Although most people buy them with the best of intentions, gym
memberships often go underutilized, even unused. According to industry
data, only 18 percent of members visit their health clubs on a regular
basis. Why would anyone pay for something they rarely or never use? One
possible explanation is that they don't like the club they signed up
for, but they can't quit because they're locked in a long-term contract.
With that in mind, here are five things you should consider before
selecting a gym.
The Staff
Ever wonder how some health clubs
get away with charging cheap monthly fees? More often than not, they do
this by cutting their staff to the bone. By keeping what is essentially
a skeleton crew, these gyms can lower their membership fees to attract
cost-conscious consumers. Of course, these cutbacks invariably come at a
cost. With fewer employees to run the facility, users should not expect
much personal attention. And while this might be just fine for the
average gym rat, the new member who wants to learn how to use the
equipment may have to take a number. If you fall into that camp, it's
best to look for a place that has a full staff of fitness experts,
including certified trainers, instructors, and nutritionists.
Child Care Services
As
we mentioned at the outset, most folks join gyms with the best of
intentions-but sometimes life gets in the way. For members with small
children, finding time for exercise can be all but impossible. A
facility that offers childcare services is a simple solution to this
common problem. Although some high-end clubs provide free child and
daycare, most will charge extra fees by the hour.
Operating Hours
One
of the biggest differences between competing clubs is their hours of
operation. Some focus on the early crowd, opening long before dawn;
while others cater to night owls, closing up when most folks are asleep.
As a prospective member, it is important to find a facility whose hours
work with your schedule. Trust us; you don't need another excuse for
not working out! A gym that has hours you have to rush to make pretty
much guarantees you'll rarely work up a sweat.
Cleanliness
Even
when members follow the rules and clean the equipment after each use,
health clubs are sweaty places. If the gym does not have a dedicated,
industrious cleaning staff, the place could get gross in a jiffy. On
your initial visit, make sure you take a tour of the entire facility.
Are there people cleaning up, mopping, and washing? If you don't see a
single member of the cleanup crew on a 20 or 30-minute visit, odds are
they don't make cleanliness a priority.
Locker Rooms
One
fairly consistent difference between low and high-priced facilities is
that the former will not offer many amenities in the locker room. More
often than not, these gender-specific spaces will contain lockers and a
bathroom. But in a higher-end gym, odds are there will be showers, a
sauna, maybe even a Jacuzzi in the locker room. So if you want to relax a
bit before or after your workout, you might consider a club with a
full-service locker room.
Use these simple suggestions to find a great club that meets all of your needs.
To learn more about their options for health clubs, Morris County, NJ residents should visit http://www.chathamclub.com/.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Anna_Woodward/51851
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