subject: Tips On Choosing The Best Fit [print this page] Where to Get Fit? Where to Get Fit?
First, you need to find a location that is near you, suits your budget, and is somewhere you feel comfortable. These are the three essential criteria that will have a major influence on your motivation to return regularly. There are also many other factors to consider when evaluating fitness centers. Lets examine these one step at a time!
The Practical Aspect Of Fitness
Center you choose should be found in the usual route, or within a radius of 2-5 km from the place of residence or work. If the distance is greater, the more likely you go there on a regular basis is thin! Did you know that is the main reason people quit smoking? If traveling by car, you must ensure that sufficient parking when you arrive. Otherwise, ask yourself, is easily accessible by public transport?
Your Interests
Be specific about your tastes and your interests: swimming, training room, sports, or group lessons? A major center of higher quality can have a lot more equipment, varied group classes, perhaps a swimming pool, tennis, a massage service, and even a restaurant or cafe.
On the other hand, Id suggest that you opt for a center that is part of a chain, if you move a lot and would like to still continue if youre in another city. Finally, a smaller center could work better for you if you find the bigger centers intimidating. They have less equipment and accessories, of course, but they offer a more family atmosphere.
Facilities
If youve targeted and listed several potential centers, make visits to find out what theyre like. Are their timings compatible with your schedule? Is there enough equipment to reduce waiting times to a minimum? Make sure the place is clean and the devices diverse and functional (if you see several out of service notices, it is not a good sign).
Is the center well-ventilated? Take a look at the pool, locker rooms and showers. Are they clean and well-maintained? Is the music is too loud? The American Council of Exercise(ACE) suggests meeting with existing members of the center (without the presence of an employee) to get their opinion.
Programming
Check if the center offers a wide variety of group exercise programs, such as aerobics, stationary cycling (spinning), yoga, Pilates, and so forth. Does the subscription fee include these courses there, or do members have to pay more money to join them?
Fitness Staff
Is the center staffed at all times by qualified personnel? Are there enough trainers for everyone? Ask if the coaches are certified by a recognized association in addition to having trained in first aid. During your visit, do trainers show interest in clients, or do they seem uninterested? A good sign is if a center makes you fill out a questionnaire to assess your aptitude and levels of physical activity before starting you on any sort of program.
Do you have Children?
Is there a daycare on site? Make sure the service is available at the time that suits you, and ask if there is an additional charge to pay. Take a few minutes to visit the nursery and ask questions to the in-charge.
The Reputation of the Center
You can check if a center is a licensed one, or if it has ever been convicted under the law. If it has been the subject of consumer complaints, you can have access to their license number, the nature and details about their rules and complaints from the last five years.
Subscription Fees of the Fitness Center
Do the membership fees fall within the limits of your budget? Does the center offer seasonal or family subscriptions that might save you some money, or are there only long-term plans? Could you qualify for a trial period, or a short term-subscription? Find out, or look for a different place that offers you what youre comfortable with.
The Contract
Finally! You have, at last, found the ideal center for you, and are ready to sign on the dotted line. But hold on a minute. Dont ever feel rushed, especially by a special offer valid for a limited time. Remember that if someone wants to sell you a subscription today, theyll definitely want to do it tomorrow too!
Read the contract completely and make sure it includes everything that the representative promised you.
Before signing, please note that any contract with a "studio or health center" cannot exceed one year or contain an automatic renewal clause.
Congratulations! You just made a wise investment that pays off big. Now that you have your membership card in hand, enjoy fitness to the fullest!
