| 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?
Health
Facility Tip: Always read the fine-print before finalizing your
contract there could be provisions that have not been clearly
articulated. |
