Choosing a health club can be tricky – do you want a health club, gym or leisure centre? What do you expect? Squash courts, personal trainers, or a nice cafe to relax in after a hard workout? You should explore as many factors as possible before signing up for a gym membership.

Location

One of the most important factors when choosing a health club or gym is its location, usually in relation to your home or place of employment. But it is not as simple as picking the closest gym, since travelling to a given destination can be quite different depending on if you are travelling there early in the morning on the way to work, or on the way home from work during rush hour traffic. Trial runs can be a good way fo working out how a gym is going to fit in with your lifestyle. It might seem pretty full-on, but it’s important to work out when and how you are going to use the gym so you can maximise the value of a monthly, quarterly or annual membership.

Friendliness

It’s not important to everyone, but for me the friendliness of the staff at the gym is incredibly important. I expect to be greeted when I enter a building and offered some assistance. The gym’s employees are often representative of the gym as a whole, so unhelpful or inadequately trained staff are probably indicative of a poorly managed gym.

Extras


While most gyms provide the services of a personal trainer for an additional cost, they should have a member of staff on-hand at all times for simple questions about gym equipment. Ask what is included in a basic membership and which services recquire additional fees, since a low monthly membership fee means little if you are unable to do the type of exercise you want to do.

The Locker Room

Another important factor when choosing a gym or health club is the locker rooms. You need to be comfortable in here if you are to come time and time again, so have a good look around. Don’t feel stupid for taking note of small things, since damaged lockers are probably indicative of a poorly maintained gym. Are the toilets clean? Is the shower plug hole blocked with hair?

It’s important to spend as much time as possible assessing different gyms and health clubs before joining to ensure you join one which is suitable to your lifestyle, ensuring regular attendance and a pleasant experience.

John McE writes articles on a number of subjects including health and fitness. The Chelsea Club, generally regarded as London’s finest health club for adults, combines first class facilities and services with space, style and a friendly relaxed atmosphere.

http://www.thechelseaclub.com/

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