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Choosing A Fitness Club That You'll Actually Use
by Edaline Peebles
http://www.fitnessr.com
If you've decided that it's time to get in shape, one of
your best tools can be a membership in a fitness club.
Today's health and fitness clubs offer exercise equipment,
weight training equipment, tracks, pools, saunas, treadmills
and just about anything else that will help you get fit and
stay fit. Depending on the club, they may also offer
personal trainers, juice bars, masseurs, spa treatments and
other luxury perks that will make you feel like a pampered
queen.
With all the choices available, it can be difficult to pick
a fitness club that you'll enjoy enough to use often. Should
you sign up with the $29 a month club that just sent you an
invitation? What about the one you drive by on your way home
from work every day? While it's not a life and death
decision, choosing the right fitness club can be the
difference between a waste of money and a great addition to
your healthy lifestyle. Getting the answers to the list of
questions below can help you decide which fitness club is
the right one for you.
Where is the club located? The club's location and its
convenience for you is a major factor in whether or not
you'll use it. Your best choice is one that's near either
your home or office - or better yet one that's on the way
between the two of them. The more convenient it is for you
to use, the more you'll use it.
Is everything clean? No one expects a gym to be spotless,
but sanitation can be a concern. You'll be putting your
hands on those bars and walking around in those shower
rooms. Give the place the sniff test. There's an obvious
difference between the smell of healthy sweat and dirt. An
underlying scent of disinfectant is a good sign.
Is the atmosphere congenial? This can have as much to do
with the gym's clientele as it does with the staff. Ask for
a couple of guest passes and visit to make sure that you'll
feel comfortable there. If you feel out of place, chances
are you'll avoid showing up to exercise.
Do they welcome kids? If you're looking for a family
membership to a fitness club you'll want to be sure that the
atmosphere is welcoming to your kids. Look for activities
geared to families, equipment that they can use and staff
that's friendly and knowledgeable. It works in reverse, too
- if you'd rather work out without little eyes and ears,
don't choose a club devoted to families.
Is child care available when you need it? Ask what hours
child care is available if it's offered at all. Make sure
that there will be child care coverage when you can work
out.
Do they have the equipment and activities you want? If
you've got your heart set on a fitness club where you can
work out your kinks with a sparring partner, you'll be
disappointed with one that has no boxing area. Make sure
that the club can provide the activities that you need and
want before signing a contract. If not, shop around till you
find one that does.
Is there enough equipment to go around? Visit the fitness
club during the hours that you'll be most likely to use it
to find out just how crowded it is. Long waits to use
popular equipment can be discouraging.
Finally, can you afford it? Don't just rule out the perfect
club because the membership fee seems out of reach. There
are often options to help you pay for membership in a
fitness club. Ask staff at the club about budget plans, and
check with your health insurance and your employer. Many of
them cover at least part of the fees for health and fitness
club. After all, a healthy employee is in your company's
best interest, too.
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