Is there a party at those gyms that I'm missing?...
Oh those incredible commercials...you know the ones where everyone is partying at the gym and there are so many beautiful women working out. The intention to get you to join is great isn't it? isn't it? What can be wrong about a health club? why not just choose any good ole gym?hmmm...let's take a look at 5 of the sleezy gym secrets many health clubs withhold from its members
A contract harder to break than a deal with the devil...
Many potential members don't read the fine print of membership contracts. It often takes a certified letter to cancel a gym membership that is a 'month to month' - IMPORTANT - ask how a membership can be canceled...you may want to join a different gym or move eventually so this is key!
We are a cesspool of germs...
Some gyms are dirtier than bathrooms! Just a fact of life...Make sure the gym you join is clean! There should be sanitizers and paper towels throughout the gym. In the cleanest gym I worked in, the staff - including the trainers, were required to look around often for uncleanliness throughout the gym. Not wiping down the equipment after use was not tolerated. Often, these little things go overlooked - UNACCEPTABLE! - You are paying for a membership to help you get healthier - not SICK.
Maintain our equipment? - yeah like 10 years ago...
Too many times a health club will wait until an accident occurs or a piece of exercise equipment breaks to fix it. Worn out treadmill belts, loose screws on equipment and cables that are frayed are only a FEW things that can lead to severe injury or even death. Top quality gym management understands this and takes preventative measure.
You're on your own buddy!...
You want a quality spotter or just want to ask some fitness questions but the personal trainer is flirting with the woman behind the front desk! geez! Every health club should have a qualified staff member on hand and proactively helping out members. I'm not talking about holding the member's hands throughout the workout or gicing out freebie personal training sessions but general assistance. This also gives the trainer an opportunity to let potential personal training clients learn about their services.
Need some help? - use our 'punk'...
Think all 'trainers' are certified? Think again! Many gym owners cut corners so they don't have to pay a higher rate that trainers charge to patrol the gym floor. There is no NATIONAL law that states a personal trainer has to be certified. While the 'trainer' who is watching the gym members may be somewhat knowledgeable, you should join a gym that hires only CERTIFIED personal trainers. It actually goes beyond just being certified. A personal trainer should have a nationally recognized certification.
What are some sleezy secrets you have noticed about some health clubs? What are some of the amazing things you enjoy about your gym? - as always, you are encouraged to share here...
Health and Happiness,
Daniel Stone
