Personal Trainer

The first few weeks of the New Year are the busiest times for fitness centers.  That is why this month is the perfect time to start your search for a quality gym.  When you start your search, visit the club you are interested in during the time of day you will be working out.  If it is crowded, you may want to try a different time, or consider a different gym.

     There are several factors to consider once you decide to check out a gym.  Those include safety of the facility, qualifications of the staff, condition of equipment, and cleanliness of the gym.  To help you choose the facility that is right for you, consider the following ten questions during your tour of the facility.

1.    Does the gym provide the equipment and exercise classes that you need to attain your fitness goals?  Check out the variety of equipment available and the amount.  If you enjoy working out on the treadmill but there are only ten in the gym and a line to use them, then this might not be the place for you.

2.    Does the fitness center have quality instructors and do they give you a health screening form to find out about your healthy, medical conditions, or any health issues you may have?  Trainers need no standard certification and qualifications vary greatly.  Find trainers with credentials from respected institutions.

3.    Is the facility clean?  Check to see if the equipment is wiped down after each use.  There should be wipes and disinfectant available near the equipment.  Is the equipment clean and in working order?  Even if you feel a place is clean, take extra precautions by wearing long sleeves and pants, bringing your own towel, wiping down equipment before and after use, and washing your hands thoroughly after each workout.

4.    How well is the facility prepared for emergencies?  If you find yourself with an emergency, you want to make sure there is staff and emergency equipment on-site for emergency treatment.  According to Mary Fran Kazinski, a registered nurse and senior science editor for the American Heart Association, almost a third of sudden cardiac arrests outside homes and hospitals occur in fitness clubs or sports facilities.  Yet, most clubs are not prepared.  If there is no emergency procedure and no automated external defibulator on-site, choose another gym.

5.    What are the facility’s methods of payment, policies, and cancellation procedures?  If you decide to sign-up for membership in a gym, take the contract home and read it in full.  Make sure the payment method is clearly defined and that there are no hidden costs.  Don’t feel pressured into signing a contract on-site.  If the facility will not provide you with a copy of the contract to review at home, move on to the next facility on your list.

6.    Does the facility have good air circulation and proper ventilation?  When you visit the gym, you can assess this right away.  You want to be comfortable when you work out.

7.    Are there signs posted on the equipment on how to use it and are there staff available to show you how to use it?  You can go into any gym and ask a member how they learned how to use a piece of equipment.  In most cases, they will say from a fellow gym member!  Make sure you have trained staff there to show you how to use the equipment in a safe and effective way.

8.    Do you like the fitness centers’ clientele?  Find out from the gym what type of individual’s workout there and what the age range is.  You want to be comfortable with the people workout out around you.

9.    Where is the gym located?  Find a gym close to your home or place of employment.  Look for a gym in a safe area and one with ample parking.

  10.  Is the aerobic area floor designed to reduce shock?  If you 
         will be taking aerobic classes, this is a must.  A floor built to
         absorb shock can prevent injuries.