Although it seems easy, joining a gym can sometimes be a bit complicated, and there a few things you should consider before joining one. This is a place you’ll be committing to use on a regular basis, so you’ll want to get it right. Let’s look at few points that will help you come to a decision that will work for you.
1. Read Reviews
The best advertisement is always word of mouth. You can best gauge the quality of a gym by what its current members are saying about it. If members of the gym are happy with the facility and the services they are getting, they will be more than happy to gush. Unhappy people will also be very happy to share their gripes. So read reviews online and even talk to people in the gym you’re checking out. Ask them about the facility, its convenience, equipment, trainers, fees and anything related to being a member. Other great sources of information include online gym reviews. Websites such as FitnessMembershipFee.com offer extensive information regarding gym membership prices, various deals offered by health clubs, as well as their overall amenities.
2. Ensure That the Gym’s Exit Policy Will Not Trap You
It may feel counterintuitive to think about an exit strategy before even choosing the gym that you are supposed to join. But you really need to think about this, because it’s not uncommon for people to get trapped into paying more than they should because of the gym’s exit policy. Many people have experienced extreme aggravation about getting charged once they signify their intention to quit. Therefore, before you sign your name on the dotted line, be sure that you understand everything about the exit policy and that you are amenable to it. Be sure that you will only be charged with the actual times that you have spent in the gym and nothing more.
3. Check the Trainers’ and Instructors’ Credentials
The gym might be full of the most advanced equipment, but if the trainers and instructors are not properly credentialed, you will not be able to get the full benefit of being a member. In other words, the gym’s staff must be properly credentialed before you even consider it as a candidate. There are over 190 certifying programs that are used by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. These programs include NCSF, NFPT, NETA, NESTA, ACSM, CI-CPT, NSCA, ACE and NASM. Just one or two of these credentials after the trainer’s name is good enough.
4. Check At Least Three Gyms
Unless you live in the remotest part of the country, the place you where you live should have scores of gyms offering the locals a place to improve their physical fitness. Go online and search for ‘health club’ or ‘gym’ in your local area. Pretty soon, you will have a page with a list of the most popular gyms in your locality. Click on the first ten on the list and visit their websites. From the websites you can learn about the services they offer, as well as their prices for each type of gym membership they offer.
5. Check If There Is A Sign-Up Fee
The gym might be advertising its low monthly fees to attract its target customers. But don’t be mesmerized with low fees. You must also check if there is a sign-up fee as well as an exit fee. There are gyms that charge an exorbitant amount at sign-up or sign off. Investigate the total cost of being a member of that gym.
6. Choose One That Is Near You
Choose a gym near your place of work or your residence. This will ensure that you will stay committed to being its member. Gyms that you can reach within 15 minutes are your prime candidates. Use this qualification in making your short list.
Conclusion
Choosing the right fitness center is big decision in fulfilling your commitment to getting and staying physically fit. Investing your time and money in the right gym membership is a smart idea, but should not land you in the poor house. There is a happy medium. Some fitness centers may cost more, but offer a lot more. Decide what you require and if the price matches the benefits. Get moving!
