Physical Education

Let’s face it. We’ve all been there. We want to get in shape but need that little boost to get started. We also need a motivating environment of like-minded people to keep us coming back. Sounds like a gym environment, right? This article will help you choose the right health club.

Before you plunk down your hard-earned cash to join the trendy new gym, it’s important to understand why you want to join a gym. Is your goal to get healthy, get into a workout routine, relieve stress, do something for yourself, become the next Mr. Universe, or train for an event? Once you have identified the goal, consider how a gym can help.

What do I look for in a health club?
The best place to start when shopping for a health club is with your friends and family. Find out which clubs they belong to, and why they like them. Next, think location, location, location. Studies show that you will be more likely to stick with a club if it’s close to your home or workplace. The location will be determined by when you want to work out. For instance, if you’re only available in the evening, a club near work is probably your best bet. You won’t go to the gym if you have to drive an hour home from work and then an additional 25 minutes to get to the new, trendy club in town.

Once you have identified the clubs close to your home and work, take a tour of the facilities with a staff member. Be sure to take this tour at the time of day when you will be working out. This will give you a feel for whether you will have access to certain pieces of equipment and classes. Also, determine which of the following are important to you, and to be sure that the health club you choose meets your standards answer these questions:

• Are the staff members friendly and knowledgeable?
• Are they certified from nationally recognized certification agencies (such as NSCA, IDEA, ACE etc)?
• Is the club clean and well maintained (equipment and locker rooms)?
• Does the club offer an orientation session including instruction on how to use the equipment?
• Does the club have a wide variety of cardio and strength training equipment?
• Does the club offer a variety of group exercise classes such as aerobics, spinning, and kickboxing? Additionally, are there a sufficient number of classes to meet the demands of the members?
• Does the club promote alternative workouts such as group hikes or other activities to promote a healthy and active lifestyle?
• Does the club have safe, adequate parking?
• Is childcare available?

• The ability to exercise in a motivating and energizing environment
• A controlled atmosphere that is not affected by the weather
• The knowledge of the staff for one-on-one guidance and programs
• A safe exercise environment
• A variety of equipment and classes
• You will look and feel better once you have committed to a regular exercise routine (and your family and friends will notice the difference too)