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