Group offers consumers tips to keep ‘healthy’ resolution
People say the same thing every year, “I’ll start exercising, eat right and feel better about myself. This is the year.” In an effort to assist the many Americans who will be seeking to fulfill 2003 New Year’s resolutions, the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) offers consumers helpful tips to find the best gym and personal trainer for each individual’s specific needs.
According to the Health Club Trend Report, more than eight million Americans joined a health club in 2001, with almost one million doing so in the month of January. In 2001, an estimated 33.8 million people belonged to a health club, with the average member logging 93 days per year working out at the gym.
“Health club membership and attendance is growing at a record pace,” said John McCarthy, executive director of IHRSA. “Americans of all different ages and levels of physical fitness are making the decision to get fit, and it is critical that they choose the health club and personal trainer that is right for their specific health or fitness needs.”
According to IHRSA, the not-for-profit trade association representing the fitness industry, individuals seeking a health club or personal trainer should follow a few simple guidelines and ask important questions in their search for fitness solutions:
– Always check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program, whether at a health club or at home. Inform your physician if you are changing or increasing the amount or intensity of your workouts and if you are interested in adding dietary supplements to your routine.
– Determine your fitness goals and look for a health club that offers programs and services that will help you achieve them. Log onto www.healthclubs.com to locate health clubs by zip code or city. This Web site proves particularly useful if you are on the road or have just moved and also allows you to find a club based on the activities you want – from group cycling to basketball to spa services to childcare.
– Ask friends and co-workers where they workout and why. See if they recommend a personal trainer.
– Choose a convenient gym close to home or work. Convenience will make it easier to get to the club and to stick with your program. Get a sense of the atmosphere by visiting the health club during the time frame when you are most likely to workout (i.e. if you plan to regularly hit the club early before heading to work, schedule a tour in the morning so you can truly gauge whether the club meets your needs.)
– Check the locker rooms and club amenities to determine if it’s well organized and clean.
– Before you join a club, talk to fitness instructors about their programs, how they are conducted, when classes are held, who attends. This will help determine if the club offers classes that interest you and are appropriate for your fitness level.
– When looking for a personal trainer, meet with prospective trainers first to find out how they would work with you and what kind of programs they will recommend. Always keep in mind that a personal training certification does not qualify them as a nutrition counselor, physical therapist or other specialized healthcare provider.
– Trust your instincts. If you feel that the trainer won’t motivate you, that person is probably not the right trainer for you.
– Tell your trainer about your level of experience, current level of activity, fitness goals and all medical conditions or dietary requirements. Make sure they have all the relevant information about your health and physical condition necessary to develop a fitness program that is appropriate for you.
– Trainers have varying types and levels of experience. Just because a trainer is accomplished at helping clients prepare for marathons, they may not be the right person for someone just getting back into a fitness routine. Make sure they have the skills necessary to work with you safely and effectively.
– When you join a gym or club, ask about the terms of the membership agreement and make sure to thoroughly review the details on the application. Make sure you understand the cancellation policy, billing procedures, length of the agreement and membership renewal process to prevent confusion about your membership in the future.
– Whether joining a gym or choosing a trainer, take your time and research all the choices thoroughly. A successful exercise program will require a real commitment and will help you achieve your goals and maximize the investment you make in both time and money.
Fitness-seekers should visit www.healthclubs.com for a comprehensive listing of quality clubs across the U.S., including directions to clubs and important information that should be read before signing a membership agreement.
The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) is a non-profit association dedicated to the growth, protection and promotion of the health club industry and represents more than 6,500 clubs worldwide. IHRSA is an international leader in health club industry education, research and advocacy.