Getting the Most From Your Gym Search
By Kelli Calabrese MS, CSCS, ACE
This is the second of two articles on finding the right gym for you. In this part, I’ll provide some insight on how to find a club that meets your needs and how to find the best deal on a membership. Click here if you haven't read part I.
Between 1987 and 1995, the number of health club members in the United States almost doubled. Once thought to be the domain of the very young, health clubs now attract people of all ages. In fact, 1 out of every 10 members is 65-years of age or older.
New members often feel intimidated and anxious on their first visit to a fitness facility. Here’s how to make sure you meet your needs and get the best deal on health club memberships:
Investigate before you visit. Ask your friends where they are members, and if they are satisfied with the value, equipment, staffing, services, cleanliness and hours of operation. Find out how long the facility has been in business and check with the better business bureau to make sure there are no judgments or complaints against them.
Make sure the club is part of a national fitness association -- Visit www.IHRSA.com to find out if the facility you're considering is a member of The International Health, Racquet and Sports Association. This will ensure that the facility is a member of a large group of quality clubs. It will also allow you a passport membership to thousands of clubs around the world that will offer you privileges when you travel. This could be a very worthwhile feature if you travel often. You can search for clubs on www.healthclubs.com if you are unfamiliar with the offerings in your area.
Call to make an appointment. If the club knows in advance that you're coming, they are likely to make sure you meet their most experienced and knowledgeable person, who also has the authority to make decisions regarding your membership. This person should have the most information about the facility and its offerings (as well the power to lower your membership fee). The manager can also be a valuable go-to person when questions and challenges arise during your membership.
Try before you buy. Ask for a complimentary one-week pass to make sure the facility fulfills their advertising claims. Facilities typically offer a 1 to 10-day free trial memberships. Use that time to try out all the equipment. Participate in several group fitness classes to evaluate the instructors. Use the locker and shower facilities to check out the cleanliness. Be sure to attend at the time you would typically exercise, so you can see the volume of members you will be working out with as well as the parking availability. Evaluate the staff. Health club employees can be the determining factor in the success or failure of your exercise program. Go to www.ACEFitness.org to find out if the facility you are selecting employs instructors certified by the American Council on Exercise -- the largest certifying body for fitness professionals.
Timing is everything. If possible, join during the months that are slow or have the highest drop-out rates, including March, July, August and November.
Hidden costs... When considering your monthly dues, be sure to include all of the amenities you will be using. Some facilities charge for a permanent locker, towel service, child care, racquet ball court time, etc. Try to negotiate one discounted price for all of the services you will use. Be sure to factor all costs into your monthly expense.
Refer a friend. Many clubs will reward members for referring a friend to join. Some will take off $10 per month for each person you refer. When you get up to 5 or 6 referrals, your membership may actually be free -- and ultimately the club will be paying you to exercise! This is the best deal of all.
Barter. Find out if the club can use a professional service that you provide. They may need the skills of a graphic artist, photographer, decorator, landscaper or writer. It may be simple for you to perform a service that could be exchanged for membership at little or no cost to you.
Membership terms. Find out if there's a minimum commitment. If the facility is not bonded, they can't collect more than three months dues (may vary from state to state). Ask for a discount for paying the year in full. When you do join, ask for a 10-day money back guarantee in writing. (Most clubs will reimburse all moneys less a small processing fee.)
Ask about specials. Unless you ask, it’s likely that the club staffers will not tell you about promotions. Find out what the rates are to join as an individual, with a friend, and as a family. Ask when their next special is running. Then ask if they will offer a 10 percent discount if you join on your first visit.
Members who have moved. Ask if you can purchase someone’s membership who is leaving. Offer to pay a small processing fee to get you started and pick up their monthly dues.
Go to the web site. It’s likely that specials, free passes and additional offers can be found there. Also investigate the health and fitness ads in the paper. It’s likely you will find special offers there as well as in the yellow pages.
After you've compared several facilities, make a list of everything that is important to you. For example, are you looking for a facility with basketball and swimming, or one with supervised weight-loss programs and child-care? Don't compromise on the most important aspects of what you desire. Convenience is a large factor, so even if you find a gym you love that is out of your way, you may find yourself dropping-out before you have a chance to see results.
You have to trust your gut feelings and first impressions. Like choosing a home, college or job, you’ll know from your first impressions if it’s a fit for you. You want to feel comfortable that the staff members are concerned about your fitness success. There are clubs out there for everyone’s needs. Decide if you prefer a small club with limited membership, personalized service and familiar faces, or a large facility with the latest and greatest fitness and recreation has to offer.
To get the most “bang for your buck,” participate in all of the club's offerings. Those who get the most involved in classes and programs have greater staying power and ultimately get results.