Joining a proper health club takes some common sense.

1-Know what you want before setting out to find a club.

2-You need to look for a reasonably priced club that is open the hours you are able to go, and close enough to your home or work to be able to actually get there.

3-Join a club that has the equipment you want to work with.

4-NEVER sign a long contract before actually using the facilities first, to make sure it suits the type of exercise you plan on doing.

5-Ask other members what they like and dislike about their particular club.

6-Call the better business bureau and check to see if there are any consumer complaints.

When you are satisfied with all of the above, join for the shortest period of time allowed. You can always add on time, but you can not take time away from what you have already paid for. (And health clubs are expensive!)

7-If you want to do water aerobics, by all means, check out the pool and the pool area first! Nothing is more unapealling than a dirty locker room with wet, soggy, dirty towels and unclean showers.

8-Take a look around at the machines. Are they all in working order? Are they old and dirty? Do they have enough of the more popular exercise equipment, so you don’t have to sit around waiting forever to use what you want to?

9-Do they have enough levels of classes so that you’re not thrown into a class that is too advanced for you, or not advanced enough?

10-If the club managers try to sell you an upgraded membership of specialty work-out clothes right away..stay clear. They’re just after as much money as they can get, with no concern for you. Also don’t allow them to talk you into taking classes you don’t want or need.

11-If you have children. Find out if they offer babysitting services. Most clubs do. So you can drop off the kids and get the exercise you need while your kids are being taken care of.

12-Make sure you WILL use the membership BEFORE spending your hard earned cash on a membership you won’t use. To make it easier on yourself, try joining with a friend. You’ll be more likely to exercise if you have a ’’partner’’ who will be there with you.

Well folks, these are my rules before joining anything. And that’s why I haven’t joined. I KNOW I wouldn’t be faithful and use my membership to the fullest extent. But I do think they are pretty good guidelines to go by.

Good luck to any of you who do decide to join!