Finding the Right Fitness Facility

Your first step ... decide what your goals are through exercise.
Facilities can be geared to different populations.

Second, compile a list of all the facilities in your area.
Be sure to include those facilities associated with a hospital or rehab facility.

Third, call all of the facilities on your list.
Ask about costs and services included in the basic membership price.

• Is there a contract you are required to sign?
• What additional services do they offer?
• Get a feel for their quality of customer service. Are they receptive to your questions? Are they helpful? Or do they seem preoccupied with something other than you?

Next, visit each facility.
If you know roughly the time you will be working out, visit during that time so you can observe how busy it is (certain times tend to be busier than others).

• Look at the size of the facility and how much room there is to move around. Is there ample space? Or have they packed as much equipment in as possible?
• Is all of the equipment clean and in good working order? Look at the upholstery on the machines. Is it heavily worn and coming apart?
• Does the facility have both machines and free weights?
• Is there plenty of staff on hand for the number of people working out? Are there locker rooms and showers? Are they clean? (Be picky about this one.)
• What kind of experience do the personal trainers have?
• Do they have four-year degrees in some type of health field? (Preferably physical education or kinesiology)
• Are their certifications through reputable organizations, like NSCA, ACSM, ACE, NASM?
• Ask again what services are provided with basic membership.
• And ask what services are offered beyond basic membership. For example, personal trainers, specialty classes.
• What specialty classes do they offer? How much does it cost to attend? What is the schedule?

The bottom line: You will be happiest where you feel most comfortable. There is no way to know where that is until you visit each facility.

If the facility representative tells you that you can save a bunch of money by signing right there on the spot, ask them to extend that offer to a specific date -- maybe a week or so -- to give you time to view all of the other facilities.

If they refuse, they might be afraid they will lose your business once you see other facilities. Or their motives may not be for your health and well being but for the money they can collect.

For more information, please contact

30 River Park Place West, Suite 340, Fresno, CA 93720
(559) 459-1630   Fax: (559) 459-1710

 This information is made possible in part by gift from Cambridge Homes