Choosing a Club

How much time, energy, careful thought and research do you put into a new auto purchase or perhaps a new home? Wise investments are time consuming yet more profitable with some careful thought, planning and research. Do you feel your personal health and well-being is as important an investment in your future? What about the health and well-being of your children? I'm sure you will agree that choosing a Health/Sports Club requires more thought than just buying into those catchy (and often unproven or documented) claims and slogans. As tempting and clever the marketing and "special deals", a little thought and basic research will save you from not only monetary and value loss but hopefully insure a quality investment in your future well-being.

Hopefully, the following suggestions and guidelines will aid you in making a wise decision, or one without regrets. The right decision is one that leaves you without regrets and fulfills your needs.

The following suggestions are excerpts from "Your Guide To Choosing A Quality Health And Sports Club", published by IHRSA, The International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association.

How Do I Shop For A Club?

Studies show that you will be more likely to use a club if it is convenient to your home or workplace. The best sources for referrals are family, friends, co-workers and physicians. Before signing up at a club, always tour the entire facilities and ask specific questions about the specific areas of interest to you personally. Visit the club during the hours you plan to use the facilities and take time to decide if you would feel comfortable. Try to spend some time alone talking to current members. Exercise caution before agreeing to "Special Deals or Discounts". Un-kept facilities in general and specifically locker rooms that are not clean as well as equipment that is not in proper working order are areas of concern. These simple "red flags" may indicate a lack of funds. If it is obvious that money is not going back into the business, this almost guarantees a business on a downward spiral.

How Do I Choose The Right Club For Me?

Through your own observations, questioning the club representative and current members, use the following checklist to determine if the club will be able to meet your fitness, social and safety needs.

1. Are staff members friendly and helpful?
2. Is the club clean and well-maintained?
3. Do fitness staff members have appropriate educational backgrounds and/or certification from internationally recognized certifying bodies?
4. Are new members provided with a club orientation and instruction in how to use equipment?
5. Does the club offer a variety of programs as well as instruction to allow you to meet your fitness /sports goals? (racquetball, tennis, aerobics, swimming, etc.)
6. Is childcare available if and at the times you would need it? Would you feel comfortable leaving your child there? Would your child want to go as often as you? Does it look like the children are having fun?
7. Is at least one CPR-certified employee scheduled at all times?
8. Does the club have an emergency plan in plain view of front-desk personnel? Does it include police, fire and emergency medical telephone numbers?
9. Does the club have a fully stocked first aid kit easily accessible by the staff?
10. Does the club offer a standardized health history questionnaire to all new members, to ensure their safety, before they begin using any of the club's facilities?
11. Does the club recommend that individuals found to have health risk problems obtain medical clearance before beginning their exercise program?
12. Is there adequate parking available if you need it?

What Else Should I Know Before I Sign The Agreement?