Shopping for a Gym?

OK. You want to get fit and exercise. Good for you! Exercise is one of the most important gifts you can give yourself. It helps ward off chronic diseases such as diabetes and makes you feel good about yourself.

So now what? Should you join a gym? Hold on. Before you sign on the dotted line, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Here are some tips for choosing a gym and helping you stick with your new exercise goal.

• Make a list of gyms in your area. Check the phone book, talk to friends and co-workers, check the Internet and call your local Chamber of Commerce.

• Location, location, location. This is one of the most important factors to consider. After all, if the gym isn't convenient to where you work or live, you probably won't go. Eliminate the excuse for skipping a workout.

• Contact your employer or health plan. Some health plans offer discounted memberships for selected gyms. Perhaps your company has a group plan or discount memberships at a gym near your workplace.

• What do you want to do? Decide what kind of workouts appeal to you. Do you want to do an aerobics class? Are you interested in the weight machines? What about the treadmill? See if the club has these things available.

• Try it before you buy it. Most clubs offer one or more free workouts, or trial memberships for a week or so. See if the club you are considering has that.

• Visit the gym. Do this during times when you are most likely to be working out. This is to see how crowded the gym is. Will you have to wait in line for equipment? Are the classes you want to take filled up? Will you have to wrestle your way through the pool? These all affect your gym experience.

• Talk to the staff. See how friendly the staff is and how much they are willing to help you, particularly if you are new or trying a new piece of equipment. Also be sure to observe them. Are they helping members with their form? Are they knowledgeable?

• Compare prices and contracts. You're a good shopper. The most expensive isn't necessarily the best gym for you. Check to see if the contract includes classes as part of the fee. What are the options for ending the contract early if you aren't happy with the service or if you move? Many gyms offer month-to-month memberships rather than year-long contracts.

• Are they certified? Make sure that staff is certified by an organization such as the American Council on Exercise. This ensures that the techniques and exercises won't cause injury and that the instructors can do CPR and other lifesaving techniques should anything happen to you.

• Check the hours. Gyms vary in the hours they are open. So be sure to check that out. Some gyms may close early on the weekends or may not have late evening or early morning hours.

• Ask about the equipment. Because they get heavy use, pieces of exercise equipment such as treadmills may need to be replaced as often as every year. Ask about how often they are replaced. And look at the machines for their features. Some offer CD hookups for a Walkman.

• Consider the atmosphere. If you feel intimidated, try a local YMCA or community center. If you are a woman and feel uncomfortable, see about joining a women-only gym. Also check to see if there are chances to socialize. Some gyms offer group fitness activities such as walking groups. Others offer a lounge area with juices and healthy snacks.

• Look at the details. Check to see how clean the facility is. What are the showers like? Are there too many "out of order" signs? How loud is the music or the televisions?

Do your homework, choose a gym and you're on your way to taking care of your health.

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External Source American Council on Exercise

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.

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