How to Choose a Health Club
By Chad Tackett, president of GHF
Need help choosing a health club that will best suit your
needs?
The health clubs in the Global Health and Fitness (GHF)
directory offer outstanding services: a large selection of high-quality
equipment, health and fitness knowledge, and other attractive amenities
such as steam room/sauna, Jacuzzi, massage therapy, and more. However,
health clubs vary greatly, not only in services and equipment available
but also in pricing structure.
Many join a health club with great intentions and then
windup unhappy and dissatisfied. Starting a health and fitness program
is hard enough--don't make it more difficult by joining a health club
that doesn't meet your needs.
Before simply joining the first health club on the GHF
directory, do a little research. First, click on your home state (or
state you are traveling to). Next, do a search by city; this will bring
up an alphabetical listing of all the health clubs in your area. Click
on each health club listing--this will take you directly to their web
page where can learn more about their services, equipment, rates, hours,
etc. Once you've narrowed down the list by location, price range and
services, you should talk with the health club's sales staff and plan
a visit to the club.
When shopping for health clubs consider the following:
Location
For your fitness program to be a success, exercising has to be convenient
or it won't become a realistic lifestyle change. The closer and easier
it is to get to (and park your car), the better. Of course, you don't
want to join a health club that doesn't suit you just because it's close
to your home or office, but if you're joining a health club that isn't
convenient to get to, you're a lot more likely to find an excuse to
stop going.
Try Before You Buy
Sales staff are very good at selling the many benefits of their health
club, but you need to spend some time trying the equipment and "feeling"
the atmosphere. Ask for a day pass or trial membership--health clubs
have nothing to loose and everything to gain by this. Be sure to try
out the club at the time that you would normally workout--you'll get
a better feel for how crowded it is. Notice if there is much of a wait
for equipment, how helpful the staff is, and if the equipment is well
maintained. You may even ask a few members what they like about the
club.
Make Sure They Have What You Want
Make a list of the things that are important to you, such as personal
training, childcare, aerobics classes, etc., and make sure the health
club has what you need. If classes help to motivate you and the health
club doesn't offer the classes you need, sticking with your exercise
program won't be realistic. Try the class and make sure it is enjoyable,
challenging and educational. Just the same, if you have children, make
sure the health club has childcare or it will be tough to make it to
the club.
Member Profile
Find out what the members are like; see if the atmosphere is comfortable.
If you're a beginner, some clubs may be intimidating. Select a club
where you feel comfortable and welcome.
Staff
Make sure there is always someone available to answer your questions,
to show you a new exercise, or how to use a piece of equipment. Are
they friendly, helpful and knowledgeable?
Costs and Contracts
Find out exactly what the membership fee includes; personal training,
classes, pool, towel service, lockers, childcare, etc. Are there extra
costs for additional services? This should play a big part in your decision
to join a certain health club.
Some health clubs have a one-time initiation fee and require
purchasing a minimum of three months up front. Depending on your budget,
you may want to find a club that allows you to go on a month-to-month
basis. In addition, find out if the health club debits the funds directly
out of your Visa or checking account. This can make it easier to pay
membership fees but make sure that it's easy to cancel if you decide
you don't like the club. Be sure you read the contract before you sign
so you're not "locked" into paying even if you move out of
town or change health clubs.
Also, have a clear idea of what you can afford to pay and
stick to your budget no matter what sales incentives are offered. And
don't be afraid to bargain. If they're asking $49 a month and all you
can afford is $39, offer $39 (if they've met previous criteria) and
let them know you're prepared to join then and there.
This article was provided by Chad
Tackett, president of GHF.
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