No matter what kind of deal you get signing up for a health club, you’ll have wasted your money if you stop going after a few months. Take your time to inspect the club and evaluate its features to make sure it meets your needs.
Handy location. Chances are you won't use a club that's not easily accessible, no matter how good your intentions are. Narrow your choices to clubs within comfortable distance of home or work.
Activities and scheduling. What hours is the pool open for lap swimming? How far in advance must you reserve tennis, basketball, or racquetball courts? Look over the club's printed schedule for yoga, aerobics, or other classes you're interested in. If you want to do aerobics on your way to work, but classes don't start until 8:00 A.M., this club may not work for you. Find out how often the schedule of activities changes and how likely you are to get into a class you want. Do you need a reservation? Do you have to pay extra for certain classes?
Reciprocity. Does your membership include use of other clubs in the area? If you travel frequently, will your membership allow you to use clubs in other states?
Equipment, facilities, and maintenance. Don't be taken in by a salesperson's claim that broken equipment or shabby facilities are about to undergo a transformation. Judge by what you see.
Is all the equipment functioning?
Does the equipment look shabby or old?
Is the pool clean?
How clean are the shower and locker room? Do they smell clean?
Are the temperature and humidity comfortable in the exercise areas?
Elbow room. Go to the club during prime time and notice crowding in classes and in workout areas. If you'll be using the club during off hours, visit then and see how crowded it is.
Staff. Ask about the training and experience of staff members. Some certifications to look for: AFAA, the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America; ACSM, the American Council on Exercise; and the Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research. Certification from these institutions doesn't guarantee competence, but it's a start. Talk to some of the instructors and judge their knowledge and communication skills yourself.
Atmosphere. If you feel uncomfortable-whether the music is too loud, the other members seem too young, or there's just an overload of flashy Lycra outfits-you may wind up avoiding the place.
