How to Join a Health Club You Like

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By MidniteWriter
eHow Community Member

Article Rating: (3 Ratings)

Joining a health club you like and will use does not have to be a daunting task. Evaluate any money, time and energy you have to invest in a health club and in yourself and you will be amazed at the results this can bring!

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Gym brochures and fliers
Coupons for trial memberships
Computer
Internet

Step 1

Evaluate your health and current goals. Measure and weight to see if your perspective club fits into them. You could be joining health club to lose weight, socialize, tone, weight train, learn better health habits, participate in group exercise, reduce stress or increase your overall fitness and health. This can make a big difference in deciding what club to join.
Step 2

Take a look at the distance and hours of health clubs in your area. The farther you have to drive, the less likely you are to get in the car and drive to a class or work out at the club. A 24 hour health club is nice, but will you really use it?
Step 3

Compare all money you will spend and invest in a health club membership. If you like a club, take into consideration child care costs, added fees for special classes or trainers, and yearly renewal fees and contract commitment lengths. Call a club to see what the going rates are and then record and compare them to nearby organizations. Also check into classes and mini health club perks that are available in your place of employment.
Step 4

Find focus for your health club membership. All male clubs tend to be more geared towards boxing, strength training and contests while female and co-ed clubs can vary with classes like aerobics, swimming or yoga classes. Gyms like Curves for women is a straightforward circuit that can help you lose not only pounds but also inches in a supportive group atmosphere.
Step 5

Check coupon mailers each month to save money on initiation fees and possible get a month free. Or, ask your friends what club they belong to and obtain a coupon or referral from them. Often you both will receive a gift if you join and then you can even work out together on occasion.
Step 6

Start with the longest possible trial membership to see if you enjoy the health club atmosphere, benefits and offerings. Use as many services and equipment as possible to get a feel for the club. Come at different days and times to see what the crowds are like and attend classes if that interests you. Ensure there are no added fees for classes.
Step 7

Get everything in writing, including initiation, contract length, terms and maintenance fees. Include in the contract that you can add family members at a discount when you join the club.
Step 8

Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable with other health club members or staff, this club probably is not for you. Try a few clubs before joining or consider switching from the one you are at.
Step 9

Obtain part-time employment with the gym so you can get a better feel for staff and members. You may even get a free health club membership by doing this.

Comments

Susang6 said

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on 7/3/2009 Useful tips, I found that in order to have a great work out you need to be comfortable with your gym. Smaller gyms are better for me. I found Bally total fitness to be too much of social gym, whereas Golds gym is about the workout.