WHEN CHOOSING AN EXERCISE FACILITY, WHAT SHOULD YOU CONSIDER?

• When you look for a safe exercise facility, check the training level of the staff. The director should have at least a degree in physical education or exercise physiology.
• All instructors should be certified in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and first aid, and have a good understanding of anatomy and some form of certification in the subject they teach. Instructors of any fitness activity should emphasize stretching before and after the activity to reduce the risk of injury.
• Instructors should teach and motivate--not just take you through the moves. Good instructors are always aware of everyone under their supervision and are able to modify exercises for special problems or needs.
• Shop for your facility during the time of day when you will normally attend to determine the amount and quality of supervision, levels of activities offered, and the general pattern of traffic at the facility. Fitness testing should be offered to determine a member’s fitness level and proper kinds of exercise.
• Check with your physician before starting any aerobic exercise program. As a consumer, you should be selective and ask as many questions as you want.
• If you plan on signing any type of contract for either a gym membership or for personal training services, READ YOUR CONTRACT CAREFULLY. Remember you are bound by what you sign and not by what the salesperson tells you. Look carefully for early termination fees and 'hidden charges'.