Let’s face it joining a health club should be an easy thing, “What’s the price and can I afford it?”
Unfortunately it’s not that easy and mistakes are made all the time. We all have friends who have joined the wrong health club. You may have joined the wrong health club. Sometimes the industry gets a bad rap when this happens because people who’ve joined the wrong health club generally do one of the following. They won’t use the membership and then complain about paying dues to a health club they don’t use or they’ll use the club but complain because it is not what they think it should be. I am not naïve, there are bad health clubs. When you do your homework chances are you will join the health club that fits your needs and interests.
In order to join the health club that is right for you start by recognizing all health clubs are not the same. They have different features, different clientele, different programs, rates, etc. Think of it as you would when you go to buy a car. What model do you want? What price range? What are the features/options that it must have and are there features/options that would be nice to have.
When you take the time to do your homework and follow these 7 simple steps, there is good chance you’ll join the health club that is right for you.
- Convenience: In order for you to get the most from your health club you’ll need to go several times a week. When the club is close to home or work getting there is easier. Decide if close to home is more important that close to work. If you workout a lot on weekends then close to home might be more important than close to work. You may also want to look into a club with more than one location.
- Hours of operation: Determine when you are most likely to workout. If you’re not an early morning person opening at 4 am is not critical. Like wise if you won’t work out after midnight then a 24 hours club may not be necessary. On the other hand if you do shift work a 24 hour club is important.
- When to visit the club: Once you have determined the time of day you are most likely to use it, go visit prospective clubs at that time of day. By visiting the health club at the time you plan to be there you will discover several things. How many people are there at the same time you want to be there? Is it busy? Do you see people you can identify with? Ask yourself will I fee comfortable in this environment?
- What do you feel when you walk in the door: Health clubs are like people, they develop personalities. These personalities develop as a result of management, staff and the members who belong. We like some personalities and others we don’t. Ask yourself: Is the club a high energy club? Do you sense a relaxed atmosphere? Are there bodybuilders? Do they greet members when they come in? Is it chaotic? Are they professional? Also think about Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Is it too big, too small or just right for you? Only you can make the determination as to what you’re looking for. Make sure the “oh wow!” that you have when you walk in the door is followed up with substance. Some clubs look fantastic at first blush but when you look deeper you find they spent all their money on decoration and don’t have the feel, equipment or programming you want.
- Cleanliness: You would think that cleanliness in a health club is a given, unfortunately that is not the case. Health club managers focus resources in areas that are important to them personally. Some feel cleanliness is important and others do not. Take the time to look around. Ask the question: Is the entire facilities clean enough to pass my demands?
- Features you must have versus those you’d like. Think of it as the 80/20 rule: Most people spend 80% of their time using 20% of the facility. If you are a group exercise junky, ask yourself, do they have classes you want at times you can be there? Do spend time on cardio equipment; do they have what you want? Free weights? Strength equipment? Pools? Sauna, Steam whirlpool? When you have determined what must be there make sure it is. Once you’ve done that you may see features or programs that you didn’t think about that add value to one health club versus another. If you do not find features and equipment that is on your “must have” list chances are this health club is not for you. Keep in mind having multiple exercise options available is a benefit to your mind andyour body. Should you tire of fitness and cardio equipment you can switch and swim laps, when you need a change from swimming laps take group exercise classes. When there is always something new to try you enjoy your time and go more often and reap the benefits of regular exercise.
- Rates, length of contract, cancellation: Health clubs are not commodities. When you pay more you generally get more. Higher rates equate to more service and fewer members. Low rates generally mean more members and less service. Determine what is important to you. Understand the length of contract you are signing. Health clubs offer memberships that range from month to month [a membership you can cancel with notice] right up to several years. Most states have laws that limit the maximum length of contract. Make sure you know what you are signing. Cancellation is also important. What if after all this you join the wrong club. Make sure you understand the cancelation policy. Most health clubs only offer 3 days to cancel a membership after it is purchased, some offer more. Check this out ahead of time so you know.
As an owner of a health club I want you to enjoy the benefits of regular exercise. Having more energy, more strength, more flexibility, less stress and generally better health is a great way to go through life. While I would like everyone who visits my health clubs to join, I realize we aren’t for everyone. Let me know if you find this article helpful or have other thoughts.
Good luck and Good health,
Michael McMahon
President
Pinnacle Health + Fitness