How to Choose a Fitness Facility to Join

Nov 22, 2010
Toby Welch

Choose the Right Fitness Centre - With Permission From www.localfitness.com.au

When deciding what fitness facility to become a member of, there are many things to take into consideration.

It seems there is a health club on every corner vying for you to become a member. But which one is right for you?

When taking tours of potential gyms to join (and you are taking at least one tour before committing, aren't you?), take along this checklist from Canadian Fitness Matters to help you choose which fitness facility is right for you.

Choosing a Fitness Centre Checklist

To help you make your decision, keep the following in mind when touring a particular fitness facility:

The facility is recognized for their compliance with the Canadian Fitness Safety Standards.
The Centre is nearby and convenient.
The facilities are clean and well maintained.
Drinking water is accessible.
Emergency phones are readily available.
Line ups for equipment during times you plan to attend are minimal.
Group fitness classes are not too crowded.
You will be comfortable using the facilities.
The Centre has been open for more than one year.

You should also note some things about the fitness staff, including the following:

The exercise area is always supervised.
All fitness staff are trained in first aid and CPR.
All fitness staff are certified in the areas with which they are providing services to the members (ex: aerobic, aqua fitness, personal training, fitness assessment, etc.) Ask to see their certifications.

When assessing program safety and other qualities, some things to consider are:

whether or not pre-screening procedures are required, to determine if there may be any health-related risks to you exercising
whether or not a full fitness appraisal from a certified staff member is available prior to beginning an exercise program
if an ongoing active lifestyle education is emphasized
if a balanced approach to conditioning is emphasized

Finally, you will want to be aware of the fee structure and ask yourself the following:

Does the membership fee reflect good value?
Does the centre provide a published fee schedule?
Do you pay your yearly dues on a monthly basis as per the Prepaid Services Act? Ask for details.

Fitness Facility Fees and Contracts

Fees are a common complaint with fitness centre users. Candice Ashton joined a fitness facility in Edmonton that was geared for women. She signed a contract with the establishment and the gym took out monthly payments. When Ashton got a job with a company that has a fitness centre that she can use for free, she tried to get out of the contract with the women's gym. Looking at the fine print, she saw that it was a three-year contract that could only be cancelled early if you moved to an area without an affiliate gym, or if you passed away. Short of legal action, she is unable to get out of her contract. The sting of making monthly payments to a facility she never uses is tough. Make sure you are comfortable with the fee arrangement before signing up for a gym membership and that you get the cancellation policy in writing.

Your Fitness Facility Needs

You should be on the lookout for specific things at the gym that you need to meet your needs. Do you need child care? Find out if they have a child care program that you can work with. Would you love a pool? Don't settle for one that doesn't have an aquatic area. Do you want a facility that offers classes or do you prefer a no-frills gym with just machines and weights? Make a list of what you want in a fitness centre and don't settle for anything less.

Also, it is vital you choose a facility that makes you feel safe. As Nikki Layton, co-owner of Momentum Fitness in Vancouver, Alberta, pointed out in a phone interview, “Safety has to resonate with your whole facility from all staff to management.”

Hope you find a gym that meets all your needs!