Choosing A Fitness Club? - 10 Things To Look Out For in A Hamilton Fitness Club
By Vince DelMonte
Now that you've made the commitment to starting a workout program, the next step is choosing a gym that you will feel comfortable going to on a regular basis. If it isn't, chances are you aren't going to stick with any type of regular plan and will eventually just stop going altogether. By being sure your gym is a good fit for you, you help take yourself one step further to realizing your health and fitness goals.
Keep in mind that if a traditional gym isn’t for you, you can definitely set up a home gym where you can get complete workouts all in the privacy of where you live. There are a number of home gym systems out there that include all the equipment you need to perform all the key lifts that should be included in any workout program.
1. Location
Who really wants to spend twice as long driving to and from their gym as it takes them to do their workout? After a long day of work you are not going to want to spend a good hour fighting traffic, another hour working out, and then another half an hour driving home. Think about either choosing a gym that is located close to your house or else on the drive to or from work. This is a great option since if you have to pass by it every day, you’ll be reminded of the fact that you should be working out if you choose to skip it.
2. Membership Cost
Gym memberships can really vary in costs so it’s a good idea to shop around before making that final commitment. Also consider how long you are signing the contract for as this can vary too. Many gyms like to rope you in for years and if you aren’t quite sure it’s going to be a long-term arrangement, you’re better off finding something that is more short-term.
Additionally, if you can wait until around late summer or New Year to sign up, you will find that often many gyms will have special promotions going on at this time.
3. Membership Demographic
Another factor to consider is the membership demographic that goes to the gym. Some women will prefer going to an all-ladies gym as it increases their comfort factor. For others, a mixed gym is the perfect solution because half of the reason they go there is to socialize and perhaps even find a date.
Whatever your needs, make sure you enquire about this and take it into consideration.
4. Additional Benefits
You will want to ask if the gym offers any additional services or benefits along with your basic membership and if there is a fee for these. Such examples would be daycare services, physiotherapy, massage therapy, nutritional counselling, and fitness testing.
5. Operating Hours
Always be sure to check the hours of operation of the gym. If you are an early morning exerciser you will want to be sure they are able to cater to this preference. Additionally ask about their holiday policies. Many people enjoy working out on the holidays because it is a relaxed day for them when they can really get in a good workout. If you are looking forward to this and then go and find out the gym is closed, you are going to be more than disappointed. Similarly there are some people who prefer working out late at night so you need to be sure that if this is the case you will be able to do that.
6. Personal Training Services
Having some good, qualified personal trainers on hand is critical to helping you realize your full fitness potential. Even if you are fine with your program right now, consider that in a year down the road you might be plateauing and in need of a ‘check-up’ so to speak on your current regime.
Having the option available of knowledge staff cannot be stressed enough. Unfortunately many gyms hire almost anyone who has a basic interest in fitness, so be sure to enquire about the actual certifications these trainers hold.
7. Group Fitness Classes
Be sure to ask about all the various group fitness classes that are offered at the gym you are considering. Often, when boredom kicks in on your workout plan, this is just the thing to get you going again.
These days there are currently thousands of different fitness class styles available, so there is sure to be something that suites your interest.
When checking up on this, again inquire if there are any additional fees associated with it so you are prepared for when you go to sign up.
8. Cleanliness
One very important factor you want to look for is the cleanliness of the gym. You do not want to be working out on equipment that is not clean as gyms are a place where germs can be in high concentration. Also make sure they have towels and spray bottles in various places around the gym to clean up after workouts, and have a look at the bathrooms and change rooms to make sure they are up to your standards.
9. Type/Quality Of Equipment
Looking at the type and quality of the equipment offered in the gym is another thing you must factor in. If you prefer free weights, make sure there is a large number of dumbbells present because during rush hours, these could be hard to come by.
Likewise, if you prefer doing your weight training on guided machines, you’ll want to be sure they have enough variety that you can work all the necessary muscles on your body. If you find yourself doing a lot of cardio training as part of your workouts you will want to be sure there are ample machines available.
Nothing is more frustrating than getting to the gym after work to find out that there is not a single machine in sight available for you to use. Ask if they offer a sign-up list where you can write your name and time down to reserve a machine. This is a great solution that many gyms have now come up with to make sure their members can get their workouts in.
10. Cancellation Policy
Finally take a look at the gym's cancellation policy. If you sign up for a 3 year membership and then end up moving after a year due to work, are you going to be partially refunded? It will be a bad situation if they offer no refund or transfer membership.
Some gyms are good about this and some are not so you will have to weigh the likelihood of your cancelling among other things that are discussed above when making your decision.
So, be sure you are considering all of these essential factors when choosing gym. Overlooking just one could lead you to being less than happy with your workout facility and this could end up being the reason why you do not stick with your program.
----------------------------------
About the Author: Vince DelMonte is the author of No Nonsense Muscle Building: Skinny Guy Secrets To Insane Muscle Gain found at http://www.VinceDelMonteFitness.com
He specializes in teaching skinny guys how to build muscle and gain weight quickly without drugs, supplements and training less than before.
© 2006-2008, Vince DelMonte Fitness. All rights in all media reserved. You may reprint this article so long as the article and author bio are reprinted intake and all links are made live. This article may never be sold individually or as part of a package.
 Two people look at a glass which is half filled with water - are you the person who sees a glass that is half empty or one that is half full? Two people look at a glass which is half filled with water - are you the person who sees a glass that is half empty or one that is half full?
We have a lot of choices in life. We can choose to look at things the negative way and always see the dark side of situations, or can choose to be positive and live a happy and fulfilling life.
Why is it so important to live a positive life? Because it's much more fulfilling. Optimism goes hand in hand with positive mood and good morale. It is also linked to athletic and academic success- to success in career and politics, to better health and longer life and positive individuals are much more attractive to people than negative ones are.
It is true - the rates of depression and negativity among people have never been higher than they are today. These days it is affecting older, middle aged and younger people all the same way.
Although it is not the easiest thing in the world to change in our life, it is important to realize that thinking negatively instead of positively is a matter of choice. We can choose to be positive or negative.
Recent studies have shown that positive people are hit by the same hardships in life as negative people. The difference lies in how they deal with it..
Positive people tend to be convinced that moments of pain are only temporary set backs, and that these set backs occur in order to learn from and become stronger. Negative and pessimistic people tend to believe that unfortunate events influence everything they do in life. They are convinced that the situations are long lasting, and tend to think that such events take place because it's routine or because they deserve it..
Optimistic people see these negative events as challenges and opportunities, which pushes them to try even harder to get over the humps. You'll never hear them say things like " this always happens to me" or "things will never change".
They believe that when such statements are actually being expressed they will act as self-fulfilling learning experiences. They use these experiences to propel themselves forward.
They are not manipulative and appear less dependent on others for their own happiness. They have the natural talent to draw people towards them because they are surrounded with positive and cheerful energy. This makes them charismatic.
Negative people tend to live in denial that stress is bothering them. They often avoid dealing with their negative situations and give up easy when problems or difficulties arise.
Positive people on the other hand are much more stress resistant. In general, positive individuals are perseverant and don�t easily except failure. Because of this they seem more motivated in achieving their goals. It drives them towards accomplishment and future fulfillment.
Medical research has shown that optimism leads to good health and slows aging - hindering the process of middle aged illness. Their bodies appear to have a much higher resistance level and a better ability to fight disease. They grow old gracefully as opposed to people who allow their lives to be lead by negativity.
If you're not a positive and optimistic person - become one. Look at every negative situation as a test of strength, a mere flat tire on the road of life - change it and keep going.
Remember it is all a matter of choice and perception.
All of us are given obstacles in life, as well the ability to choose. Do you want to be hindered by obstacles or push forth beyond them?
Find the positive message in each negative experience - there always is one. Finding the positive lesson will open your eyes letting you see a more positive future. By letting go of your negative ideas and your internal struggles you will become inspired.
Get up and get back on track! Keep a positive goal in mind with all your endeavors, and challenge yourself to see difficult situations as opportunities instead of allowing them to bring you down.
Relationships, family, job, money - all of these scenarios can have setbacks hindering your wellbeing. Don't let them. You are alive and possess the power to choose in making your own decisions. Be thankful for what you have and be positive in the future.
Being positive starts right now!
This is your new blog post. Click here and start typing, or drag in elements from the top bar.
Instructions
Step1:
Decide if you want to sign a contract. Many fitness clubs waive start-up fees if you sign a contract. If you are about to move or are unsure about a long term commitment with a fitness club, stay away from contracts. If you breech the contract they can send your account into collections, ruining your credit. Sometimes it's better to pay a higher start-up fee and more per month.
Better yet find a club that has month to month options.
Step2:
Find out if the fitness club has on site childcare. Gyms don't allow children in the workout areas so they often offer childcare. Some charge a nominal fee while others include it with their membership. Visit the childcare center to see if it is a place you feel comfortable dropping your children off for a few hours.
Step3:
Choose a fitness club that has the classes you are interested in taking. Most gyms have a list of their classes that potential members can look at. If you are interested in Pilates and a particular fitness center doesn't offer those classes, look elsewhere.
Step 4:
Pick a fitness club that is close to work or home. If it is too far away you are likely to skip working out because of the long drive. Make sure they have showers if you are planning on exercising before work. You don't want to go to work smelling like you just left the gym.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2086282_pick-fitness-center.html
Check out a little fun, rough but fun video from Phoenix Fitness Hamilton member night
 Fast Fat Loss Plan
Even if you join a fitness club in Hamilton there is no guarantee you will reach your fitness or fat loss goals. It may not be due to a lack of hustle or sweat.
There is a anothereason few people reach their goals and make their dreams come true.
Know what that reason is?
It's because they actually HAVE goals written down. The vast majority of people on this planet do not.
And not only do people that achieve goals actually set goals, they also create a a plan to make sure they make things happen.
So where does that leave you?
Do you keep telling yourself you are going to "lose some weight?" Or do you have specific goals and a plan to reach them?
Do you have a plan for what you're going to eat each day so you're not tempted to fill up on fast food? Do you have a deadline for when you're going to reach your goal?
Here's another one: you KNOW you need to be eating breakfast every day. Do you have nutritious food in the house you PLAN on eating each morning?
If not have you looked into taking advantage of a delicious meal replacement shake like Prograde Lean? (Find Them Here)
This is YOUR life. Whether you want your body to look better naked, you want to improve your health, you want to have more energy, or whatever your goal is, you MUST have written goals and a plan to achieve them.
Yours in health,
Rita
PS - Fail to plan, plan to fail. Life is easy when you plan for it to be.
When it comes to choosing a Hamilton fitness club, some people pick the one that is least expensive or closest to where they live or work(both very important). But to get the most for your money and workout, there are many other considerations to make before signing on the dotted line and joining a fitness club.
If you're a woman and feel uncomfortable working out with men, you might consider an all-female facility or at the very least a fitness club with a women's fitness area. Added benefits of all-female health clubs include flexible hours, child care facilities and equipment designed especially for women.
If you simply want to join a fitness class, lift some weights, stair step or use stationary bikes, don't join a fitness club that also offers tennis courts, basketball courts, racquetball courts and a swimming pool. It will be a waste of your money if you don't plan to take advantage of these other services.
Decide where you would feel more comfortable--in a large fitness class where you can easily blend into the crowd, or in a small one where you can get feedback and helpful advice. Also, decide what type of instructor you prefer--upbeat, instructional and nurturing, or the drill sergeant type.
Once you've narrowed down your options, consider fitness club hours and their proximity to your home and office. Check with your local consumer affairs office or Better Business Bureau to see whether any complaints have been made against the clubs. If there are more than 10 for any club, be wary.
Next, take a tour of the potential fitness clubs. If you know when you'll be working out, ask for a tour at that time so you can see if it's crowded. Look around carefully and talk to members. Are they satisfied? Is the equipment clean and in good working order? Is there adequate air conditioning? Are the locker rooms and shower areas clean and secure? Are the rooms well-lit? Also, check to see if instructors are certified by a nationally recognized fitness organization such as the American Council on Exercise(ACE), CanFit Pro or Canadian Personal Trainers Network (CPTN).
Instructors should be punctual and prepared. Fitness Classes should have a definite format such as a 10-minute warm-up, at least a 20-minute cardiovascular workout with abdominal work, and a 10-minute cool-down. Everyone should have adequate floor space. Students should be periodically asked to check their heart rate and evaluate their level of exertion. Take note whether the instructor makes him or herself available after class to answer questions.
All personal trainers and other personn should be trained in CPR, and at least one person on a shift should be certified in first aid. The club should offer baseline fitness testing to aid in creating an exercise program right for you. All members should be offered an orientation that teaches them how to work out safely. You should also be required to complete a health history form that includes past injuries and present medical status.
Find out if the fitness club belongs to a member organization such as the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), which has more than 1,300 members around the country. Member clubs must abide by a code of conduct and membership pledge. For example, they cannot sell pre-paid lifetime memberships or use deceptive, high-pressure sales tactics.
Be wary of gimmicks and low price offers--signs the club is in desperate need of fast cash. Avoid the hard sell such as a one-day only discount. Insist on a one- or two-week trial membership before committing, or one-week grace period during which you can change your mind.
Examine any agreement carefully before signing. If the fitness club is part of a chain, find out if you're entitled to use other branches. Make sure all agreements are in writing. Sign up for one year only, not several. Even better, ask if the club has a month to month option.Many clubs go out of business, so a short-term contract is safer. If possible, have the club bill you monthly.
Finding the right fitness club isn't hard, it just takes a little time and soul-searching to determine what's right for you. Once you know what you want, it's only a matter of time before you find the club that fits.
|
RSS Feed