Get Clear on Your Wish List When Choosing a Gym

So here we are in 2000, but you’ve still got your old 1990s body. Perhaps you’ve tried some at-home fitness programs but are dissatisfied with the results or want to take your fitness program to the next level. You are thinking, “Maybe it’s time to join a gym.”

You’ll have lots of company. Nearly 30% of all new gym memberships are sold between Jan. 1 and March 31, according to the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Assn., a trade group. But choosing a gym that’s right for you requires some thought if you hope to stick to your program six months from now.

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Here are some things to consider when selecting your new workout haven.

The first step: Figure out what you’re looking for in a club. Think about your exercise history. Does being part of a group motivate you to keep coming back? If so, you’ll need a gym with lots of fitness classes and a variety of other organized activities.

If you like working out alone in the weight room, check to see if the gym has your favorite equipment. If you are the type who needs someone else to push you, find out if the gym has personal trainers and whether you get a free session or two when you join. Some clubs will pair you with another member so you have a tennis partner, running mate or a weightlifting buddy.

If you have young children, ask if the gym has quality child care and whether it’s affordable.

When you first visit the gym, pay attention to the atmosphere as you tour the facilities. Are the staff members friendly? Do they know members’ names? Also, notice if the staff is out on the gym floor answering members’ questions--or do they mostly sit behind a desk?

Don’t be shy about asking for the credentials of the gym’s staff: Are the personal trainers certified? Do the nutritionists, physical therapists and massage therapists have degrees in their fields?

Are you forced to listen to a scripted sales pitch from a gym rep, or does he or she ask you about your needs and then address them? How do the teachers and the fitness trainers interact with the members? Are the bulletin boards current? Ask how often they upgrade their exercise equipment. And notice if all the machines are in working order. Too many out-of-order signs can ruin the best-planned workouts.

Imagine wearing a T-shirt and shorts as you work up a sweat. Is the room temperature too hot or too cold? Listen to the music playing and look at the TV monitors. Believe me, it’s easier to ride a bike or lift weights when you like what you’re listening to or watching.

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Notice if the weight room is located above the workout studio. The sound of weights plopping on the floor overhead while you’re meditating in a yoga class can be a nuisance. And when you visit the aerobics room (I have to mention this) ask yourself: Does the carpet smell? Obviously, you’ll also want to check out the locker room. How clean is it, especially the showers and toilets? Are the soap and shampoo dispensers full? How about the toilet paper and paper towels?

If you don’t already know, ask if the club has other locations and whether you can use them for free. Perhaps there’s an affiliated club closer to work or in a town you’re visiting. But be aware that large fitness chains may offer less personalized service than a small neighborhood gym.

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One very important question is whether the location and hours of the club fit your schedule. If the gym isn’t near home or office, chances are you’ll skip it on those days when you just don’t feel motivated. If you need to drive, check out the parking situation and how much it costs, and factor that into your monthly membership cost.

When deciding if the price is a good value, bear in mind a few other things: extra fees for racquetball or tennis court time, lockers and towels, and child care. Clubs with state-of-the-art equipment or the hottest classes of the moment often cost more. How important is that to you?

Before you sign up, I strongly recommend that you give the gym a test run. Ask the sales rep for a free week’s pass to get a better feel for the gym. Go as often as you plan to go if you join.

Use a credit card to pay for your membership. That way, if a dispute arises, the credit card company may intervene on your behalf.

After you select a club, get involved in some classes and other activities: It will help you meet other members who can become your workout buddies. It’s easier to stick to your plans when you feel good and are having fun.

* New York-based freelance writer Michele Bender contributed to this column.

* Karen Voight is a Los Angeles-based fitness expert. Her latest videos are “Core Essentials” and “YogaSculpt.” You can contact her by email at kvoightla@aol.com.