You’ve made the decision to join a health club. Where do you go? Health clubs are about as ubiquitous as Burger King or McDonalds. I think there is an obvious correlation screaming there! You need only to make a list of important health and fitness center criteria to winnow your choices. I have taken the liberty to explore five areas that should be given attention.
Price is the driving force of our free market society and accordingly health club fees can vary significantly. It all depends on what you want and what you are willing to pay for it. Be especially wary of the contracts and the snake oil salesmen. Fine print and the fast talking guy at the end of the commercials are also your worst nightmare. Clubs might offer rock bottom prices but they’ll own you and your firstborn for eternity with that “ball and chain” contract. Ask an abundance of questions and proceed cautiously!
Are the hours of operation compatible with your lifestyle and schedule? There are no worries if the facility is open 24/7. However some smaller health facilities are somewhat limited with their hours and even more so on weekends and near holidays.
Back in my younger days I was once sent to the showers early one evening at a small health club so that the owner could attend a bachelor party. He even added pressure and urgency as he stood there watching me shower like those scary militant gym teachers in junior high school. I changed clubs at the end of that contract.
How many members belong to the fitness center you are considering? If you are intent on meeting people and exchanging phone numbers then by all means join the center that has the bulging population of Tokyo. If you aren’t keen on waiting in lines to use equipment then choose that place that doesn’t threaten the maximum occupancy fire code.
Get a free pass from management or the sales staff for a week and go between the hours of 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. These are the busiest times and they will give you a great indicator of maximum attendance.
Then we arrive at the amenities. There is the pool, the hot tub, the juice bar, the classes, the locker room attendant, the sauna and the racquetball courts. You need to decide what you want from your workouts. It is always preferable to have all the aforementioned extras and those moments of a pampered lifestyle. You will pay for all this and you just might not need it.
Why not simply workout at a no-frills health club and then go home and take a nice hot bubble bath with candles aglow and a glass of Merlot. It is a mere suggestion but you’re all grown up now and you can make your own decisions. Your mom and I love you and will support you in any decision you make … as long as it’s the right one!
Finally, we take a look at a realtor’s favorite mantra: “location, location, location”. It is preferable if your club is located near your home or workplace. This should be a no-brainer and for obvious reasons.
However there are good lads and lasses out there who opt to motor ten miles off the beaten track to take advantage of a fantastic deal. Don’t do this! The odds are stacked against you for success. Spend more on a closer club and it will pay splendid dividends. You are likely to attend more frequently at a nearer club and you will subsequently be better positioned to attain your fitness goals.
These are simple and common sense steps. Use these with a little persistence and goal setting and methinks you’ll go far in your thirst for fitness success and nirvana.
This wellness article is brought to you by that guy who often hears inappropriate subject verb agreement in daily talk. That guy are Ron Blake and you send him well wishes at rblake5551@hotmail.com.
