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| Gym Information |
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| Place Montréal-Nord |
| Mon. - Fri.: |
5:30am to 11pm |
| Sat.&Sun.: |
8am to 8pm |
| Telephone: |
(514) 881-5722 |
| Location: |
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| Gym Services |
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| Home
> How to Choose a Gym |
| How to Choose a Gym? |
| The main things to
consider when choosing a gym are
these: |
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Location
Health Screening
Cost
Hours
Equipment and Classes
Staff
Atmosphere
Consumer Protection Permit
What should I bring?
|
| Location |
| If your gym is
more than a 10-minute walk or drive from your home or office,
studies show, you probably won't go -- no matter how nice
it is -- so make location your number-one consideration in
choosing a gym. |
| Health Screening |
| Good gyms will
give new members a questionnaire to help assess their fitness.
If you haven't exercised for a while, ask for a fuller assessment
by an instructor. Before letting you on the equipment, the
gym should explain how it all works and suggest the best program
for you to begin with. |
| Membership Cost |
Membership fees
vary widely. When joining a Gym ask what type of membership
plans they offer. Do they offer Trial memberships?
Do they have 6 weeks, 1, 2, or 3 Months Memberships?
Or do they offer only 1 year memberships.
Do you have to join all the services or can you choose only
the services you want (e.g. I like aerobics, do I need to
pay for the whole Gym? Ask these questions.
Be
aware of Gyms who offer low rates. These Gyms work
on volume so you will find these gyms usually crowded and
you will definitely wait in line to use the equipment. Service
in these Gyms is almost non existent and equipment is usually
outdated and or often broken. |
| Hours |
| You know when
you're most likely to work out so choose your gym accordingly.
Are you an early bird person or do you prefer working out
late at night. Make sure you clearly see the business hours
of the Gym on your agreement. |
| Equipment and Classes
|
Training equipment
should be clean (especially bathrooms and locker rooms), in
good condition, and available. You shouldn't have to spend
all your time waiting in line. The equipment should also accommodate
people of all skill levels and sizes. If you've found, as
many women have, that most weight machines are too big for
you, ask if the equipment features smaller weight increments
and adjusts to fit smaller people. Also, if you're interested
in aerobics or high-intensity workouts, a wooden or suspended
floor that gives will be a lot easier on your bones and joints.
Make sure, too, that the gym has the classes you want, whether
kickboxing, aerobics, or power yoga. Class times and skill
levels are also important. If you have the option, sit in
on a class before you join. |
| Staff |
If you're new
to the gym scene, you'll want a good relationship with the
gym staff -- you can learn a lot from them -- so check them
out carefully. When you tour the club, pay special attention
to what they're doing. First of all, how many are around?
Do they seem friendly and helpful? Or are they flexing in
the mirror, ignoring that guy on the stair climber who's having
trouble with the pedals?
Besides having a good attitude, the staff at a gym should
be trained in both first aid and CPR. They should also be
certified. Are they university graduates in exercise or physical
education, or are they certified by an organization such as
the American Council on Exercise, the American College of
Sports Medicine, YMCA/YWCA, C.O.R.E.F.I.T., A.C.E. Ask these
questions. |
| Atmosphere |
You should feel
comfortable at your gym -- with the people, the place, and
the atmosphere. If you don't, you won't go.
Before purchasing a club membership, take a tour during the
time you think you'll be working out. That will allow you
to see how crowded the gym will be when you're there.
The little things can make a big difference, too. If music
is a big part of your motivation, pick a club that offers
a variety of radio stations you can enjoy. |
| Consumer Protection
Permit |
| Before joining
make sure that the club has a permit from Consumer Protection
Office. All health clubs must have one. This will save you
many headaches should you decide to stop your membership because
you are unhappy with the service. |
| What gear do I need
for the gym? |
Nothing too expensive:
a water bottle, two towels (large for the shower and small
for wiping sweat off the equipment), t-shirt, sweat pants
or cotton shorts, lock, running shoes, and toiletries. Weightlifting
gloves are also useful for weightlifting.
Follow these guidelines and whether it is your first time
joining a Gym or whether you are a veteran your Gym experience
will be a positive one. |
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