Key Factors To Consider Before Joining a Fitness Club

By Ray Lam

Joining a fitness club is something that can really boost your chances of getting fit but the first hurdle is to find one you like. However, until you now what your goal is it will be difficult so you need to work out what you hope to achieve by joining a club. You would think it as an easy process but there is no point joining and then leaving when you realize the club is not what you were looking for! Many people underestimate the need for a club close to where they work or live because traveling distance/time play an important aspect of how frequently you attend.

Having a decent well qualified instructor is the next most important as a good instructor will encourage you to not only attend but to keep the fitness training up. Your instructor will need to know if you have physical limitations and if that is the case if he or she is qualified to train you. Appearances can be deceptive but the attitude of the staff when you ask them about the club and any other special services they can offer will tell you a great deal about how the club is run. If the fitness club you are looking at has its own professional physiotherapist and dietician for example, you can bet the club is serious about their commitment to members.

Make sure that the facility is open during the time you are most likely to use it and see what programs are there for you and check if they suit your interests. So if the prospective fitness club does have classes you enjoy, why not ask for a taster session to see if it is what you want. Check if there is enough equipment for all the members otherwise, you will waste time waiting for your turn instead of working out. The more modern fitness facilities available these days are world apart from training equipment a few years ago; machines are much safer and easier to use but look out for damaged or broken machines as these should really be fixed within a week.

You may be invited to one of the clubs events to enable you to meet current member, this is well wroth the effort on your part as you may make a few friends before you actually join. It is important to know the monthly membership fee and what it covers as some clubs have hidden charges, also check to see if they offer services at an extra fee and how often they increase rates.

Don't just stick into one fitness club but try to visit as many facilities as you can and make a comparison because you can then just narrow down your choices to the facilities that met your needs and priorities. Take your time and don't let the club rush you into joining because a club that wants you as a member will put your needs first if they are looking to keep you happy.