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WHAT YOUR GYM DOESN'T TELL YOU WHEN YOU JOIN

Not all health clubs are problem-plagued, but yours could be overcrowded, employ a poorly trained staff and/or make it difficult to quit.

January is a busy month for gyms across the country, signing up new members who are determined to get in shape or lose weight with the start of the New Year.   Unfortunately, within 90 days of joining, these new recruits are often disappointed with their gym and drop out.   Gym memberships are costly, and joining one without asking the right questions and reading the fine print on the contract can be an expensive and frustrating mistake.   Ideally, ask if you can "try" the gym out for a day or a week.   This allows you to really get a feel for whether the gym is the right match for you.   If this is not an option, here are some things to be aware of during your tour and to ask about before you sign a gym contract.

1. Visit the gym on a day and time that you would normally attend.   See how crowded the gym is during this time period and if there are long waiting times for machines.   If the gym is too busy for you to access the equipment easily, you will become frustrated and stop attending.   Gyms should have a diverse assortment of clean, well-working equipment that allows all participants to work out a variety of muscles.
2. Check out the clientele that is currently exercising there.   This doesn't mean scope out your dating prospects at the gym.   Of course there are many gyms that cater to that "meat-market" mentality and the attendees are looking to make a love connection.   But if you are trying to reach a goal, make sure that you will be comfortable interacting with what should be a polite crowd that is conscientious about cleaning and sharing the equipment.
3. Ask about the educational background and certification required for the staff.   This is especially important if you are new to exercise and are interested in working out with a trainer.   Each trainer will be different, so if someone is trying to sell you a package of services, ask for their certification and how many years they have been training.   Also, ask for referrals from clients they have worked with for at least six months.   You should seek a trainer with a credential from ACE, NASM or any of the other major certification groups.  
4. Find out what the length of time is for the contract and what steps you need to take to cancel it.   Trouble canceling membership is one of the top complaints against fitness clubs logged with the Better Business Bureau and states' attorneys general.   Read the fine print and if you do decide to cancel at the end of the term, create a paper trail to support your request.   This will be helpful in the event that you have to take the gym to task for not stopping automatic payments when you requested them to.
5. Visit more than one gym before making a final decision.   This allows you to see a variety of places and helps to solidify your decision when you find one that feels right for you.

Many people have positive experiences when they find a gym that they are comfortable with and they meet their fitness goals because they enjoy going there. Take the time to do the research and don't let a pushy sales staff force you to join a place where you are not comfortable.

Check out this link for more things to be aware of before you join a gym.