How to Select a Health Club

Finding the right health club is key to starting and maintaining a fitness lifestyle and better health. It just takes a little homework and time.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Health Club Memberships

1. Decide if the facility should be convenient to home, office or both.

2. Think about what you want from a club - free weights, fitness classes, water aerobics, circuit machines, a lap track?

3. Consult the yellow pages for all clubs within the designated area.

4. Visit each facility and ask for a thorough tour.

5. Request a free guest pass or two.

6. Collect price information from each club.

7. Exercise at each facility before selecting one, and do so at the time of day you would normally be there.

8. Ask the club the following questions: Does it offer a group rate; does it meet or beat competitors' prices; is the equipment properly maintained, and is there enough of it (be sure to check for yourself); is towel service available; are the machines cleaned after each patron; and what are their hours?

9. Check as well: Can someone help you set up a fitness program; are lockers available, and do they cost extra; are the fitness instructors certified; and do the staff members have CPR training?

Tips & Warnings

• You must feel comfortable at the club in order to attend regularly. If it's a thong environment and you prefer baggy T-shirts and shorts, you may feel uncomfortable. Conversely, if you like sporty, body-hugging exercise clothes, you might feel ill at ease in a gym with beefy power lifters.
• The desk personnel should be glad to see you and should be available to answer your questions at all times.
• If you need child care, be sure to visit with your children and see that the hours are compatible with your exercise schedule.
• Avoid long-term contracts or prepayment of membership fees.
• Run quickly from high-pressure sales tactics and costly initiation fees.
• The staff should be genuinely concerned about your health and not your bank account.

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