subject: 5 Things Health Clubs Have That Gyms Don't [print this page] If you're stuck between whether to join a gym or a health club, take a look at these 5 points which health clubs have that gyms don't.
1. Sports facilities - more and more gyms are being built so that they can incorporate areas where, for instance, 5 a side football can be played or there can be boxercise classes held.
However, these areas are still generally quite small and it's rare to find a gym that offers more than 2 or 3 different dedicated sports areas. In a health club, however, you'll generally be able to play everything from squash and tennis to badminton, basketball and football.
2. Health and beauty services - if you're used to working out in a gym, you might think that the last thing you would want after a workout would be a massage, having your haircut, nails manicured and generally being pampered, as the work out will no doubt leave you hot, sweaty and hungry.
If you take advantage of the showering, sauna and relaxation facilities before going for something to eat in a health club, however, being pampered could be the perfect way to end your day.
3. A fantastic social atmosphere - as the people who attend gyms are usually those who are looking to be able to carry out an intense workout - whether this is simply running on the treadmills, trying to bench press as much weight as possible or using most of the available equipment - so that they can lose weight and meet their fitness levels quickly, there isn't often much time for conversation.
With health clubs, however, the atmosphere is a lot more relaxed and whilst you won't be able to talk about the latest world news topics during a game of squash, when you're relaxing in the sauna afterwards, you can talk until your heart's content.
4. Great food options - when you go to a gym, unless you pack yourself a lunchbox to take with you, you're food options are usually going to be a vending machine at least or a small snack bar at best.
Both are fine if you're only staying for an hour or two, but if you're attending for several hours at once - something that you may often do at a health club - you're going to want to be able to eat something more substantial.
Although every health club won't have a Michelin starred restaurant, you can generally expect to find at least a small cafe serving healthy meals that will often be tailored to suit the health and exercise needs of their customers.
5. A more expensive membership fee - OK, so this isn't one of the positive parts about joining a health club, but it's unfortunately required to receive the fantastic benefits of a health club membership.
It's worthwhile keeping in mind that although a membership to a health club will generally be more expensive than that for a gym, it won't often be considerably so and remember, you'll be paying for what you get.
If you just want exercise equipment, head to a gym. If you're looking for something more substantial in terms of health and fitness, pay the extra money and join a local health club - chances are, you won't regret it.
