You may be looking for big biceps and lean abs, but you don’t want to be ripped off in the process. Finding a well-run gym that won’t cost an arm and a leg is crucial to your physical and financial health. With health clubs coming and going, and fast-talking sales people trying to sign up members as fast as possible, you need to know what you’re getting yourself into before you step on the treadmill.
Get a free pass before you sign up.
Most gyms will offer you a free pass for up to a week, so you can check out the place. Use it! And if they don’t offer one, find another gym. The facility may look spic and span when you tour the place with the helpful sales rep. But once you’re on your own, check out the facility thoroughly:
- How clean are the locker rooms? Are the bathrooms sparkling and odorless? Do the lockers look clean and well-kept or old and dingy?
- Do members sanitize the equipment before they leave it? You want to see sweat on the patrons, not the machines.
- Is the equipment in good shape? Check to see if there are loose parts and rusty joints.
- Talk to members who have been there a long time. They’ll usually be frank with you.
- Take a group exercise class. Make sure the instructors are knowledgeable and energetic. And the music they choose matches the work-out routine.
- Are personal training sessions extra? Sometimes a club will throw in a few free sessions or one every six months for the life of your membership.
Read the contract thoroughly before you sign the dotted line:
- What date does the contract terminate? This is important because some contracts stipulate that you must terminate the agreement in writing on that date, otherwise the membership will automatically renew.
- Sometimes clubs will give you a discount if you commit to a year. Before you do that, make sure you don’t change your mind before the 12 months are over. Your job may transfer you. You may become injured.
- Don’t give your bank account information to the club. Use your credit card for recurring monthly payments. Credit card companies will usually go to bat for you if there is a problem. If you don’t have a credit card, pay by check.
- If you travel a lot, join a gym that has many locations across the country. Make sure the contract specifies that there is no extra charge to use the other facilities. Also, a gym with several locations within your community will give you more flexibility.
- Finally, negotiate! If you are set on one particular gym and you don’t like the price, talk to the manager. You might be able to get a reduction in fees, or some extras like personal training sessions thrown in.
Want to build a home gym instead? Read this Suite 101 article about shopping for elliptical cross trainers.
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