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Home » How To Guide » Pick the Best Health Club »
How to pick the best health club
| How-To-Tips |
• Make sure the club is in a convenient location.
• Make sure the hours are convenient and that the club isn’t overcrowded during the hours you plan to use it.
• Look at how well the club is maintained and at the cleanliness of the facility.
• Determine if the staff members are friendly and helpful.
• Ask yourself, “Is this a place where I’d feel comfortable working out?”
• Check out what programs are offered and make sure they meet your needs (weight management, smoking cessation).
• Look into childcare and see what is offered (what ages are allowed in the nursery, whether you have to book appointments for childcare and how crowded it is when you want to use the club, childcare hours, whether the staff changes diapers or plans to page you). |
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When it comes to selecting a health club, decide what motivates you and what your fitness goals are. If you’re not certain, visit several before making a decision. For some people, convenience is the most important factor, and it is one of the top things that make people stick with a fitness routine, according to the American Council on Exercise. Besides location, be sure to check out other offerings that are important to you, the ACE reports. If you want swimming to be part of your exercise fitness program, find a health club that has an adequate swimming pool.
The right club for you
Joining a club is a great way to stay motivated about your fitness program, according to the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association. The environment is energizing and support groups often are offered to help people stick with an exercise program. Many different workout options are available; the environment – not too hot or too cold – is perfect when outdoor conditions are not so perfect; and staff is available to make sure you are working out properly and to respond in an emergency.
If your thing is fitness classes, make sure the club offers a good mix at times that work for you. Some clubs offer all or any of the following popular classes: martial arts, kickboxing, Aquatic classes, Spinning, Body Pump, Step and Yoga. Pilates Also, make sure classes aren’t overcrowded.
A club’s hours are important too. Many open early and keep their doors open late. If the hours work for you, then check out the club during the times you plan to work out. If there are long lines for the equipment or the classes are overflowing, you may want to reconsider.
The right club for you will offer, in addition to a vast array of equipment and classes, a variety of fun, informative and healthful programs and services. Look for one with degreed and certified personal training to therapeutic massage and wellness programs to kid’s fitness.
General atmosphere
Take a look at the people using the club, and ask yourself: “Am I going to be comfortable working out here?”
Customer service is important as well, Fryer. Are you greeted with a smile? Are customer suggestions taken seriously and acted upon? Does the staff actively interact with the members? The best clubs offer fitness assessments, exercise prescriptions, weight management programs, and nutritional counseling.
Make sure the facilities are clean. You certainly want to check out the dressing rooms to make sure there are enough lockers and private areas. Are other amenities provided such as shampoo, deodorant and body lotion? Hair dryers may be another consideration as well as towels provided.
Membership agreements
IHRSA offers some tips about membership agreements: Make sure all verbal agreements are spelled out in writing. Check out the length of the membership (multi-year, annual, month-to-month). Look into cancellation provisions in case you become disabled or move. Finally, check with the Better Business Bureau to see if complaints have been filed against the club.
Before signing on the dotted line, contracts should be scrutinized carefully. Some things to consider include avoiding long-term contracts. Clubs should be confident in their services and should offer month-to-month plans. Consumers should ask about member holds if they live elsewhere for part of the year and should ask about medical holds. Also, make sure you understand what is included in the membership. Does it include classes, use of machines, pool and racquetball court?
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