Health Clubs: Which To Join And What You Should Look For

To join a health club can cost up to $120.00 per month. The health clubs advertise that you can get state-of-the-art exercise equipment, tons of fun classes to participate in, and work-outs that are challenging and well designed to keep you interested. It might be possible to spend a lot less and still gain all of the results that the health clubs promise. It can be tricky to join a health club and even trickier to cancel your membership should you desire. You can get your work-out through yoga studios, community centers, and YMCAs or YWCA's for a lot less than what a health club will cost you. The wait times to use a piece of equipment in one of the larger chains can be quite long and irritating. Often the health club chains have less than adequate locker rooms with even less desirable cleanliness standards. Many gym members experience issues with billing and find it difficult to get these resolved without a lot of effort and an enormous amount of time to do so.  Many have also experienced unexpected dues hikes as well as memberships being temporarily suspended during an expected absence. Many experience problems with still being charged for membership dues long after they have canceled.

The big health club chains can be quite expensive but they do offer childcare services as well as different spa services. Most of the Y's offer something called, electronic tracking which enables you to log in with a personal PIN number to receive customized coaching assistance to reach the goals you have set. The work-out equipment choices are not always better at big health club chains than at Y's. 

Health clubs geared toward women only are usually less intimidating than the co-ed gym's. The majority of members at these facilties are older or inexperienced with working out. It seems to be a novelty idea at the beginning with many outgrowing it after just a few months.

One of the main complaints among men and women members at most of the big chain health clubs is cleanliness being below average in standards. Inattentive staff is not far behind with members being displeased.

These work-out facilities often offer many classes tailored to specific age groups. You will find the YMCA's have more locations to choose from than the YWCA's. Both JCC's and YMCA's sponsor many cultural events, lectures, and concerts. You will find the JCC's have a higher 55 and over population than other gyms.

Most of the college and university gyms have greater availability of large-scale athletic facilities with basketball courts, racket ball courts, running tracks, and climbing walls. More school gyms have access to climbing walls than your big health club chains do. You need to be affiliated with the school in order to use the facilities.

Having a gym facility where you reside can be a big plus when living in an apartment community. More housing complexes are building community gyms on the property, both which can be very convenient. The down side is the equipment tends to be limited. More employers are adding gym facilities for employees to take advantage of before or after work hours as well as during lunch and breaks. These can be very convenient and often times have access to personal trainers and exercise programs.

Yoga, dance and Pilate studios usually have less-varied equipment or have none at all, however interest people in those specific disciplines.

You can build your strength and get aerobic fitness on your own with a pair of training sneakers, an exercise ball, and a set of free weights. Something to ponder.

Most all of the large chains offer a free trial. With most of the free trials you will have to listen to a sales pitch before gaining access to the gym facilities. Be sure to check out the crowds at the times you attend as well as the equipment choices, class schedules, and locker rooms. Most passes are good for one day to one week. If you get one of the longer passes, go to the gym at different times of the day to see how crowded the gym is and if you experience any long wait times to use the equipment.

Make sure you inquire about the choices of memberships. Ask about special rates for seniors or students. Depending on the type of membership you decide on, be sure you know if it will allow you full access to the gym since many will only give you limited access and on specific days.

If you join a health club and then find you are regretting it the next day, there is no need to worry since most states allow you three days to change your mind. A number of health clubs sell their contracts to finance companies. Should you have any issues at any time with the contract you will have to deal with the finance company and not the gym. Health clubs have the right to increase their rates every year. Be sure you get this clarified before signing any contract.

Inquire about the payment options. Before signing a year long contract be honest with yourself if you will regularly use it and for this length f time. Consider a month-to-month plan if you find you are unable to commit to anything longer. The enrollment fees are anywhere from $75.00 to $300.00 with a one time processing fee.

Never feel pressured if your told the club is having a special on the cost of their memberships. Health clubs run specials all the time. Never feel rushed for the fear of loosing out on the deal. Do not be timid with bargaining on the fees. It is common to get the enrollment fee reduced as well as the cost of the membership.

Be aware of peak times to work-out if you prefer going to the gym during slower hours with less crowds. Peak work-out times at most of the health clubs are from the time the gym opens to 11:00a.m. and then from 4:30p.m. to 8:30p.m. on the weekdays. On the weekends the peak times are early morning to noon. Many of the health clubs include one or two free training sessions with your paid membership. Take advantage of this so you can get familiar with the equipment and receive assistance with putting together your exercise routine. Use an antibacterial wipe or spray  on equipment before you use it. Leave your valuables at home since health clubs have no liability for stolen personal property.