| If you are making efforts to get into better | | | | * Do they offer fitness classes? You might |
| shape or to lose weight, one question you | | | | feel more comfortable or motivated working |
| might have is about whether or not you should | | | | out in a group environment. If you are this |
| join a gym or other type of fitness center. | | | | type of person, look for a gym that offers |
| This is a question that only you can answer, | | | | fitness classes such as step aerobics, |
| but here are a few thoughts to ponder before | | | | pilates, yoga or spinning. Before signing up, |
| you sign up at fitness center or gym. * Is | | | | you'll want to confirm whether or not there |
| a contract required? If so, you will want to | | | | are additional fees to attend, so you aren't |
| be sure that you understand the terms of your | | | | surprised with additional fees later. * Do |
| contract and what the payment schedule is. | | | | they offer personal trainers? If you are |
| Some gyms may offer discounts for long term | | | | interested in a personal trainer, you'll want |
| memberships, so know what you're signing! If | | | | to be sure that your gym offers this service. |
| you sign up for a 36 month contract, you'll | | | | Personal Trainers are not typically included |
| be held to it, even if you stop going. Don't | | | | in base memberships at most gyms, however it |
| be afraid to ask the salesperson to bring it | | | | is worth asking if there are any |
| home and read it in its entirety before | | | | introductory specials that offer a personal |
| signing on the dotted line. * Are the | | | | trainer for your first visit/ workout. * Do |
| hours and location of the gym conveinent for | | | | they have other features that you or your |
| you? If the gym or fitness center has limited | | | | family might enjoy? Some features might be a |
| hours, or isn't close enough to your home, | | | | bonus! Do they have an indoor swimming pool, |
| you might struggle to make it there. To | | | | hot tub, sauna or tennis courts that you have |
| maximize your membership at any gym, you have | | | | access to? Although this might not be a major |
| to go! Make sure that it is open hours when | | | | selling point, having different things to do |
| you are planning on working out, and doesn't | | | | at the gym could help tackle weight loss |
| take an hour to get to. Otherwise your | | | | plateaus or boredom in your workout routine. |
| enthusiasm might fade quick. * Do they | | | | * Is the gym clean? There is nothing more |
| have the equipment that you are looking for? | | | | disgusting than a gym that is filled with |
| You will want to be sure that your gym has | | | | dirt and grime. Do they offer sanitizers to |
| the fitness equipment you need for maximum | | | | clean machines before and after using them? |
| health benefits. Do they have enough cardio | | | | No one wants to sit in someone elses puddle |
| machines such as elliptical trainers, | | | | of sweat. Look for signs like dirty floors |
| stationary bicycles, treadmills, stair | | | | and unkept bathrooms or locker rooms. These |
| machines etc. that you won't have to wait to | | | | are good indicators of the overall |
| use them? There is nothing more demotivating | | | | cleanliness of the gym you are considering. |
| than arriving at the gym to find you have to | | | | Cleanliness is next to Godliness, they say. |
| wait an hour to use your desired machine. If | | | | |
| you are looking to do weight training, you'll | | | | These are important things to consider before |
| want to be sure they offer free weights, or | | | | joining a gym. They come in handy for making |
| strength training equipment. | | | | an informed decision on whether or not a gym |
| | | | or fitness center is the right one for you. |