What to Find Out Before You Join a Pre-Paid Fitness Club

• Are the instructors qualified?
• Is the equipment appropriate and well kept? Be wary if a lot of the equipment is out of order. All equipment breaks down once in a while, but if a member answers “two months” when you ask how long it’s been since the bike broke, consider going elsewhere.
• Is the club clean? Dirty carpets and neglected washrooms may be an early sign of financial trouble.
• Is there enough room in the club? Visit the facility at the time of day you’d want to attend. Classes should neither be so full there’s no room to move, or so empty they may be cancelled.
• What are the club hours? Special sessions are sometimes reserved at particular times – children’s lessons on Saturdays, for example. Make sure the club schedule fits yours.
• Do they offer a fitness test to evaluate your fitness level and assess your goals? Book it well before the 10-day cooling-off period ends.
• Is a personal trainer required? Be wary of pressure tactics some clubs use to convince consumers that they absolutely “need” an instructor to set up a customized program. Personal trainers don’t come cheap – decide in advance if you require one.
• Will they allow you to sit in on classes you’re interested in? Reputable gyms usually don’t mind if you watch quietly from the sidelines.
• Do you have access to check out spas, bodybuilding equipment, racquet courts, simple workout rooms, weights and exercise equipment (treadmills, stationary bikes, steppers, etc.)?
• What are the opinions and experiences of other club members at this facility?

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