About Gym Memberships
Of the nearly 43 million Americans who were members of health clubs in 2006, only 16 million were considered "regular users," meaning that they visited the club at least 100 times. That means that approximately two-thirds of health club members aren't really using the memberships that they have paid for. It pays to shop around and consider what you are really looking for in a gym before signing that membership contract.
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History
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According to the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association, in 2005 more than 17 million Americans with health club memberships were "frequent users," averaging more than 100 days of use in that year. Membership in health and fitness clubs has steadily increased since its inception. The YMCA (Young Men's Christian Association), established in 1851, was one of the first health clubs, offering the general public (men) access to free weights and other exercise equipment. Prior to this time, there were no health clubs, only gymnasiums, which were strictly places to practice gymnastics and other indoor sports.
Definition
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A health club is a facility designed for the indoor practice of sports and fitness. Most modern health clubs give members access to a variety of fitness equipment including free weights and weight machines, cardiovascular machines such as treadmills and stair climbers and a variety of fitness classes. Clubs generally require members to sign a membership contract, outlining the length of commitment and terms of payment.
Benefits
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Many people find that working out at a health club offers benefits over a home workout program in terms of convenience, versatility and more. Health clubs are able to offer access to a wide range of exercise equipment, which adds to the variety and quality of one's workout routine. Some gym-goers find that going to a health club increases their motivation to work out, as well as providing a social outlet.
Types
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Health clubs offer a wide variety of membership plans and payment options. The most common types are month-to-month and term memberships. Month-to-month memberships allow members to pay a set fee for club use for one month at a time, with the election to cancel at will. This is the costliest type of health club membership, but also the most flexible and a good choice for those who want to try out a health club before making a commitment. Term memberships are contracts written for a specific period of time, usually between six months and two years. This type of membership costs less per month than a month-to-month arrangement, but there is no option to end the contract early. In some cases, health clubs allow members to cancel before the membership period ends by paying a cancellation fee, but many require full payment for the entire contract period, whether you use the facility or not.
Considerations
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Which health club to join and what type of membership to get is largely a matter of personal preference. Different health clubs cater to different clientele, and it is important that you choose a club that is convenient for you, that you enjoy visiting and feel comfortable in. Most clubs offer a short trial membership for free or at a very low cost. This is an excellent opportunity to try out the equipment and get a feel for whether it is the right club for you. If the club that you are interested in doesn't have a free trial offer, you may still be able to purchase a day pass or a short-term membership instead.
Warning
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Before signing a health club membership contract, read all of the terms carefully. The contract should explain what your options are if you move or want to switch to another location of the same club, what happens if you end your membership early, and what happens at the end of your membership term. Many clubs have automatic renewal on memberships, meaning that when your contract ends (at, for example, one year) the club will begin a new term and continue to charge you until you give official notification of cancellation.
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