where you can play basketball or volleyball. Another feature to look at in a health club is the locker room area. A smaller gym may just have showers and changing rooms. A larger gym may also offer steam rooms, saunas and hot tubs, as well as provide you with towels and other necessities. Lastly, many larger chain health clubs provide space for physical therapy clinics. This is a great option for those with medical concerns or injuries. This setup allows the therapist to train you how to work out correctly on the equipment that you will be using, versus providing advice for you to attend a gym where they are unfamiliar with the equipment. Again, the choice is all up to what services you need and will use.

Considerations

When searching for a health club, take your time to visit many clubs. As you walk around the club, take a close look. Does the club appear clean and well-maintained, or does it look dirty and run-down? As you walk through the weight room, notice how many pieces of equipment are broken. Broken equipment is a sign that the owner may not be taking care of the facility, and it can also mean that the club is not monitoring its members closely. Most equipment becomes broken because of misuse. A club with an attentive fitness staff can prevent these problems. Do the members and staff seem friendly and ready to help? Even if you are just touring a club, the staff should greet you as you walk around and possibly even introduce you to members who may be working out at the time. You should have the opportunity to ask questions of both the staff and current members. If everyone appears to be having a good time and the staff are friendly and relaxed, then the club is most likely well-run. Also check whether the instructors and personal trainers are nationally certified and how long they have been working at the particular club. If most of the staff has only been there a short time, that can be a warning sign.

Expert Insight

If after your first initial visit you think the health club might be a good fit, ask for free day pass or an opportunity to try before you buy. Health clubs may not always advertise this, but most will allow you to have a free trial day or even week to see whether the club fits your needs. Never hesitate to ask. If they do not offer a pass in person, visit their website to find online specials. At the very least, all clubs should offer an opportunity to purchase a one-day pass before buying a full membership. Be wary of gyms that put a lot of pressure on you to join right then and there. Don't fall for bully tactics and sales staff who are trying to close a deal. Make sure you check out their policies on memberships as well. Many health clubs offer you the opportunity to freeze your membership for a period of time once per year. This is a great option if you know you will not go during the summer or other time of the year.
Another major consideration is the proximity of the club to your work or home. If the club is more then a 5- or 10-minute drive away, you will be less likely to go. In addition, examine your own tendencies. Do you prefer to work out in the morning or are you more likely to go after work before you head home? Check that the club has classes or services at the time you want to go. That is also the best time to take a tour of the club to see how crowded it is. Also, health clubs always need help. This can include non-exercise-related jobs, such as working in maintenance, answering phones and staffing the locker rooms. Most gyms offer free memberships to their employees, even those who are part time. This way, you can make some extra money and get the health club membership for free.