Advice on choosing a health club or gym

Health clubs and gyms come in all shapes and sizes, with varying types of equipment and facilities. All health clubs, gyms and leisure centre's will allow you time to take a tour of their complex. Usually someone will accompany you. It's during this tour that you can get a 'feel' for the place and a time when you should ask a series of questions which may be on your mind.

Questions you may want to ask
When choosing a health club, gym or leisure centre you are looking for the right centre and facility to best suit your needs. Firstly identify these needs (e.g. Is it close to home / work? Does it have a crèche? etc.) then ring up and book a tour.

Essential questions:

• What are the club's opening times?
• What specific facilities are available?
• How much is the membership?
• Is the membership a yearly contract?
• Can membership be canceled or frozen?
• Can I down / up grade a membership?
• Are there off-peak prices?
• Are there showers & changing facilities?
• Do you have qualified instructors on hand?
• Do you give fitness induction's?
• Will I be given a exercise program to follow?
• Will a need a doctors approval?
• Do you run fitness classes?
• Are classes included in the membership price?
• How busy does the gym get? And at what times?

Possible questions:

• Is parking available?
• Do you cater for children?
• Is there a crèche on site?
• Do you run personal training?
• Can I use this club membership at other local centres?

» Advice

» Checklist

» Leading health clubs