10 things to watch out for when... Joining a fitness club
Make up your mind: Join a fitness club only if you are determined to use it - otherwise it will be a waste of money. There are many alternatives for exercise. Some people may find it boring to burn their fat on a machine.
Your need: Decide on what kind of fitness club you want to join. Different clubs have different specialities. Some clubs are better for body building and some specialise in helping you lose weight.
Price: Different clubs adopt different pricing policies. Calculate the monthly average rates of different clubs before making a decision. Pay attention to the terms and conditions of different clubs. Some of them even require members to pay an extra month of membership fees each year as a bonus for their staff. Check also whether the club has any discount rates if you commit for a year. Ask about promotions and special rates.
Facilities: There may be various facilities like a swimming pool, a sauna and a steam room in a club but that does not mean all members are eligible to use them. Check carefully which facilities you can use with the membership you are paying for.
Shower facilities: Check the shower facilities before making a decision. A good shower after a workout is essential. Ladies may also need a decent place to put on their make-up.
Timing: Check if the timing suits your schedule. Some memberships have restricted access times.
Convenient location: Pick a club which is near to your home or your workplace. You are more likely to use it if it does not take you an hour to get there.
Instructors: Look for whether the club has personal instructors who will teach you how to use the machines. Check whether the club will put together a workout programme for you. Look for the price also - personal instructors may be available on request at an additional cost.
Aerobic classes: Some clubs provide different types of aerobic classes. Check whether you are interested in any of those on offer.
Other services: Check whether the club provides any other services like a spa, massages or facials and pay attention to how they sell these services. The sales people in some clubs may persuade members to use the services all the time.
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