Joining a gym

Congratulations! You made a commitment to lifelong fitness! Deciding to get in shape will be the best move you have ever made. Although you can't put a price on heath and fitness, there is a real cost to joining a gym, and the price tag on a facility might instantly preclude you from signing up. So the first thing you need to do is to go through your finances and set your budget. Budget in hand, visit several different gyms, because each one will have its own style, atmosphere and personality.
Here is a list of considerations to make your quest for the ideal gym a little less daunting. Bear in mind these basic points when looking around. Once you find a gym staff member that you like, ask about any special offers the facility might be running. A lot of gyms offer New Year packages, student discounts, and senior citizen rates that might give you a break on the price. Question the staff member directly: What happens if I decide to leave the facility? What if I move? What if I'm dissatisfied with your gym?

The very essence of a fitness center is determined by its employees, and hence their staff should be healthy and fitness personified. Their staff should look, act and conduct themselves as fitness professionals at all times. Observe how they interact with the members, their bosses and each other. They should be friendly and personable as well as informative and knowledgeable.

All personal trainers and aerobics instructors should be professionally certified. Ask the gym owner or manager about his employees' certifications.

Is the facility neat and clean? Gym floors and equipment should be free of dust, dirt or other questionable puddles or stains. All free weights should be put away in their appropriate and assigned place, and air circulation should be efficient.

Does the club offer everything you want? If you're into aerobics, ask to see a class schedule. If you are a busy parent, inquire about childcare. Ask about other niceties such as towel service, sauna, whirlpool, blow dryers and massage. If the gym doesn't offer something you just can't live without, move on.

Do they have enough equipment? During your week-long trial, go to the gym at the time you wish to work out and note equipment availability. Keep in mind, however, that 6-9 AM and 5-8 PM are peak hours in the gym! If this is the time frame you're choosing to train, take a patience pill and wait your turn.
Is the facility convenient to your home, work and schedule? Check on their hours of operation, both during the week and on the weekends to see if their timing correlates with yours.
Good luck, and have fun looking around! Once you find a gym that suits you, you will wonder how you ever lived without it.