by
Renee Kennedy
There
are several details that must be taken into
account if you are looking to join a health
club or fitness center:
Convenience/Location
is probably the most important consideration.
If the health club you choose to join is not
convenient to your home or work, how long
do you think it will take before you decide
to skip a couple sessions, especially in bad
weather?
Price
may also be a factor for you.
How
much do you know about working out? If you
know a lot about strength training, aerobics,
flexibility, etc. you may want to join a club
where you can develop your own individualized
program. If you know nothing about physical
fitness, it may be much better for you to
join a club that offers a standardized program.
Your
specific goals may also have a big influence
on your choice. If you need to tone up, perhaps
a Pilates class may be the answer for you.
If you are trying to buff up, you may wish
to join a health club that offers a strength-training
program.
Where
are your friends going? There's no better
motivation than working out with a friend.
You may get to know some people once you join
and that's a good thing. but if you choose
a place where a friend already goes, it may
be easier for you to adjust. It's a lot more
fun when you feel comfortable and have someone
to talk to.
What
is your gender and age? There are fitness
places geared toward a specific gender. For
instance, "Curves" and "Ladies
Workout Express" are only for women.
Go to each fitness center within a reasonable
driving distance of your work or home and
ask them for a tour. Look at the people that
are working out, are those people like you?
Do you look like you would fit in with these
people? "Fitting in" will also motivate
you to keep going.
Time
is also a consideration. Is your fitness center
open during times that are convenient for
your schedule?
Do
you need childcare? Many fitness clubs offer
childcare.
Will
the staff meet your needs? If you are joining
to lose weight, you may want a nutritionist
on staff. Maybe you feel you need a certified
personal trainer to keep you on track. Also,
will there always be a staff member around
to help you learn the equipment?
The
fitness center may have a contract. Read this
contract or ask questions about it. Some good
questions to ask. Are there any up-front fees?
What is the duration of the contract? Is there
any way to get out of the contract if I need
to? What exactly does the membership fee cover?
For instance, will it cover childcare, use
of the pool, locker, towels, etc.
We
lead such busy lives. Finding time for yourself
can be difficult. If you are a mother, wife,
husband, father, or you work, then you have
commitments to other people. To keep those
commitments, you need to make time for your
own health.
Come
and visit the NutriCounter web site for more
information on how nutrition influences weight
loss, diabetes, pregnancy, heart disease and
more! http://www.nutricounter.com
