How to Find the Perfect Health Club

With the summer season ending you may be thinking about bringing your exercise routine to a gym. Keeping to a routine, ease of use and fun are the keys to success. The best gyms will offer all three.

First keeping to a routine. For most of us it is difficult to make the time to exercise. Excuses abound! It is extremely important to check the hours that the facility is open and compare that to your daily needs. Also find the hours of the things that you like to do. When is that yoga class? Do they close they pool? Are trainers and staff always available to help you? And finally, for those who need it, what are the hours that the childcare is open? When you are certain that the health club you have chosen meets the needs of your family and schedule move on to the second key for successful exercise.

Ease of use is an individual concept. How familiar are you with the equipment. Will you actually do the activities that are offered or do you need extra attention from a trainer or staff member. It is a familiar scenario to join a club, be walked quickly around and then to find yourself on your own. Many people give up because they can't figure out the machines and are too embarrassed to ask. Keep in mind that you are paying the club and that most clubs are eager for you to be successful. Ask about the equipment until you feel comfortable with what you are doing.

Ask about peak times. Will there be enough equipment? Do people share regularly? Are there time limits? And especially important to many, is there separate areas or equipment for men and women. Take the time to think through your own needs. What has put you off in the past? You're goal is to be more successful than the last time you tried to add in a gym membership.

Finally FUN. Exercise can be fun. Think back o when you were a kid, what did you like to do? Are there new things that you would like to try? As you consider the schedules and times think about the programs and equipment available. If you love racquet ball don't join a club that doesn't have a court. You are five times more likely to go if you look forward to it. Finding friends who will go with you can add to the fun. Create a new social group at your health club if you don't have anyone to go with. Bring a book and read while you walk the treadmill or take advantage of the television or radio many clubs offer. If you have a family you may enjoy a family friendly club that invites your children to take advantage of the classes or pool with you.

Fun can be the treat that you give yourself at the end of a hard work out. An extra few minutes in the hot tub or sauna, a healthy snack or keep track and save up for a bigger reward. The new swimsuit in a smaller size might be just the carrot you need to succeed! Remember that all of the clubs have their unique branding. Some cater to women only, others have a young feel while some seem luxurious and decadent. As you walk through imagine enjoying the amenities will it be enough of a draw for you to get there and work out day after day? If so then you have discovered the perfect club and you have all the keys to success: it will fit your routine, have ease of use, and be fun filled!

This is part one of a series of articles that will review individual health club chains.