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Seven criteria to consider while choosing a health club


Seven criteria to consider while choosing a health club by Dr. LeiLani Vidal in Business Body Contouring


We all understand the necessity of exercise and the value of engaging in regular exercise, but deciding where to exercise can be one of the most difficult choices. For many people, having a certain location to go to can make all the difference in whether or not exercise becomes a daily habit or just happens once every few months.

Joining a health club could be a wonderful choice if you want to make exercising a regular habit. If you decide to join a health club this year, there are seven things you should think about.

1. Is it a convenient location?

The greatest choice is a facility that is close to your place of residence or employment so you can conveniently incorporate it into your regular commute. No matter how wonderful a facility is or how excellent the instructors may be, it might be simple to skip the extra travel if you have to drive across town or navigate traffic to get to your workouts.

2. Is it affordable for me?

Your budget is an additional important factor. Avoid the temptation to spend too much money on a series of instructor-led workouts or "luxury" fitness experiences. Yes, maintaining a healthy weight is crucial, and regular exercise can greatly enhance your health, but it is inexcusable to incur more personal debt to fulfill this desire. Based on your own budget, determine what you can actually afford, and use that information to inform your choices.

On the other side, quality is a function of price. You frequently have to pay extra for amenities like group classes or even towels if you join a gym purely on price. Cheap gyms frequently have very small profit margins. As a result, it may take some time to fix broken equipment, and because employees are usually overworked and underpaid, there may be a high turnover rate. Ask the salesperson (or "membership consultant") how long they have worked there and how long the management team (general manager, fitness manager, and operations manager) has been in place if you are thinking about joining a low-cost club. If the response is "I don't know," or if it has been less than six months, the facility may have a high staff turnover rate, which could negatively affect your membership experience.

3. Do they provide a free membership period?

Before committing long-term to a gym club or studio, request a trial membership or the chance to do a few "beginning" courses. Many facilities provide free trial memberships or discounted rates for a week of introductory classes. For yoga or CrossFit studios, purchasing a series of starter sessions is frequently necessary to teach you the fundamentals of the exercise style. Utilize these opportunities to determine whether you enjoy the lecturers and the methods they teach. You won't likely like the long-term fitness experience if you don't feel comfortable performing the exercises after the initial run of classes if you enroll in a fitness club's trial membership. Try out a few group exercise sessions to see if you like the formats and teachers. Visit the club at the hours you will often attend so you can see how busy it is then. 



4. Is the equipment kept up to date?

Check out the equipment whether you are looking around for a facility or trying out a workout. A facility that has been well-maintained will be tidy and largely dust-free. A buildup of dirt or dust on machinery could potentially indicate a buildup of pathogens. Don't forget to inspect the locker room or changing area as well; if it smells musty, mildewy, or damp, frequent cleaning is probably not the club's top concern. Nothing can disrupt your workout more than changing in an unclean locker room or attempting to get clean there. 

5. Do they provide any rebates or discounts?

If your work or health insurance provides any options, such as discounts or reimbursements for health club dues or facility costs, inquire about them. The new healthcare law known as the Affordable Care Act gives prevention top attention. Because fitness is a known type of preventive, both private employers and health-insurance companies have been granted wider latitude with regard to the financial incentives they might offer for fitness. If you are a member of a particular health insurance plan, many health clubs offer discounted membership rates, but they never mention this during a tour; you frequently have to let them know that you are eligible for the discount. You might be able to use the education reimbursement provided by your company to pay for a fitness class. 

 6. Do they have positive reviews online?

Check out online reviews of fitness studios and clubs to discover how clients and members rate them. A simple Google or Yelp search, or even just asking your Facebook network about their experiences with a fitness provider, will offer you with a plethora of knowledge that can aid in your decision-making. Additionally, see what kind of information the club is distributing to its members by visiting its website and following them on social media. A lot of the bigger clubs have blogs, articles, or films that they utilize to educate its members on lifestyle, diet, and exercise tips that can be very helpful and pertinent for reaching fitness objectives.

7. Do their instructors and trainers hold the required certifications?

Make sure the teachers employed by the club have the necessary professional credentials, specifically a recognized certification, before you commit and invest your hard-earned money in a club. The fitness business is self-regulatory, thus anyone can call themselves a "personal trainer" or lead an exercise class without having completed any formal training or obtaining a license. This is for your protection and to guarantee that you are working with a properly qualified teacher.

Be a knowledgeable shopper. Before making a significant financial commitment, make a budget, do your research, and visit the institution several times. Choosing a favorite fitness club is similar to finding a favorite restaurant or bar; it may take some time to discover one, but once you do, it becomes a part of your routine. Go for it if a facility feels appropriate. You'll like the chance to socialize and exercise. If a facility doesn't feel right, can't answer your queries, is overpriced (or underpriced), or is just plain filthy, go on to the next option. Once you do, you'll be happy you put in the extra work because you'll find it.

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