If you resolve to exercise, lose weight, eat healthier or all of the above in the new year, you’re not alone. Health clubs, yoga studios and other fitness facilities can offer extra motivation, such as the support of fellow exercisers.
A club often costs more than exercising at home–hundreds of dollars more, in some cases. And getting there takes more time out of your busy day.
But if you like having access to many pieces of equipment and prefer working out with others, a gym or health club might be right for you.
Here are some things to consider when making your choice.
Determine your fitness goal
You might hear that you should figure out what your fitness goal is–what you want from your workout. If you’re so new to exercise that you really don’t know what you like, a facility with a variety of classes, equipment and features can introduce you to different activities. That way, if you find one exercise boring, you can move on to something else. The staff can help too.
Working with the pros
There’s no official school to be a personal trainer. But numerous organizations certify trainers, and each has its own set of criteria and qualifications. Ask trainers what certifications they have or are pursuing. If you have health conditions such as diabetes or heart disease, your trainer should have knowledge and experience working with similar patients.
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Finding a club
The International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association offers tips to help find the facility that’s best for you:
– Ask friends, family members and co-workers where they work out and why. Word of mouth can make or break a fitness facility.
– When you shop for a health club, look for one that has programs and services that appeal to you.
– Look for one that’s convenient–close to your job or home–so you don’t have to make a special trip to work out. It should be open at the time you’re most likely to exercise.
– Consider clubs that have services that would make it easier for you to work out, such as baby-sitting or women-only fitness areas.
– Sign up for trial memberships or use a temporary pass to find out how crowded the facility is and what the atmosphere is like at the time you plan to exercise.
Before you sign up
When you visit a fitness facility, have a list of questions ready, including:
– What are the annual and monthly fees? Are there additional fees for towels or mats? And does your membership cover guest passes at clubs in other cities?
– If you have a specific health problem, can the staff address it with the appropriate exercises? Do they have a first-aid plan for emergencies?
– How old is the equipment?
– At what times are classes and pieces of equipment most crowded?
Ask yourself:
– Does the club reflect my interests? Is there enough variety to keep me motivated? On the other hand, am I sure I won’t be paying for programs and services I’ll never use?
– Is the club and its equipment clean and in working order? This includes locker rooms and other areas not devoted to fitness.
– Are the staff members and trainers friendly and helpful? Do the fitness pros have appropriate credentials?
– Do I understand the membership and cancellation policies?