What To Look For In A Quality Health Club

Finding a health club that meets your needs and your budget can be a daunting task. Since it can be a substantial investment, you want to make sure that this is a place that you want to come back to time after time. Here are some questions to ask when you are shopping around.

Is the facility close to your home or work?
Let’s face it: you won’t stick with a club that is out of your way. Research has shown that the number-one reason people leave a facility is because it is not conveniently located. So consider convenience over price: if a local club is a bit more expensive than one that is further away, you’ll get your money’s worth at the local club (all other things being equal).

Is the facility and equipment clean and in good working order?
Most salespeople will give you a tour of the gym before you buy a membership. Take the time to check out the weight machines and look for worn cables and vinyl seats. Check the free weights for loose plates or rust, and on cardio equipment, look for “out of order” signs and listen for strange noises.

Is the equipment available when you want to use it?
Most of us don’t have the time to wait for equipment to be free, especially cardio equipment. How well-equipped is the health club to handle busy peak periods? Is there a time limit on the cardio machines?

Do you need all the frills?
Be aware of what you are looking for in a gym and what you will be paying for in a membership. In addition to aerobics classes, some health clubs offer a sauna, a whirlpool, a swimming pool, seminars, racquetball courts, tanning beds, childcare, and massage therapy. Some of these amenities are included in the membership price and some aren’t, so make sure you know the deal before you buy. If you just want to use the weights you may wish to look into a no-frills gym at a lower rate. Keep in mind that overall, substance should always win out over glitz and glamour.

What are the people there like?
This is actually a two-part question. First, are the staff knowledgeable and friendly? Don’t be afraid to ask to see credentials. An exercise certification from an organization such as Can-Fit Pro, ACE, ISSA or BCPRA indicates that the instructor has basic knowledge or better in the areas in anatomy, kinesiology, exercise physiology, injury prevention, monitoring of exercise intensity and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Also, be wary of sales staff that push you into signing a contract “today” or try to sell you the latest and greatest supplements and health food. Some salespeople are more interested in getting their commission off your membership and selling you supplements than on helping you get healthier.

Second, are the club members knowledgeable and friendly? Are you comfortable with the people you see there? Working out in a positive and supportive atmosphere is an important feature that money can’t buy.

Do they help you get started on the right foot?
Before you are allowed to work out, does someone at the facility give you a health screening form to fill out, ask you questions about your health (past or present injuries or illnesses) or find out if you are under a doctor's care? A health screening will inform the instructors, trainers and management of any injuries, illnesses or limitations that you may have. It will help staff members evaluate your capabilities. Some clubs will also do an initial assessment of your current level of fitness and develop a workout program based on your limitations and goals.
It is also very important that the club you choose includes in the membership price a session to teach you how to use their equipment. Ninety percent of people that work out in a gym have improper form, and injuries sustained from improper equipment use occur more frequently than you might think. Also look for signs posted around machines that show you how to properly use them, should a staff member be unavailable to show you.

Try Before You Buy
Like it is with most big purchases, it’s important to shop around. Usually it takes a few visits to learn about the nuances of each health club, so take advantage of the free trial periods that most of them offer. These can range between single-day passes up to two-week trial periods. Some health clubs offer a 30-day trial period, but ask you to sign a contract before you begin. Be forewarned: they do this to secure your business. They know that even if you’re not completely happy with the club, you will more than likely stick with the place out of habit and convenience.

So arm yourself with the proper knowledge and get your butt into shape at a club that makes you want to be there. Happy hunting!