10 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Health Club Membership

You’ve decided you want (or need) to get work out more and get fit. You’re thinking about joining a health club, but you’ve heard too many stories about people who sign up, go one or two times, and never go back. You’re not really sure which type of club to join: a low-cost chain, a more expensive, exclusive fitness center, or a club that caters to only women or men.

Buying and maintaining a health club membership can be pretty complicated, but if you follow these 10 tips, you’ll save money and be on your way to greater fitness.

1. Make a list of your specific fitness needs and wants. Will you be comfortable working out in a large club with both men and women? Will you need access to more than one club? Are you looking for one-on-one personal training services? How often do you think you’ll work out each month? Do you think you’ll be able to keep up your fitness regimen? How much can you afford to pay for a membership each month?

2. Once you’ve identified your requirements, visit health clubs that meet your needs. Get a free pass for each club (at least a one-week’s pass) and workout at each club as often as possible during the free periods.

3. Don’t sign up for a membership at any of the health clubs while you’re using free passes. You’ll be under a lot of pressure from salespeople and managers, and they will tell you that you need to sign up today in order to get discount pricing. Don’t. Health clubs offer discount pricing all the time.

4. When you’ve decided a health club, go back and speak with a salesperson about membership choices. Don’t feel pressured to sign a long-term contract at any health club. Remember that long-term contracts are really installment loans with high interest payments. If you don’t think that you’re going to keep up your workouts, don’t even think about signing one of these contracts. Gather all of the written information about each type of membership, then go home and review it at your leisure. Don’t feel pressured to sign up for any membership at the club.

5. When you’re speaking with the salesperson, ask all of the questions you want. Don’t feel rushed or pressured. Never forget that any contract you sign supersedes any promises a salesperson gives you. Even if the salesperson writes it into the contract, it probably isn’t legally enforceable. The contract is king. Read it carefully before signing.

6. Compare the costs of each membership type, and remember that you should make the ultimate decision based on your own needs, not on short-term discounts that may sound like you’re saving money, but will end up costing you more money in the end.

7. Make sure you fully understand the cancellation requirements of each membership type. Many long-term health club contracts are almost impossible to cancel. A month-to-month contract may be a better solution.

8. Don’t sign up for automatic payments via credit card. If you no longer want a membership, and you’re able to cancel, you may find it difficult to get payments stopped.

9. Keep track of all your payments in case there are any disputes with your health club.

10. If you do cancel you membership, make sure you get the cancellation in writing from your health club.

By following these 10 tips, you will certainly set yourself up for fitness success.

Anytime Fitness Best Fitness Club

It seems like every time you turn on the TV these days, there is another commercial for exercise equipment. The latest and greatest treadmill or the second to none all in one machine are advertised on a daily basis. And why not? Consumers love them.

We’re always looking for ways to shape up faster and without as much work. And, that’s just what this equipment claims to do. Work out for just 20 minutes a day, three days a week and you’ll have the body of a supermodel in just one month. If only that were true. We wouldn’t have to put ourselves through the pain of the gym everyday.

If you are looking for some quality exercise equipment though, it is available. You just need to do some research and talk to enough qualified people to learn what equipment will be best for your work out routine. A treadmill works for a lot of people who like to work out in the privacy of their own home. And there are a lot of benefits that can be gleaned from running on a treadmill everyday. This type of aerobic exercise is good for your heart and your lungs. Just be sure to keep tabs on your heart rate so you don’t over do it and put your heart in danger. A general rule of thumb for running is that you should be able to talk semi-comfortably while you’re running. If you can talk without any trouble at all, you’re probably not running hard enough or fast enough. If you can’t talk because you’re busy huffing and puffing, you’re probably pushing yourself too hard. Slow down a bit and take it one step at a time.

There are several other types of exercise equipment available that can prove beneficial to our health as well. A popular piece of equipment these days is the exercise ball. They come in different sizes, so it’s important to determine which one will work for the goals you have in mind. There are many muscles that you can work using the ball. And the balls usually come with a set of instructions that tell you how to use it for different muscle groups. It’s also a great way to stretch your muscles, which is an important factor in every work out.

Some people prefer yoga or Pilates as their main workout. Each of these activities has their own set of exercise equipment as well. Along with the exercise ball, it’s important to invest in a mat. Not only will it give you the comfort you’re seeking when lying on the floor, but it’ll help keep you from getting dirty as well.

Wichita Best Gym

Fitness equipment is a large group of tools that are used in exercise and are referred to also as exercise equipment. These can include simple items such as balls, track shoes and skipping ropes as well as more complex pieces of equipment such as treadmills, weights, bicycles and many others. Today a wide range of fitness equipment is available for sale with new designs constantly being produced due to the high demand for equipment that is effective in building muscles and strength as well as for losing weight.

Some of the types of fitness equipment available for use can be classified according the type of exercise for which they are built. The first class to be discussed is the strength training equipment. These include free weights and machines referred to as the resistance machines.

The most common type of resistance machine is one that uses gravity as a resistance source. This design is used mainly in weight machines. Gravity in combination with a simple design of pulleys, wheels and inclines, uses a percentage of the weight of the user as the resistance transferred. Other types of resistance machines can use other forces other than gravity to provide resistance. These include friction, spring-loaded, fan-loaded or fluid-loaded machines.

Another type of equipment belonging to the strength training equipment is the bands and tubing, which are lightweight options for training at home and in the office.

The other class is the aerobic fitness equipment which is mainly the endless-path machines. These include devices such as the stationary bicycles, the treadmills, the elliptical trainers, aerobic riders, the stair climbers, the ski and rowing machines. The stationary bicycle focuses the exercise on the legs by the action of pedaling. The treadmills are an all body exercise as you may walk or run at various speeds. There are also some models that can simulate slopes for a more intense workout.

The stair climbers replicate the action of climbing a stairway. This device now also has modifications that replicate the pulling up action off the hands for a more through workout. The skiing and rowing machines work both the arms and legs simultaneously with the rowing machine also working the back muscles. The elliptical trainers are a cross between the stair climbers and the ski machines. The aerobic riders also exercise the arms and legs at the same time by the use of a simultaneous pull and push motion.

There is also a miscellaneous group of fitness equipment. These include items such as heart rate monitors and exercise balls as well as many others. The heart rate monitors are used as a motivational tool in exercise as they monitor the heart rate and provide feedback to the individual exercising. The use of exercise balls has become very important in training such as flexibility training and for balance as well.

When using any type of fitness equipment it is always important to seek professional advice as the improper use of this equipment can cause severe damage.

The Best Gym in Wichita

Fitness is just as important as health, and in reality, fitness correlates directly with our health. If we are not taking care of our bodies, we get sick.

Before you start, there are a few things you will want to keep in mind.

If you have been sitting around for a long time, you can’t start with a full fitness routine. You will want to start slow and build your fitness level little by little.

If you try to do too much at first, you will likely give up because it left you too sore or weak. Start by walking every other day. Walking is the best exercise you can do. It involves the entire body and you don’t need any special equipment to walk. A good pair of shoes is nice but don’t let your old shoes keep you from walking.

As always, check with your doctor before starting any fitness program.
Check out the menu on your left for more fitness ideas.

Be Realistic
It would be great to be able to jump right into a hard workout, feel great, and see instant results. However, it is important to be realistic about several things. First, you need to understand that you more than likely will not (or should not) start out with a hard workout if you have not been in a regular exercise routine. Start out slow and do not set yourself up for failure by expecting miracles overnight. Getting fit takes time and with commitment, you will reach your goals.

Envision Success
Try to envision how great you will look and feel once you get in shape. If you can, find a picture of someone that has the same body type and pin it up where you can look at it every day to help you see the same results you too can reach with hard work and time.

Track Progress
Often when trying to get in shape, it seems like you are working hard and sweating, but getting nowhere. In actuality, things are happening, just not yet seen. Keep track of two things in particular. First, track your measurements. You will probably be surprised within only a few weeks at the progress made. Second, track your routines so you can determine what is working for you and what is not as successful.

Warm Up
Before you start your exercise routine you will need to get your joints warmed up. Do this by slowly stretching all the joints in your body. Repeat each stretch several times until you can feel the stiffness go away.

Cool Down
Just as warming up for exercise is important, cooling down after exercise is just as important. Once you have completed your workout, take five to 10 minutes to walk, or stretch to allow your body to cool down. This is very important for the muscles and joints and for the heart and lung.

Asthmatics and Sports
If you suffer from asthma, you already know that some sports should be avoided, depending on the severity. If you have trouble on a daily basis and love sports, be encouraged to know that some sports are asthma friendly and in fact, can be helpful in that they help make the lungs stronger. These sports include swimming, cycling, and fishing, walking, and canoeing. Again, check with your physician before getting involved with any sport if you have a health condition.

Diabetes and Exercise
Aerobic exercise can actually be beneficial for people with diabetes. This exercise increases the insulin sensitivity and when combined with good eating, can help restore a normal glucose metabolism. Before starting into a workout program, you need to see your doctor first to determine if there are any risks for coronary artery disease and that your blood glucose control is appropriate for exercise. Once cleared, you will feel better and see for you the benefits associated with exercise.

Get to the Gym
Working out at home is a good option and for some people, they are committed enough to actually make it work. However, for the majority of
people wanting to get into shape, the inspiration, competitiveness, and encouragement received from working out in a gym is the way to go. Although it will require a small investment, make the decision to find a gym that offers state-of-the-art equipment, qualified staff, and fun classes where you can enjoy working out.

Network at the Gym
Getting to the gym is a great way to get fit. However, there are other benefits to going to the gym. You will have the opportunity to expand your social ring by making new friends, all working to get fit just like you. This will provide needed encouragement, which in turn helps you to stay motivated.

Tight Muscles
In addition to a good aerobic exercise, you should add weight training in, which will help balance out the fitness routine and provide you with the best results. If you are not sure where to start, a professional trainer can help get you started on a healthy program.

Becky and Rod Watson Owners of Anytime Fitness

In the summer, Wichita is one of the greatest cities in the world for fitness. During the warmer months you can run along the Arkansas river, bike along miles of preserve paths at Riverside Park  and join softball leagues.

Unfortunately those months are few and when Wichita gets cold, those who want to stay fit need to look for a gym. It is a big city, but if you follow a few easy tips, finding the perfect spot for you should be easy. When looking for a gym it is important to do a little planning and research. Ask yourself what you want your gym experience to be. Start by identifying your fitness goals

Goals
What are your reasons for joining a health club?  Are you concerned about your overall wellness and health, or do you just want to look good on the beach come summer? Are you hoping to gain more energy and decrease your stress? Are weight loss and better nutrition important to you? Maybe you are recovering from an illness and your doctor has recommended you improve your fitness. Being aware of your goals will help you select a gym that is suited to your needs.

Location
If your workout can be fit conveniently into your daily routine you will have a much greater chance of going consistently. Find a gym that is close to your neighborhood, office, or businesses you frequent often. Talk to your neighbors, coworkers, doctors and friends; find out where they go and what their experiences have been. Once you have assessed your goals and gathered the names of a few gyms, take time to visit them.

Visit the Gym
When you enter the facility, look around a little, absorb the atmosphere. Is it clean and well maintained? Is this a place where you will feel comfortable and welcomed?  Are the other members the type of people you could talk to and get inspiration from? What are your preferences? Some people prefer loud, anonymous spaces. Others prefer a smaller personal location.

Take a tour of the Club.
Do they offer up to date equipment? What do you like to do? Do you prefer free weights or machines? What types of aerobic equipment is available. How much training will you receive on the equipment? What else does the club offer: personal trainers, nutritionists, massage therapy? Is there parking near by? Many Wichita gyms have a very different feel depending on the time of day you visit, so it is wise to stop in around the time you plan on working out. Ask about the hours of operation. Will these hours work with your schedule? Does the gym offer classes that work with your schedule?

Talk to the Staff
If the gym offers the services of a personal trainer or nutritionist, you should ask to speak with them. If you use these services, you will be spending a great deal of time with them and it is important that you feel comfortable with their style and personality. Are they licensed and certified? From what organizations did they receive training. Does their philosophy of health and fitness match your personal goals? A good relationship with your fitness counselor will improve the odds that you will follow their prescribed plan.

Talk to the members
Feeling comfortable with the other members is as important as feeling comfortable with the staff. Do they seem friendly and approachable? Ask the members about their experiences with the club and the staff. Do they have trouble getting on the equipment they need when they are ready for it. You may even find a fitness companion, which is an excellent way to increase motivation. Ask your tour guide for testimonials of member success.

Understand your contract
Make sure you understand what is included in your fee, so you aren’t paying for anything you don’t want. Be sure you know the length of your membership. Some gyms require a year or more, some as little as six months. Under what conditions can you cancel your membership? If you have done all your homework and feel comfortable with your decision, this should not be a scary step.

Finding and joining the perfect health club in Wichita can be a major purchase. Treat it like you would any other big health and financial decision you make, do your research:

•    Identify goals
•    Get referrals
•    Visit the health clubs
•    Talk with the staff
•    Talk with the members
•    Understand the contract

You will find that a little work in the beginning will ensure a great outcome in the end.