Tips For Choosing A Gym By: Lisa Ritchie
January is resolution time and many of us will shop for a gym membership. What’s right for you? What type of exerciser are you? Do you prefer cardio machines over classes? Not a gym goer at all? In that case, you can skip the membership entirely and hire a personal trainer to come to your home. There’s much to be said for one-on-one training customized to your goals, abilities, and budget. However, if you ARE looking to join a health club here are a few tips:
Tip# 1. is to look close to home. You’re not going to go if it’s not convenient. Good intentions generally fade.
Tip# 2. Visit during the times you’re most likely to go and see how crowded it is. Can you get on the machines you like and want to use? Is there enough staff on hand? What about the parking?
Tip#3. Look at the cleanliness and overall condition of the club. Walk around and see if any machines are broken. Check the upholstery on the weight benches to see if they’re clean and undamaged. Of course, check out the locker room; are the showers clean? If they provide shampoo etc. are the dispensers full?
Tip# 4. Ask the manager for a free pass to try out the club and observe the staff. Are they helpful and attentive? What organization are they certified with?
Tip# 5. Don’t waste your money on extras that you'll never use. For example, a pool or specific classes are an expense you don’t need if you’ll never use them. Often you can find great deals in January, which is peak season, but rates also drop during the slower summer months. Choose a gym that won’t break your bank, but also provides enough incentive to go regularly.
Tip #6. Check for specials and sales and look for discounts through your job or insurance. See if the club is a member of URSA. This organization helps set standards for the operation of gyms, including health, safety, and ethics.
Tip# 7. Expect the unexpected. Find out about their cancellation policy. You don’t want to be paying for a membership that you can’t use because you broke your leg or some other catastrophe!
Have fun, stay motivated, and be consistent!