Joining a gym can be a difficult task. Not only are you taking on the physical challenge, but there are also emotional, mental and financial elements that go along with it.
Before taking advantage of the latest sales promotion at a local gym, be sure to do your homework.
Call or visit gyms within a 10KM radius of your home or work (you’re more likely to succeed if your gym is close to home) and ask these 5 questions before you join.
1. Do I have to sign a contract when joining a gym?
Most gyms will make you sign a 1 year contract without giving you an option to get out of the contract. This is not an ideal situation as life always presents challenges that might affect your attendance at the gym. If you have to move or if you change jobs, you don’t want to be stuck in a contract.
Be sure to ask what happens at the end of your contract. Most gyms automatically renew your contract. Make sure you have an opt out agreement after 12 months if you do end up signing a contract.
2. What’s your guest policy?
It’s common practice for gyms to charge a daily entry fee for guests. Make sure you know what the guest charge is at your gym and how frequently you can bring guests.
3. What’s included in the membership cost?
Many gyms advertise a low sign up fee or monthly rate only to add-on more fees for other services and amenities once you join. If towel service, classes or coaching is important to you ask what these services cost on top of your monthly fee. Ask for a fee breakdown.
4. Is someone available to show me how use the equipment or prescribe me a program?
When you sign up for a gym membership, most of the time this just buys you ‘access’ to the gym. If you want someone to show you how the equipment works or all the ins and outs of the facility, that may cost you extra – usually in the form of a personal training session which can get costly. Smaller gyms tend to have better customer service and ratios of members to trainers which means you’ll probably get this included in your membership.
5. I am joining a gym, can I try the gym before signing up?
There should be no reason for you not to be able to try the gym before joining. However, be ready to have some ID handy or proof of residency as most gyms will require this to ensure that you are local and not a tourist looking for a “free pass”. Most gyms will allow locals you to try their gym for at least one workout.
