How to Choose a Fitness Club: Ten Questions to Ask Before You Join
The old version of this post gave ten guidelines for choosing a fitness club, but the sentences were so garbled that many were hard to follow. The ten questions are still good ones, so I have rewritten them clearly, grouped them and added current consumer advice on contracts. A club should motivate you, not frustrate you, so start by deciding what you want from it and what your priorities are.
Where is it, and when is it open?
The old post says that location is the most important thing, because if the club is far from home you will have one more excuse not to go. That is hard to argue with. Check how long the trip takes at the times you would actually go, and whether the club is open then. Ask for the schedule of classes too, and check that the ones you want are offered at times you can attend.
Are the staff qualified and friendly?
The old post says the instructor should have the patience to work with you, be a professional who can train you safely and know what to do if you have physical limitations. Ask what qualifications the trainers hold, whether they ask about your health and goals, and whether the staff are helpful and friendly. Some facilities also offer a dietitian or physical therapist, which can be useful to you, so ask which services are included.
What programs, classes and equipment does it offer?
Find out which programs interest you, whether there are classes you would enjoy, and ask for a trial class or a free pass. Check that there is enough equipment for all members at busy times, so you do not spend your time waiting for a turn. The old post also advises looking at whether machines and weights are in good working order, since lots of “out of order” signs are a warning, whether modern equipment is available and whether the floors are cleaned regularly. Also see how well lit the building and the parking area are. Our guide to group fitness classes and how to choose will help you decide which kinds of class suit you.
Who are the other members?
The club is also a social place. The old post suggests dropping by to meet members before you enroll, because they may become your workout buddies. Visit at the time you would normally train and ask members what they like and dislike. Search online for reviews too, and compare several sources, because a single review can be unfair either way.
What will it really cost?
Ask for the full membership price and what it covers, as the old post says. The old post warns that some clubs have hidden charges and extra fees for some services, so ask about joining and annual fees, check for promotions or discounts, and find out how long the club has been open and how often it raises its rates. The Federal Trade Commission’s advice on free trials, auto-renewals and subscriptions applies to many gym memberships: read the terms, find out exactly how and when you can cancel, put key dates in your calendar and check your card statements. If a company keeps charging you after you cancel, the FTC advises disputing the charge with your card issuer. Keep a copy of your contract and receipts, and make sure that anything the salesperson promised is written into it.
How does it compare with other clubs?
The old post says not to settle on the first one you visit. Tour at least two or three, make a short comparison list and narrow it down to the places that meet your priorities. The New York State Attorney General’s office gives similar advice on health clubs and gyms: do not give in to high-pressure sales tactics, tell the representative that you need time to think and ask for free passes to find out whether the club is right for you. State laws on gym contracts differ, so check the rules where you live.
What if a club is not for you?
Choosing a club is a bit like shopping for a shirt, as the old post says: take your time and do not be rushed. If the club does not feel right, consider working out at home; our post on buying home fitness equipment explains what to check first. Once you have joined, make the most of it, and read preventing sports injuries for habits that keep you training.