Joining a gym in the New Year can often be stressful. Everyone is rushing to their nearest facility in a bid to get fit, and if you actually make it to a fitness centre to join, there are so many different types membership options that it?s a workout in itself trying to figure it all out. Not to mention the monthly fees and long-term contracts… But all is not lost, as Roy Spencer at FitSpace offers his advice on how to make the most of the gym – without breaking the bank.
1. Try before you buy: Many gyms offer a free day trial which will give you a chance to decide whether the gym is the place for you. Test the equipment and speak to the members. If members are singing their praises, then you?ll know you?re in the right place.
2. Contract: It?s not unusual for fitness clubs to try to tie you into a 12-month contract, meaning you have to agree to pay the monthly fee for the whole year. This can be a massive burden if you decide the gym isn?t for you, or if you fall ill ? you?re better off joining a gym with a shorter contract, or better still one that has no contract at all e.g. FitSpace, which has no contract and members can cancel their membership at anytime without question. If you?re intent on joining that gym, then it?s best to avoid joining in the new year rush, when there is a lot of interest ? try joining form mid-year, when gyms are keen to attract new customers, and are more likely to offer you a better deal to get you to join.
3. Research pricing: The cost of membership, both at private and public health clubs, varies enormously. Make sure you research prices and don?t be fooled by fluffy extras. Members often sign up to expensive memberships only to find they don?t use all the facilities.
?
4. Location, location: If you?re working nine to five, you may want to join a gym that is close to work rather than home. Joining a gym that is conveniently close means you are more likely to stick to a fitness routine.
5. Membership options: Most gyms offer peak and off-peak memberships at different prices. While off-peak may sound cheap, it?s no use if you?re restricted to times you can?t actually make.
6. What do you want to achieve? Before joining a gym, think about what results you want ? do you want to lose weight or tone up, or are you training for an event? The gym you join needs to offer everything you need to achieve your goals.
7. Facilities: When trialling the club, take a look at the range of equipment and find out how busy the gym gets. Some gyms may only have limited equipment, and at peak times, you could be waiting for up to half an hour just to get on the equipment it?s so busy. You may want to try to visit the gym at different times of the day with your guest pass to get a good look. Also, check the changing rooms and toilets are clean and tidy.
8. Personal training: For those that need extra support in achieving goals, find out if there is an option to use a personal trainer. Personal trainers are great at assessing your current fitness levels and designing a tailored programme for your needs and objectives. Don?t forget to check out their credentials, though, personal trainers should be registered with the Register of Exercise Professionals. Visit www.exerciseregister.org to find out whether your trainer has the REPs stamp of approval.
9. Price fixing: Most gyms increase their gym membership prices each year so you don?t want to be cut short if you?d set yourself a budget. Ask the gym how often their prices are reviewed and whether the prices can be fixed.
10. Extras: You are more likely to stick to keeping fit if your gym offers you extras. Find out what classes are on offer and how often they run each week. Maybe you?d like to use the sauna to unwind after a workout, or do a few laps in the swimming pool instead of hitting the gym every visit. You might even want a massage or beauty therapy when you feel like pampering yourself. Make sure you have all the options available if you decide to go with them.