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One of the best things you can do for your body and soul is to join a health club. But, where do you turn? What do you look for? Well, listen up and I will tell you. Just about everyone's life revolves around convenience. When it comes to joining a health club, keep these things in mind to ease the process.
CONVENIENCE
* Don't join a health club if it takes you more
than thirty minutes to get to. Trust me you
will not go.
* Make sure there's ample parking.
* If you have children, child care services will
be a great help to you.
* Having a club that is open early and closes
late will make it easier for you to hit
those weights.
The next step is to see what they offer in the
fitness realm.
* Most top notch health clubs offer a variety of
aerobic classes, like Step Aerobics, Cardio Kick
boxing, Yoga, and Spinning; from beginning
levels to advance classes.
* Inquire about swimming facilities and
swimming lessons if needed.
* If weight training and using cardio equipment
are more your cup of tea, ask these questions:
-How much free weights do you have?
- Do you have Cybex, Hammer Strength, and/or
Nautilus weight machines?
- What kind of cardio equipment (treadmills,
bikes, stair climbers etc..) do they have,
and how much cardio equipment is on the
premises. Is there a time limit on the use?
- Is there enough space to work out comfortabl
and safely?
- What are your busiest times of the week for
people to work out?
- Are all your personal trainers and aerobic
instructors certified?
EXERCISE ATMOSPHERE
Your next area of concern should be the exercise atmosphere of the health club. If it's a health club where serious body builders work out, you may want to look for another place to exercise. On the other hand, you may only want to be around people who take their workouts as seriously as you do.
MEMBERSHIP FEES
If all your criteria's are met by a particular health club, what is next? The answer is how much money is the membership? If you cannot afford the health club fee, you may have to go with what's in your budget. Many health clubs have ways of helping you foot the bill.
* Paying in installments will help you avoid
raiding your back account.
* If you can afford paying the fee all at once,
and in cash, you may receive a discount.
* Look for the new year's discounts, many health
clubs usually wave their start up fees at the
beginning of the year.
If some of the more expensive health clubs are out of your fiscal limits, try your local recreation centers. They are usually ran by your city's parks and recreation department. Many recreation centers offer several decent aerobic classes, and usually have a sufficient supply of free weights and machines.
What ever type of health club you decide to join, make it your business to be there. It's an investment in your health!
Until next time, stay Healthy and Fit!
Jerry Del Priore, has four years experience as a Personal Trainer. He is currently working in a recreation program with disabled kids, in a foster care and adoption agency located in Manhattan.
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