Health Clubs & Gyms | Local Services

More and more of us are turning to health clubs and gyms in an attempt to change our lifestyles, lose weight or simply to get fitter. The fact is that there are a lot more gyms and health clubs available to use which gives us a lot more options. But, it can also make it much harder to choose the right gym or club to join in the first place. Let's take a look at what you should do before choosing a health club or gym.

Key considerations when choosing a health club or gym
The first thing you need to do before you choose a health club or gym is to work out what options there are within easy reach of where you live or work. Some people like to use a club or gym near their home during their leisure time whilst others will join one near work and use it early mornings, lunch hours and time after work to have a good workout session before facing the journey home.

The best way to discover just how good a health club or gym is of course to ask existing members what they think. Ask them what the positives (and more importantly the negatives!) are about the gym or club itself, its facilities, the cost of membership and the staff that work there. This can be a very simple way of working out whether a health club or gym will suit you. You don't need to pounce on people like a stalker as they leave the gym -- just relax in the gym's bar or rest area for a while and you'll soon find you're able to strike up a conversation or two.

Aside from obtaining first hand experiences from existing members, it is very important to visit a health club or gym and see it with your own eyes before you join. Ask for a tour of the facilities and check out the membership options and costs. It is also important to choose a gym that has up to date facilities, well maintained equipment and a clean and well-tended environment. Ask questions of the staff to see how helpful they are -- if the atmosphere at the health club or gym is good then this will be reflected in their attitude to new members.

Some of us -- when looking to find a new health club or gym -- will have specialised fitness needs whilst others will simply want access to general fitness facilities. If, for example, you plan to make swimming a part of your fitness regime then there is little point paying to join a club or gym that doesn't have a pool! You may also find that you want to use a personal trainer at some point during your membership so do check if the gym / club's staff can offer this service or not.

Most health clubs and gyms will offer a range of membership options. The choices you get here will depend on the club or gym you are talking to. Some, for example, will offer basic access to use certain facilities or to take certain classes where you just pay as you go. Others will require you to be a member and to pay regular membership fees. These fees may be charged on a weekly, monthly, annual or lifetime basis depending on the health club and gym itself.

Do check what you get for your membership and do not assume that you will be able to use all the facilities of any of their locations, if a chain, with each one of their membership programmes. Some basic membership plans, for example, may limit what equipment you can use whereas comprehensive membership may offer full access to all facilities in all locations. Think about what you will realistically use in the club and gym -- there is no point paying extra for access to facilities that you will never actually use.

Bear in mind that even the most comprehensive gym or health club membership may not cover additional costs such as use of a pool or fitness and dance classes for example. These may be charged as extra.

Cost considerations when choosing a health club or gym
A lot of health clubs or gyms will allow you to take up a free or reduced cost trial for a period of time so that you can try out the facilities for yourself. As you might expect, this is a good way of working out whether you actually like the gym or club. Do remember as well that it is important to look at the terms and conditions of any membership scheme before you sign up to it. Some gyms and health clubs will tie you in to a long-term contract even though you may be paying your fees monthly. Ideally, you should look to find a club or gym that will allow you to stop your membership if you want to -- you might, for example, achieve your fitness goals early or simply decide that you're too lazy to carry on going to the club/gym any more!

Finally, ALWAYS EXERCISE RESPONSIBLY - take advice from your GP or another medically qualified professional as to a suitable exercise programme, particularly if you haven't exercised formally for a while (or ever!).