What You Should Look For In Choosing the Right Place For Your Health and Fitness Needs

Dr. Lance Knaub DPT, OCS, CSCS

Owner BREAKTHRU Fitness

These are some of the factors you should take into consideration before making any buying decisions for your health, arguably the most important investment you make. Given the current state of the economy, if you do not attend or achieve results you will be wasting your money.   Health and fitness places come in all shapes and sizes but these are some important factors to consider no matter where you look so that you find a place that is a good fit and a positive experience.  

Cleanliness/availability of equipment and staff-

A clean and beautiful facility should be the norm, but if you notice that things are out of place or dirty, you should keep looking.  Equipment and professional staff should be available without feeling like you are a number in a crowded environment even at the busiest times.

Comfort level-

You should not feel intimidated by the clients or staff.  It is easy to quickly evaluate the feeling you get somewhere and how comfortable you feel. Most fitness centers cater to 18 to 35 year olds who already have very high fitness levels. There are increasingly becoming more choices for people looking to get fit and for other age groups like baby boomers and seniors or those getting back into shape after an injury. 

Staff’s ability to work with your unique needs-

Everyone has their own problems and unique needs. If you have any medical issues or just need extra help, make sure the staff has the ability to properly assist you.  Existing medical issues should not keep you from becoming healthy. Properly trained staff and on site professionals should be able to set you up with the right equipment and exercises to allow you to comfortably exercise without feeling pain or discomfort and certainly without causing any new problems.

Location/convenience-

Make sure that the facility you choose is easy to get to at the time of day you will be coming. Remember, the goal is to get fit for the rest of your life

Evaluating the staff/support after joining-

The very essence of an organization is determined by its employees, and these people should be health and fitness personified. They should look, act, and conduct themselves as fitness professionals at all times. Observe how they interact with the members, other staff, and each other. They should be friendly and personable as well as informative and knowledgeable.

There is no regulatory body or state licensing for trainers so individuals must do adequate research before making a purchase.  Some companies only hire personal trainers with college degree and who are certified through a national organization. A few reputable names include NSCA, NASM, and ACSM. Ask the owner or manager about staff credentials or research this online. 

Cost/Commitment-

What sort of commitment do you want? Most gyms have “contracts,” agreements you sign that bind you to a membership for a predetermined term, such as month to month, one year, two years, and so on. Contracts are fine and a necessary part of doing business, as long as you are perfectly clear on how long you are joining for and what you get for your money. If you forget to tell the facility you do not wish to renew, are you obligated for another year?  Beware of any hard sells or deals that seem too good to be true.  If you’re feeling pressured, give a polite thank you and leave, or ask to see another staff member who makes you feel more comfortable.

In summary, when it comes to your health needs it is an important decision and one you must make carefully.  Your choice to commit to health and fitness services must be the right one to achieve results with the amount of time you have.  There are continuing developments and studies supporting the benefits of exercise and reputable organizations like the American College of Sports Medicine and American Medical Association support this with their guidelines and recommendations.