Fitness Intelligence:
Evaluating a Health Club
Selecting a new workout facility
should not be an impetuous buying decision. After all, most
memberships require an annual contract along with an initiation
fee. Right before the summer months and at the beginning of
fall, there are a variety of hot fitness club membership incentives.
The trick is to ensure that you are choosing a health club that
matches your lifestyle.
The first order of business
involved in making a work out club decision is to sample the
facility. Look for fitness facilities which offer a trial period.
Generally, certain places charge a nominal fee per day. For
instance, $10-20 per day is an average rate to test drive the
powers of the gym. For the best savings, try to obtain a guest
pass from a current member of the facility.
Make sure you visit the health
club facility at the time you would normally be working out.
For example, if you prefer to work-out in the morning, visit
the gym at that time to gauge the availability of machines you
may need to access. Also, it can provide great insight into
the bustle of the facility.
To help finalize your fitness
club decision, compile a check-list of important amenities or
benefits. Give the gym 5 points for each answer that meets your
satisfaction:
Does the busy period take
too much of your work-out time?
During the busy times is
the facility too crowded for comfort?
Is the noise level of the
facility conducive for your regimen?
Are there adequate operating
machines to ensure that your work-out will not be affected?
Are the fitness trainers
certified and easily available for personal consultations?
Are the locker rooms clean?
Is there an ample supply
of towels and showers?
Are there any special amenities
such as an on-site child care service, free parking, sauna,
steam room or whatever accoutrements you may prefer?
Are there personal televisions
or music stations so that you will not be subjected to someone
elses style?
Is there an opt-out policy in the membership contract?
Do the billing cycles concur
with your financial situation?
|
