Introduction

Making the right choice is always important, and choosing a fitness center is no exception.

Fitness centers (sometimes called health clubs) range from upscale businesses to neighborhood gyms, with a range of options in between. How do you find the right one? First, determine your fitness goals. Consider scheduling a consultation with a health professional to help you decide what to work on and to receive a realistic assessment of your goals. Before you start using a fitness center, staff should offer you a health questionnaire to determine your risk factors and the most suitable activities to meet your needs and interests.

Key Factors

Your next step should be to identify local fitness centers. Ask your family and friends, check the phone book, or go on-line. Key factors to keep in mind when choosing a fitness center are:

Location. The general consensus is that the easier it is to get to a fitness center, the more often you will use it. Ideally, the facility should be near your home and/or workplace. You may want to locate a fitness facility that can be reached by an accessible means of public transportation. Contact the facility by phone and inquire.

Cost. Membership fees/dues vary. Generally, you will be asked to pay a fixed amount to join, and then a monthly fee. Ensure that you understand exactly what is included in the fees often, such items as staff time, classes, pool use, child care, and even towels are extra. If the facility uses a contract, read the fine print, as you would when buying a car! Avoid signing up for a membership that extends beyond one year, as you can lose your money if the facility closes. And don’t be afraid to ask questions; for example, if the equipment or other parts of the facility are not accessible to you, ask the facility if it is possible to receive a discount on your membership fees/dues. Some facilities offer sliding fee scales based on your income. Other clubs offer family or joint memberships to couples, partners, or friends. Many fitness centers offer waived membership fees at certain times of the year such as the peak season (January) when all of the new year’s resolutions are made or summertime when many individuals decide to exercise outdoors.

Hours. While many fitness centers open early and close late, and some are open 24 hours, others have limited hours. These hours need must match yours. Make sure to visit the facility during the time that you would most likely use it. To decrease your waiting time for using fitness equipment, try off-peak times such as 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays.

Equipment. There should be a variety of equipment, and it should be well-maintained. If you are looking for specific types of equipment, ask about them. It is also important to note the location of the equipment: is it accessible to you? Sometimes having fewer pieces of equipment that are spread out provide the user a choice of getting on the equipment from the right or left side and allows for space to place a mobility device.

Type. There are several different varieties of fitness centers. Multi-purpose facilities generally include swimming pools, tennis/racquetball courts, and other amenities. Gyms tend to focus more on weight training and general fitness. Personal trainers run studios offering one-on-one sessions. Other specialized facilities include Pilates, yoga, and martial arts. Think about how each facility will help you meet your fitness goals.

Classes. Does the center have the classes you want? Are enough class sessions scheduled so you won’t have to wait for months to get in? Does the center offer anything in addition to basic classes, such as educational programs, special events, or workshops? For example, some fitness centers now offer book clubs or other social events that allow their members to get to know each other. The amenities are usually not free: if these include a facility with a juice bar, coffee shop, spa, or a dry cleaner, ask yourself what is really essential in order to reach your fitness goals.

Staff. Find out how many staff members are likely to be on-site while you are there. If you expect one-on-one attention, request this initially. You should receive a group or personal orientation to all of the equipment at no charge when you join. Many facilities provide staff that “walk the floors” and are available to answer your questions while you work out; however, other facilities charge personal training fees for detailed advice. These fees can range on average from $25 to $75 per hour. Trainers and instructors should be certified through a national organization such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), American Council on Exercise (ACE), or National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Some certifications, such as the Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist (RCEP) offered by ACSM, require knowledge of specific disabilities and chronic health conditions as they relate to exercise in order to provide a comprehensive exercise program that is safe and effective.

Word of Mouth. If the fitness center has been recommended by someone you know, ask about his or her experiences. You may also wish to check with your local Better Business Bureau to learn if complaints have been registered against the facility.

Take a Tour

You can learn about many of the key factors listed above through a phone call or the Internet. However, before going any further, it’s time for a visit. Most fitness centers will gladly offer you a tour if the facility declines, consider looking elsewhere.

When you visit the fitness center, take a good look around. You should feel comfortable with the people (both clients and staff), the place and the atmosphere. Do the people seem friendly? Does anyone seem to react negatively to seeing someone with a disability? Does the facility appear to be clean, climate-controlled, and well-ventilated? Is there enough signage? Does the equipment look well-maintained? Try to schedule your tour at a time you would normally use the facility. How crowded is it? Is parking readily available, including accessible spaces? Are there ramps at entrances and exits? Are there clear paths to equipment?

Ask Questions

While you are asking yourself questions about how the facility feels to you, do not miss the opportunity to ask your tour guide and other staff members plenty of questions. Be polite, but persistent. This is your best chance to determine if this is the right facility for you.

Questions may include:

• Does the facility provide orientation and instructions on how to use equipment?
• Are people with disabilities required to have medical clearance or a health history, and, if so, are ALL members required to submit this information?
• How old is the equipment and how often is it replaced?
• How often is equipment cleaned and maintained?
• Is there cardiovascular equipment that can be used by the upper body only?
• Does the cardiovascular equipment such as stationary bike require a minimum speed to use?
• Are there showers and changing facilities? Is there a family changing area?
• Is staff required to have a degree in exercise science or kinesiology?
• Is staff required to pursue continuing education?
• What is the turnover rate for staff?
• What are the busiest times for the facility? What areas are most crowded and when?
• What type of classes does the fitness center provide? Is there a limit on class size?
• Do instructors know how to adapt a class for your abilities?
• How much one-on-one staff interaction will be available?
• Are personal trainers, nutrition consultants, massage therapists, or other specialists available? Are they certified? What is the cost?
• How does the facility handle emergency situations? Has staff been trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid? Does the facility have an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)?
• Can my personal assistant attend the facility with me without extra charges?
• Are service animals allowed in the facility?
• Can you reach the facility by public transportation?
• Are parking or child care available, and at what extra cost, if any?

Fitness centers should be willing to offer you a temporary pass for a small daily fee or at no cost. If you know a member of the facility, ask if he or she can get you a guest pass. Consider trying more than one fitness center to make sure you pick the right one.

Don’t succumb to a high-pressure sales pitch: think it over. Study the contract carefully. How long of a commitment is required: a year or more, or can you choose a month-to-month arrangement? Can you opt out if you decide it is not the right place for you or if you move to a different city? Do prices vary for peak and off-peak hours? Are there any finance charges or other fees? Don’t sign anything you are not comfortable with; remember, there is always another facility.

It’s Up to You

After you do the research, visit facilities, and go through the trial periods, it will be time to make your choice. The most important element of your decision is comfort. Do you truly feel comfortable with the fitness center its staff, clients, facility, and policies? If so, then take the plunge. If you find a good fitness center and stick with it, you have taken a key step toward meeting your personal fitness goals!