At any given time there are probably hundreds of thousands of people thinking about joining a gym or health club. It may be New Year's resolution time, summer and swimsuit season is coming time, or even 'I've just got to get in shape' time. For most people, a gym membership is a good thing.
So you may be wondering: Which gym? For some, this choice can mean the difference between the beginning of a rewarding life-long fitness regime or the fate of another exercise dropout.
The first thing to consider in choosing a gym, as in real estate, is location. Most people won't travel more than 20 minutes to work out, so if there isn't anything you find comfortably close, it might be better to work out at home. Even if there isn't a big health club nearby, you may be able to find a nice facility at a YMCA, your local recreation department, a hospital or health clinic, or even a big hotel that lets local residents join its fitness facility. (If none of these apply to you, don't give up on exercise. You really can get a good workout at home.)
So let's assume you have a choice of clubs. The first thing you are thinking about is how much it will cost. It's a mistake to shop only price. Most health clubs are a bargain if you use them at least twice a week. Sometimes once a week is cheap if compared to taking, say, a yoga class elsewhere. When you join a low-price club, you may find they stint on upkeep or service. If you're a seasoned exerciser who just needs a place to lift weights, it may not bother you, but you need to be aware of what you are, and are not, getting for your money. On the other side, high-end clubs may have swimming pools, tennis courts, restaurants, steam rooms, and even such amenities as hair dryers and ironing boards. These are expensive to maintain and you will pay more for a membership to such a club. It may be worth it to you, but if all you want to do is run on the treadmill, there's no need to pay to maintain things you're not going to use. Another selling point for an expensive club is that the price keeps the membership down so the club doesn't get crowded, but this may not always be true. Some people prefer the expensive clubs for business or social reasons, but if you're just looking for a place to work out and don't care about the extra amenities, a cheaper facility may be fine.
When you're visiting a club, ask about the qualifications of the trainers and instructors, especially if you are a beginner. You can ask about the certifying agency and what the certification means. See what help will be available to you as part of your membership and for what you will have to pay extra. Find out about an orientation if you're a beginner. Will someone set up a program for you or just show you how to use the equipment? It may be worth an extra fee to get a qualified person to help you get started. Is there always a staff member available to answer questions and handle emergencies? There should be.
Before you sign up, visit the club at the time and day you expect to attend. This is the only way to see for yourself how crowded it is and who is attending. Ask for a free workout so you can try out the club. It's probably worth paying a guest fee if you have to. If you like aerobics classes, try one out. If you have no intention of doing aerobics, it doesn't even matter if the club offers classes. If you want to use free weights, make sure the equipment is adequate and there is enough space to accommodate everyone using the area. Try the machines to make sure they are in good operating condition. Always visit the locker room and take a look at the showers. This is where cleanliness is most important as diseases spread in damp environments. You can ask the members what they like about the club, as long as you're not disrupting somebody's routine. If you feel the staff is not helpful, the members are rude, the music is too loud, or the "vibes" are bad, it may not be the club for you. And you really don't need to join a gym to work out; it's just more convenient. But don't be discouraged from joining just because you are out of shape and feel self-conscious. Everyone has to start somewhere.
When you decide to join, read the contract carefully. If you have been promised some incentive for joining, make sure it's there. In general, it's best not to join for more than one or two years. The club may go downhill or a better one may open across the street from you. You don't get your money back if you don't attend. Find out what is included and what is extra. Often childcare, towel service and certain classes like spinning have an extra fee. If you have to pay for parking, that adds to your workout cost. You get to shop for a health club, like anything else. Don't fall for first-visit specials or other hard sell tactics. Don't take fitness advice from salespeople, unless they are also personal trainers. And go the other way if someone tries to sell you supplements as soon as you set foot in the door. Contracts usually have a clause that gives you three days to change your mind. Don't pay for a membership with cash.
Try to get a friend to join with you or join where your friends are. If that's not possible and you want to meet people, it may be worthwhile to take a class. Even if you don't like aerobics, many clubs now offer yoga, kickboxing and other alternatives. A club with a lounge area may also be an easier place to meet people. Usually if you just smile and nod for starters, you will end up working out in a friendly atmosphere, even if you don't find anybody you want to socialize with. If you're searching for a romantic interest, you don't need my advice! Just don't sit on the equipment and interfere with other people's workouts while you're flirting.
Now get your calendar and write down when you will go to the gym. Make an appointment with yourself and make working out a habit. You will start seeing benefits in a few weeks and find that a gym membership is one of your best investments.
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