When the decision has been made to lose those unwanted pounds and increase the amount of exercise needed to feel better a place to work out is often on the list for self improvement. Many people enjoy the structure, camaraderie, and help from professionals that many gyms and health clubs provide.
It is often an easy task to find a gym but some important questions should be asked before making a commitment to any type of exercise program especially if a work- out program is needed. The following tips may help when choosing which health club to choose for help in getting in shape.
Convenience in Choosing a Gym
When choosing a place outside a home to exercise, the first consideration is how much travel should be involved. Convenience is very important. The best choice would be 15 minutes or less from home. Any longer or if heavy traffic is involved then the gym becomes almost an annoyance. Looking outside a formal gym is also a consideration. Many times churches and community centers offer gym equipment and work-out areas for a small fee. The local Y is usually a good place to work out and is usually the best offer money wise.
Another important factor is if the gym has a variety of hours that they are open. This will allow people with various schedules to attend. Gyms that are only open a few hours daily will not provide enough time to fit a busy schedule. Formal gyms usually have a wide array of functioning hours. This is not always true of churches and community centers.
Another good tip when choosing a gym would be to make sure the area is clean and well-maintained. Most gyms keep the foyer and walk in area clean but not so the back areas. Before signing any agreement to attend, get a tour and check out all areas especially places that are not viewed by walk-ins. Look in the bathrooms and dressing areas.
Trainers and Degrees in Sport Medicine
Chat up the staff and make sure the workers are trained, hopefully with degrees in physical education or certified from the American College of Sports Medicine. It is also important to be sure that the number of trained staff on the job is not overwhelmed by the number of patrons. Look for at least one worker for each 12 patrons.
Most patrons will attend a gym better if there is a congenial atmosphere where there is a feeling of comfort. It might be beneficial to find a gym where there is already a friend attending. Ask friends and co-workers for suggestions on which gym they use. If the gym meets all the necessary criteria but no friends attend it is beneficial to make some friends. Find a person who shares a commonality and start a conversation.
A large percentage of health clubs are regulated by states, but the regulations are different for each state and rarely offer protection from bankruptcy. Rules, Regulations, & Laws is a good site to check if a state has guidelines.
Trusting in your Instincts
If a club pressures a customer into signing a contact without allowing the individual to take a copy home and read it then that club should be avoided. Gyms, health clubs, and even community centers should be happy to give tours or provide a courtesy visit for customers.
Customers should be aware if the gym offers a lifetime membership for a large fee. This is actually illegal in many states. And while it may seem like a good deal at the time, it rarely comes out as one.
If the staff has little or no credentials it would be better to work at home. Staff with little training can do more harm than good.
While viewing the pool areas it is important to look for mold and mildew. This is a very important warning sign. Customers should be able to see the bottom of the pool. If the pool has not been taken care of, chances are other areas are also lacking. Checking for complaints at the Better Business Bureau is also a good idea. These are available to anyone with concerns or questions. Most importantly, a customer should trust their instincts.
If something doesn’t feel right it is best to look for another gym. Or better yet use some of the great DVDs that teach exercise at home. The exercise DVDs can even be rented at video stores, checked out from the library, or followed on TV programs. The Internet provides many links to great workout programs that can be downloaded or followed as they stream. One great example is Free Yoga Exercises Online.
There is no greater time to make a commitment to get into shape. Whether it involves going to a gym, working out with a friend, or just at home to a great workout program, the results are usually an improvement and also provide opportunities for exercise.
Source:
Herbert, Dr. Victor. Nutrition Cultism: Facts and Fictions. Stickley Co. Philadelphia. 1997
Brenda Gargus - Brenda Gargus has a Masters' degree in Psychology and an undergraduate degree in Education. She has taught for 29 years in a variety of ...
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