5 Questions to Ask Before Committing to a Health Club

As winter sets in, it can be easy to stay inside and let hibernation mode take over. But that doesn't mean you should let your health become obsolete. If you're looking to take your fitness goals to the next level and make your health a priority, it might be time to join a health club. "It's a fact that about half of people with gym memberships don't really use them," says Steven Bronston, certified personal trainer with Life Time, a healthy way of life company that operates more than 115 health and wellness centers nationwide. "To fix this, and to meet your health and fitness goals, you'll want to ensure that any health club you join has lots of amenities and programs that fit your lifestyle." Bronston offers these questions to ask yourself when choosing the right club: What gets you fired up? When it comes to fitness, everyone has different preferences. If you enjoy working out in a group setting, your club should offer a variety of group fitness classes to choose from without added costs. If equipment is what inspires you to get moving, make sure your club has the latest in both weight and cardio machines. In this case, boutique fitness centers might not offer enough variety to keep you engaged. Is there a sense of community? You'll, hopefully, be spending a lot of time at your health club, so it's important to make sure you feel at home. The staff should be friendly and inviting, as well as knowledgeable and well trained. Your health and well-being should be the center of attention, so be sure to ask about staff certifications. Various groups, like run clubs or basketball leagues can also help facilitate a sense of belonging at your club. Will the club help you meet your goals? There's a big difference between walking into a typical gym with a roomful of equipment and stepping foot into a total lifestyle center with a truly personalized approach to achieving health and fitness goals. "The Life Time philosophy is to 'Know it, Nourish it and Move it,' and our assessments and programs virtually guarantee success," says Bronston. Is this club convenient for your lifestyle? With a busy schedule, it's already difficult to find time out of your schedule to visit a health club. Many clubs are only open specific hours, or only offer classes at certain times on certain days, making it even more of a challenge. Look for a club that operates most hours of the day and offers a variety of classes and class times. What other amenities are important to you? Make sure the health club you choose has all of your desired details. A club with kids' activities will keep your kids active and happy while you're able to focus on yourself. A café allows you to grab a healthy meal on your way out when you're short on time. It's a good idea to check for other membership perks like a spa, discounts at local retailers and internal rewards.