Image of man exercising on a weight machineIt's that time of year again. Is your New Year’s Resolution to shape up and be fit? Maybe you are thinking of joining a health club?

Signing an agreement to join a club can be confusing and costly. The Consumer Protection Department wants to help you make the choice that “fits” you.     

 Consider the following before starting your search for a club: 

  • Shop around. Call or visit at least two clubs to learn about dues, hours of operation, facilities, and classes.
  • Ask the club for a guest pass and do a trial workout.
  • Think about where and when will you want to go to the club. Which will be more convenient to you, a club closer to work or closer to home? Does the club allow you to use multiple locations? If the club’s location isn’t convenient to you, you probably won’t use the club enough to get your money’s worth.
  • Be sure to tour the facilities.Visit the club on a day of the week and time of day that you would normally use it to see if it’s overcrowded. Are there long lines at the equipment, or crowded aerobics classes at the time that you would be using the club?  The most common reason given by new members who cancel a membership within three months of joining is overcrowding.
  • Take the time to decide if you feel comfortable in the facility. Are staff members friendly and helpful? Are new members provided with orientation and instruction on how to use equipment?  Does the club seem too big for your taste? Or too small? While on the tour, spend some time alone talking to current members. What do they like and dislike about the club?
  • Does the club offer the type of equipment and programs that you want?
  • Does the club offer instruction in a sport or activity that you might want to learn?
  • Check certification of the fitness staff. Make sure aerobics trainers are certified by one of the major aerobics organizations.
  • Don’t succumb to high-pressure sales tactics or feel obligated to sign a contract immediately.  If you’re uncertain about whether to join, tell the health club representative that you need time to think it over. Under New York law, you have three days to change your mind and cancel a health club contract.

Learn what other questions to ask and pitfalls to avoid as you search for the club that is just right for you.