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Ramone Stevenson asked:


Joining a fitness center is the beginning of getting into shape but there are some things you need to consider when choosing a fitness center.

Lets face it the choices for fitness center memberships are pretty wide. From expensive gyms that offer racquet ball, cocktail lounges, and full spa facilities to the basic gym that has all the equipment you’ll ever need but no frills. Choosing can be bit difficult. Thankfully you tell a lot before you ever buy that membership.

The way to choose a fitness center is based on your fitness goals. What do you want to achieve and how do you achieve that? Consider what it is you want to work on. Do you need free weights? Aerobic classes? Cardio equipment? Look for a gym that can meet your needs. If you aren’t sure what your fitness goals are then you need to meet with a personal trainer.

When you’ve lined up a fitness center that appears to fit you needs pay a visit. If there is more than one than pay a visit to all of them. Learn what equipment they have to offer, what additional services they have, what the hours are. Meet the staff, see what you think of them, and take a tour of the club.

Find out as much information as you can and if you decide to join the fitness center and make sure you ask about:

1. Location and hours. Is the fitness center near your home or work place? Is the facility open during the time period that you plan to exercise? During what times is the facility most crowded?

2. Environment. Will you enjoy spending time in the fitness center? Are the floors, locker rooms, and equipment clean? Is there entertainment available such as televisions or personal music stations?

3. Equipment. Does the fitness center have the equipment you’ want to use? Does the equipment appear to be well maintained and in good shape? Does the facility offer other activities for your health needs or disabilities?

4. Classes. What type of classes does the fitness center offer – how often? when? Do they limit class sizes?

5. Staff. Are the staff that work at the fitness center friendly? Are they trained in CPR and first aid? Are there personal trainers available? What type of qualifications do the staff members have?

6. Amenities. Does the fitness center offer convenient parking, sauna, towels, or child care services?

7. Reputation. What do others say about the fitness center?

8. Cost. How much does membership cost at this fitness center? How do their billing cycles run? What are the opt-out policies? Are any additional fees charged for specific amenities?

The more information you can collect on each fitness center that you are interested in the better able you will be to make the right decision for your personal fitness needs.

It is always nice to find a fitness center that will let you try before you buy. Most of the larger chain facilities make these offers but don’t be afraid to ask at any of the fitness centers if the offer free trial memberships. Visit the fitness center at the same time of day or night that you plan to exercise. This will tell you the availability of the machines, how busy the cardio equipment is and even what the shower facilities look like.

When choosing a fitness center choose the facility that gives you the most value.

Cynthia Blake asked:

So you want to lose weight and get in shape. Who doesn’t? However, if you’re like me and many other people, sometimes just getting started seems like a monumental task. Just one more handful of pretzels, or a couple M&M’s. I’ll “get serious” tomorrow. Been there, done that!

Diet and fitness goal setting is a key part of any weight loss program. Without goals it becomes very easy to lose sight of where you want to be, and how you’re going to get there. Calories from random snacking and holiday dinners tend to sneak in unnoticed. Without a clear fitness goal it’s easy to lose yourself in the moment and tell yourself “it’s ok just this once.” However, those “just this once’s” tend to pile up very fast.

There are a few simple ways to keep your diet on track and your fitness goals within reach. Click Here!

First, take a calendar and put it up on your wall. Treat yourself to a nice one…you’ll be looking at it for a while! It should be the type with a one month block, with plenty of room in each day box to write some information. Decide on a fitness goal–fitting into your favorite dress by Thanksgiving, or wearing a size smaller by Christmas. Write this in your calendar, and then count backward from that day, writing in the time you have left every Saturday, for example.

A calendar is also a great place to write in specific fitness workouts or key diet days. Having a visual reminder of what you want to do that day is a great way to successful diet and fitness goal setting. For example, every other day you could write in that you’re doing upper body weight training, or write in each day the mileage you hope to jog. Then, as you come to the end of each day take a big marker and put a big check on the day as incentive. When you see the checks piling up you know you’re on the right track!

Write in the days of special parties to remind yourself that if you want a piece of cake, you’ll have to work out a little harder before hand.

Rewards tend to work well with diet and fitness goals. Treat yourself to a new clothing item…but only if it’s a size down. Or give yourself an incentive: you’ll get a new book or magazine if you reach a specific weight goal. Make your rewards good enough that you’ll reach the goals, but don’t break your bank. A new car might only be a reward if you successfully lose 75 pounds.

However you do it, it helps to be creative. Diet and fitness goal setting can actually be fun and keep you motivated. Remember–the key to getting in shape is not to drive yourself like a slave, but to enjoy the journey to better health.

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