It is 2019 and you have decided to start of the year by committing to a gym membership. Congratulations! I avidly believe that summer bodies are made in the winter – well, in that case, the fall…..
Before you sign on the dotted line, make certain that you educate yourself. Bad trends and advice can run amok at gym facilities; and you need to take some precaution about the facilities themselves. From keeping a watchful eye for inexperienced trainers to gym staff pushing sales down your throat, here are some pointers you need to know before signing up for a gym membership.
Selecting the Right Trainer
Practically all workout facilities have “in-house” coaches or trainers available for sessions. Whether your intention is to pay for a ‘one-on-one’ session or not, it is important to evaluate their skills and credentials before signing up. The odds are, they will be the ones helping you with questions regarding equipment use and workout form. These are factors you do not want to be inaccurately educated about.
At some fitness franchises, their trainers are recruited to focus on selling training sessions as their primary objective. Doing the actual training itself is secondary. These organizations are more profit-based rather than health-based. Be leery of this.
Inquire about the trainer’s credentials. Do not book a session with one who isn’t certified. Listed are some of the most reputable associations along with their certifications:
- Aerobics and Fitness Association of America
- American Council on Exercise
- National Strength and Conditioning Association
- National Academy of Sports Medicine
An ideal trainer should be CPR certified in first-aid. Do not be afraid to ask for proof. After all, you are putting your health and money in the hands of this person.
Sales and Fees
For every gym-goer, cost is a major component. Fees can add up if you are not careful. Read your contract thoroughly. Being locked into a yearly commitment or hidden fees may be the last thing you want. Always double-check that you have the option to cancel your membership at any time.
When analyzing cost, details such as type of classes and services offered are points to take into consideration. Group classes and fancy juice bars are great options, but there is no need to pay for these if you have no intentions to use it.
Keep an eye on gyms that pushes sales to its members. Their intentions are not health-based – it’s all for profit. A continuous pattern of pushing sales is not conducive to a healthy gym environment.
Gym Hygiene
First impressions matter. How clean is the equipment? The floors? The locker room and pool? With hundreds of people using the gym each day, the spread of bacteria and sweat is inevitable. It is important to know that gym staff are being proactive in keeping their facilities clean and organized.
Gym members are susceptible to a variety of infectious viruses. Skin infections in athletes are common according to a published article by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association. This information is not meant to deter you from gyms, but keep this in mind when considering a membership.
It never hurts to inquire about the gym’s hygiene practices. Sanitizing sprays and wipes should always be provided to clean gym equipment after use. A good way to observe this is to request a complimentary guest pass to try out the gym prior to joining.
Unsolicited Advice
As someone who is new or renewing a membership, you will soon realize that people are always willing to share their fitness wisdom. Unless he or she is a licensed professional trainer or a pro athlete, take any advice they offer with a grain of salt.
Why is that? Most advice given is often unwarranted. This does not imply that gym members aren’t knowledgeable. Take it into consideration and run with any advice you think would deem useful. This will decrease the chances of anything backfiring right after you sign the dotted line!
Val