Run down? Then run over to a health club
Business First of Buffalo - by Sheri Thompson
Would you like to be able to carry groceries up three flights of stairs to your apartment without huffing and puffing?
Perhaps you'd like to swing your toddler over your head without throwing out your back?
Maybe your goal is to fit into that cheerleader uniform or letterman's jacket for your next high school reunion.
Or maybe you just want to improve your mood, enjoy decreased anxiety and have an enhanced sense of well-being -- all benefits of regular exercise, according to the U.S. Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and Health.
Whatever your motivation, joining a health club is a good place to start.
Most clubs offer benefits you won't find in your living room or jogging around the high school track.
According to the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association, people join sports clubs for a variety of benefits, including: a supportive environment; a variety of cardiovascular and resistance machines; personal guidance from fitness professionals; an environment unaffected by extreme temperatures or weather, and activities for children.
Finding the perfect match
Deciding to join is easy. The tricky part is selecting a club.
Look for one that's convenient to your home or office. IHRSA studies show that you will be more likely to use a club that's nearby.
Family, friends, co-workers and your doctor can be good sources of information. You can also look for an IHRSA member club in your area on the Internet at http://www.healthclubs.com, or by calling IHRSA at 1-800-766-1278. A list of membership eligibility standards is also available on the Web site.
Once you find a few candidates, tour the facilities -- preferably during the hours you'd be most likely to work out. If you're not happy with your health club, you probably won't visit it very often.
Qualities that would indicate a good health club are:
• Friendly, helpful staff members.
• A clean, well-maintained facility.
• Staff members with appropriate educational backgrounds and/or certification.
• Club orientation on how to use equipment.
• Cardiovascular/ resistance equipment and programs you need to achieve your fitness goals, and enough to accommodate demand.
• Child care, if needed.
• Adequate parking.
• Instruction in a sport or activity you might want to learn.
This story first appeared in The Business Journal of Phoenix, a sister publication.
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