Don’t let your health club ruin your financial health.
Purchasing a health club membership can be a huge investment. If you end up unhappy with your gym you could see your hard earned money wasted. That’s why its so important to make the right choice in health clubs the first time. Below we reveal valuable tips to help you do just that.
Take Your Club for a Test Drive:
Few people buy a new car without test driving it first. Most people don’t marry someone they’ve just met on a blind date. Likewise, there’s no need to enter a long term commitment with a health club before getting a chance to check it out thoroughly. Take a test drive to make sure that your health club is a perfect match.
Ask if the health club offers 7 day or 14 day trial memberships. This will allow you to get a good feel for the place. If no such option is offered see if you can get a monthly or 3 month membership. These are more expensive than yearly or lifetime memberships but can save you big money in the long run if you decide that the gym doesn’t meet your needs. If you are happy with the health club at the end of a short term membership you can always upgrade to a longer term contract.
When test driving your health club check out the facility at the time you’re most likely to use it. The same comfortable facility at noon may be noisy and overcrowded with long lines to use equipment during your normal evening work-out time.
- Are fresh towels and disinfectant bottles for wiping down equipment readily available to help prevent bacterial staph infections?
- Is the equipment well maintained?
- Is the pool in good working order?
- Are the bathrooms and shower facilities clean?
- Don’t forget to inquire about the qualifications of the staff members. Are they friendly and available in case you have questions?
- Does the club provide physical trainers? What are their qualifications? Do they cost extra?
While you explore the inside of the gym, don’t forget the exterior factors. Most importantly, check to see if there is adequate free or low cost parking available during the times you usually work out. You don’t want to pay $2 or $3 for parking every time you go to the gym. Nor do you want the closest parking space to be a half a mile away. Check out the club parking during early morning or evening hours to make sure it is well lit and possibly has security cameras for extra safety.
Do a Club Background Check
Find out about any potential problems with the health club before you join. You’re going to spend a lot of money so take five minutes to call your local Better Business Bureau or your local consumer protection agency to see if any complaints have been filed against the club. A 5 minute call could save you trouble down the road.
Just as important, ask current club members about their experiences with club. Members are usually more than willing to give you an honest assessment, possibly saving you heartache later own.
Avoid Super Long Term Commitments
Be careful of lifetime or super long term memberships. You generally don’t want to commit yourself to more than a one year contract. In today’s tough economy many companies are going out of business. If your health club goes out of business (a not to uncommon occurrence) you will not lose your entire payment. If you lose interest in the club or the club doesn’t live up to expectations you won’t be financially locked into an extra long term membership you won’t use.
Don’t Allow the Health Club Agent Push You Around
Many health club agents act worse than used car salesmen, especially when they’re working on commission. Regardless of how pushy your health club agent is never feel pressured to sign a contract you’re not comfortable with. Remember the health club needs your business more than you need them. If the agent becomes overbearing simply get up and walk out the door.
Never trust oral promises. Your health club representative may promise you the world, but if its not in writing it doesn’t mean a thing!
Read Your Contract Carefully
Don’t cave in to high pressure sales techniques geared to get you to sign the contract on the spot. If possible, take the contract home and read it over carefully. Particularly check to see if there are any restrictions:
- Are there certain hours you can not use the club?
- Are there limitations to what equipment or facilities you can use – ie pool, suana, racquetball court, etc?
- Are classes included in the membership fee or do they require additional fees?
- Can you bring guests?
- Can you use your membership at another club location?
When reviewing the contract pay special attention to the cancellation policy. You’ll need to know if you can cancel your membership if you move across town or across the country. Check the fine print of the contract for a cancellation fee.
Frequently, cancellation fees can be an exorbitant way for the club to make extra money before you walk out the door. If your health club allows you to cancel the contract make sure you strictly follow the procedures for cancellation or you could be stuck with a membership you do not want.
When you sign on the dotted line for your club membership, understand that this is a legal contract. Most health club memberships are sold on an installment plan with payments due monthly. Because of this, always inquire about finance charges. A huge finance charge can add significantly to your total costs.
If you become disinterested in the health club or stop going you are still liable for the monthly payments. Miss payments and clubs are notorious for turning to third party debt collection agencies to collect on the debt. This action can ruin your credit score and ability to apply for car or home loans in the future.
Some states do have a cooling off period which allows you to cancel your membership within a short amount of time (usually 3-5 days) after signing your contract. Be careful as this varies from state to state and some states do not allow such a cooling off period.
Enjoy the Benefits of Good Health
Joining a health club represents a major purchase. A properly chosen health club, however, can be a wise investment. Not only can your health club help you relieve stress and meet new people, but it can help you lose weight and improve your overall health – reducing your risks for expensive medical problems down the road.
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