Like buying any other product the health club that you join has to meet all your reasons for joining it. It is important to consider you reasons for joining a gym, as these will directly impact the facilities that the health club will need to have.
Some of the things that you should keep in mind are:
*You and your Gym use
Why do you want to join a gym?*
Is it for weight/fat loss, fitness, muscle building or part of injury therapy? E.g. if you want to join a health club in order to lose weight then you may want their to be a dietician attached to the gym who can advise you on your nutrition so that you can lose weight safely and healthily.
How often do you plan to go and when do you plan to go?
Some clubs offer reduced membership rates if you go only on weekdays of if you do not go during their peak times.
How motivated are you?
Some gyms insist that you join on a years contract whilst others may let you join for a shorter period. These shorter memberships may be useful if you are not sure whether you will like going to the club and will continue to go.
You are also more likely to go if the club is in a convenient location either near your home or work.
*The Gym and what’s in it
What machines do you want there to be?*
Most gyms carry exercise equipment such as treadmills and steppers. They will also have weight machines and free weights. If there is a particular type of equipment that you enjoy then you need to make sure that the gym you join has it.
Would you like to use heavy weights?
If you do then the club you join needs to have these and the people to supervise you using them
Do you want exercise classes like aerobics?
Not all clubs run classes if you want them you need a gym that does them.
Do you need good shower and changing facilities?
Changing and shower facilities can range from no facilities to plush changing rooms with hairdryers, lockers and free quality bath and body products. Make sure that the club has the level of facility that you would like. The more facilities there are the more costly membership is.
Staff what do you expect from them?
It is also important that the staff is professionally trained and has first aid training. If in doubt ask to see their qualifications. For me it is nice to see the trainers use the gym in their own free time.
Some people like having a trainer to monitor their progress and to write up a program. Others are happier just being able to use the facilities without any involvement from the trainers unless they need it. You need to decide the level of trainer involvement that’s right for you and then choose the club accordingly.
Would you like to try a personal trainer?
For an added charge some gyms will personal train you. Personal training can help you reach your goals faster. It is very useful if you are recovering from an injury or illness as the trainer can adapt a routine specifically for you.
Optional extras
Some gyms may have saunas, Jacuzzis and may also have massage and beauty facilities. Membership will be more expensive if some or all of these facilities are included within it. Some clubs may let you take out membership which does not include these extra facilities.
Some may also have a bar and a restaurant. Again if there is one then membership is often more costly.
Women only times
Many gyms in India have women only times. If you want this option you need to find a club that has them. Women only times are often restricted to non-peak times such as the afternoon.
Parking and Childcare
If you need these make sure that the club you join has them.
How do you choose?
You make the final choice by deciding whether the facilities of the club you like meet your needs. Important factors are usually
What are you willing to pay.
If money is no object you can pick out the gym that fits all your criteria and more. If money is an issue then you will need to find the gym that maximises your criteria at the most affordable cost.
Are you swayed by fashion?
If you want to be seen in a trendy gym then you are more likely to join one. The trendier a gym the more expensive it will be.
Do you get special membership deals?
Many clubs will have corporate membership and or joint/family membership. These options can be very good value for money. If your company has a corporate membership deal or provides you with gym membership as part of your benefits you will be more likely to opt for this choice. This is something worth asking your employer about.
Do you get a free trial?
If you do this may make you more likely to join a particular establishment.
What if I don’t like it/ have to move etc.
Many gyms have a non-refundable joining fee and often make you sign up for a year’s membership. If you have to leave before this time you may not be able to get a refund.
The easier a gym is to leave and the lower the financial penalty that you will bear on leaving can be a deciding factor when picking a gym.
I hope some of these questions help you in making an informed choice about joining a prospective club. I have been a member of mine for over 5 years now and do not regret joining it.