| Gyms and centers frequently run specials on their | | | | are usually less than engaging a trainer on your |
| health and fitness membership fees. The timing | | | | own, though. |
| will vary, but many offer great deals after the | | | | Be sure and get all the fees involved with joining |
| first of the year, when many people are making | | | | the gym, and not just the membership fee. For |
| resolutions regarding weight loss or improving | | | | example, is there an initiation or registration fee |
| health. If possible, choose a time when the gym | | | | that you must pay in addition to dues? Few gyms |
| you want to join is offering an attractive health | | | | tack on laundry fees to cover towels, but a |
| and membership fee special. | | | | handful will. Don't hesitate to ask what other fees |
| Typically, a health and fitness membership term is | | | | will be involved. |
| for one year, although some ask for three year | | | | If you are not sure whether you will like working |
| commitments. Try to get a one day pass or trial | | | | out at a gym, see if you can find one that offers |
| health and fitness membership before you sign a | | | | a month to month health and fitness membership. |
| long term contract. This will allow you to actually | | | | You may have to pay a registration fee and then |
| work out at the gym and at the time of day you | | | | of course your monthly dues, but you do not |
| will normally visit so you can see for yourself that | | | | have a long term commitment that you must |
| you will be able to have access to the machines | | | | continue to pay or suffer a potential blotch on |
| or classes you want. | | | | your credit report. |
| A trial health and fitness membership will also | | | | Don't sign a health and fitness membership |
| allow you to test your commitment to going to | | | | contract with the first gym you visit. Finding a |
| the gym. Some people become enthused with the | | | | place to work out is a very personal choice. Take |
| idea and sign a contract, then find they just can't | | | | the time to check several before you commit to |
| work it into their schedule or that the gym is too | | | | a health and fitness membership so that you can |
| crowded at the time they need to go. | | | | find the best gym for your needs. |
| Verify what amenities are covered under your | | | | Read your health and fitness membership |
| health and fitness membership. For example, if | | | | contract carefully to make sure it accurately |
| you need to bring the children, is supervised care | | | | reflects what you have been told verbally. If the |
| free or must you pay an extra fee? Does your | | | | contract makes no mention of free classes but |
| membership cover all of the classes offered, or is | | | | you were told there was no additional charge for |
| there an additional charge if you wish to take, for | | | | them, ask why they are excluded. Or if you were |
| example, a yoga class? | | | | told the term was 18 months and the contract |
| Many gyms offer personal trainers who will work | | | | states 36, object. If you cannot get the health |
| with you on an individual basis and develop a | | | | and fitness membership contract to reflect what |
| nutrition and exercise program tailored to your | | | | you are expecting, do not sign it. Your contract is |
| needs. However, these are normally not included | | | | a legal credit commitment, and you will have little |
| in your basic health and fitness membership. Rates | | | | choice except to pay off. |