When you embark on your quest for better health and fitness, you can improve your chances of adhering to your plan by carefully selecting a gym or fitness center that best suits your needs.
Here are some important points to keep in mind when searching for a place to join:
1.) Evaluate your goals and choose a gym or fitness center that best meets your needs in a price range you can afford. The more activities a place offers, normally the more you have to pay. For example, if you don’t plan to make swimming part of your exercise routine you won’t necessarily want to pay extra to join a place that has a pool.
2.) Location, location, location. Pick a gym that is conveniently located near home or work. If you join a gym that is out-of-the-way, it becomes easier to talk yourself out of going.
3.) Examine the locker rooms, equipment, hot tubs, etc. to see if they are clean and well maintained. If they are, it’s a good indicator of a well-run establishment.
4.) Survey the gym and make sure you are comfortable there and like the general feel of the place. Check it out during the normal time you’ll be training to get an idea of crowd size. If you’re typically going to workout at 4 PM, make sure you stop by at 4 PM because different times of day draw varying amounts of people. If you like the atmosphere, you’ll enjoy going and vice versa.
5.) Be well aware of the cancellation policy, membership packages and billing agreement. Make sure you ask questions if anything is unclear long before you sign on the dotted line.
Source: International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association.
