Health Club Membership -- Worth the Money or Not?
Posted by
Steven D.
Newswise — Is joining a health club still on your New Year’s resolution list? The February issue of Mayo Clinic Women’s HealthSource covers the pros and cons of joining a gym. Among the biggest advantages:
Variety -- Health clubs offer many types of equipment, classes and activities. Some offer luxury features such as a spa or beauty salon.
Professional support -- Fitness and training professionals can custom-design programs to help individuals reach fitness goals.
Safety -- Professional, certified staff offer guidance on proper technique and form to prevent injury.
Out of the weather -- It’s never too hot, cold or wet inside a fitness facility.
Camaraderie -- Meeting a friend for a yoga class or being surrounded by others who exercise can be motivating.
Institutional-size features -- Some health clubs offer Olympic-sized pools, racquetball and tennis courts or a running track.
On the other hand, some aspects of a health club may be less than positive.
Cost -- Memberships can be expensive and some are based on long-term contracts. By some estimates, it takes two visits a week to justify the expense. Before signing up, consider paying a “per visit” fee to try out the facility.
Convenience -- If it’s too far away, too crowded, or takes too much time, a health club might not be the best option. There are many other ways to exercise outside of a health club.
If the pros outweigh the cons, consider a health club that suits individual fitness goals and interests. Those who don’t swim or play racquetball might find a smaller facility suits their needs. A health club should have a comfortable atmosphere, be clean, and have a friendly and inviting staff and well-maintained equipment.
Staff training is important, too. Staff members should be certified by a nationally accredited agency such as the American College of Sports Medicine, American Council on Exercise or the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
From: http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/537461/
Posted by Steven D.
Newswise — Is joining a health club still on your New Year’s resolution list? The February issue of Mayo Clinic Women’s HealthSource covers the pros and cons of joining a gym. Among the biggest advantages:
Variety -- Health clubs offer many types of equipment, classes and activities. Some offer luxury features such as a spa or beauty salon.
Professional support -- Fitness and training professionals can custom-design programs to help individuals reach fitness goals.
Safety -- Professional, certified staff offer guidance on proper technique and form to prevent injury.
Out of the weather -- It’s never too hot, cold or wet inside a fitness facility.
Camaraderie -- Meeting a friend for a yoga class or being surrounded by others who exercise can be motivating.
Institutional-size features -- Some health clubs offer Olympic-sized pools, racquetball and tennis courts or a running track.
On the other hand, some aspects of a health club may be less than positive.
Cost -- Memberships can be expensive and some are based on long-term contracts. By some estimates, it takes two visits a week to justify the expense. Before signing up, consider paying a “per visit” fee to try out the facility.
Convenience -- If it’s too far away, too crowded, or takes too much time, a health club might not be the best option. There are many other ways to exercise outside of a health club.
If the pros outweigh the cons, consider a health club that suits individual fitness goals and interests. Those who don’t swim or play racquetball might find a smaller facility suits their needs. A health club should have a comfortable atmosphere, be clean, and have a friendly and inviting staff and well-maintained equipment.
Staff training is important, too. Staff members should be certified by a nationally accredited agency such as the American College of Sports Medicine, American Council on Exercise or the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
From: http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/537461/