How to Choose a Health Club for the New Year

TEANECK, N.J. - Dec. 19, 2015 - PRLog -- Choosing the right health club is one of the most important factors in starting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Here are the five most important steps to take when choosing the right health club.

1. Where to begin
2. Goals and needs
3. Shop around
4. Evaluation
5. Decision

1. Where to begin

In many ways you have already begun the process. You know how important it is to you and your loved ones to take care of your health. Research can begin by locating the clubs within a 12-minute drive from your home. Lack of Use has been identified as the main reason for health member’s failure to continue with their exercise routine. Therefore, finding a location club near home or work is best.

Once you have identified clubs within your targeted area it is time to turn to listing what you want from a health club. This would go hand in hand with your health and fitness goals, needs and desire. Some may prefer a club with minimal features while others desire the full health club experience. With the proliferation of new fitness centers, you should have plenty of options. Costs of a new membership should range anywhere from $10 - $160 monthly. This depends largely on the amenities offered. One should not purchase a membership solely on cost. Remember you usually get what you pay for. Like me you probably want a club that has a good reputation (check Yelp reviews), been in business for a number of years, new or recently renovated, well kept, clean with courteous and knowledgeable staff and nice members.

2. Goals and Needs

Finding the right health club should meet with your health and fitness goals as well as the experience you expect. If you know that you are out of shape or have been told by a doctor to get moving but just don’t know what to do, your best option would be to stay away from the low cost, no frills experience. You should then consider a club with professional certified personalized instruction. The last thing you want to do is join a club go in and just try “stuff” out. Most clubs will offer a complementary fitness assessment and orientation as part of the new membership offering. You receive a great fitness baseline and a plan to achieve your goals. Make sure that you take advantage of this service.

3. Shop Around

Once you have narrowed down your health club options, those clubs that meet your criteria, it is time to make a list and then plan a visit. You have already researched the distance to each location. Do not go from club to club. Make sure that you restart your journey from home or work. This will give you an actual experience. Make sure that your visits are within the time you would actually be traveling. You should take note of the parking facility (is parking an issue) – some clubs have dedicated secure member parking, while others share parking with other tenants. Look at the outside of the club as it may be an indicator of the overall maintenance associated with your potential new club. Once inside, notice the receptionist, are they smiling, alert and welcoming? Do you feel comfortable when you first walk in? Take your time. Use your 5 senses throughout your visit.

The better clubs will make sure that you register and walk through the club with a membership advisor. The membership advisor will ask questions to better understand your goals and needs. Be sure to be honest with your responses. This will help them help you. You should notice the membership advisor attire, professionalism and gauge their true objective. Is it to help you or help them?

Be sure to notice the cleanliness and maintenance of the club, member and staff interaction, music, equipment desired and availability as well as spacing throughout. Ask for a trial visit. The better clubs will be happy to offer you a free day guest pass. Beware of the first time visit offer. Some clubs will offer you a special “discounted” membership for enrolling the very first visit. No need to enroll the first visit unless you are absolutely convinced that this is the right fit for you. All clubs legally offer a 3-day money back guarantee to protect against super aggressive sales tactics.

4. Evaluation

You have visited the clubs that meet your criteria. The next step is to make use of your trial visit. Speak with members during your trial visit and gauge their responses. Observe the interaction between member and staff as well as member and member. Make sure that you get and understand all that is offered you and your financial obligations. Read the membership agreement and do not be afraid to ask questions. Stay away from clubs that include an annual maintenance fee or upgrade fee. That should be considered in your monthly dues. Cost and Price should be weighted by the product and services rendered. They should be not the overriding factor in your selection. Remember you get what you pay for.

5. Decision

Time to make a decision and join a club. The right time is now. There is no time for procrastination. Not joining now and waiting for later is making a decision. A decision not to join. Don’t wait for Monday, next week or after the holidays. Excuses come in the way of reaching and maintaining your goals. The best step is taking a step.

Resolve to get fit. Start today, your future self will thank you.

Happy New Year!

Tony Santomauro