Choose a Center That Fits Your Budget, Schedule

By Kathy Gilbert, Chattanooga Times/Free Press, Tenn.

Jan. 3–Shopping for a fitness center this week?

Fitness facilities provide an important service — often a life-saving one. There is perhaps no better investment you can make in your health, experts say.

But don’t let your zeal to shed Christmas pounds lead you to make a costly mistake.

Membership fees at private fitness centers in Chattanooga can range from free to $150. Monthly fees run the gamut — from $40 to $70 and more.

Any fitness center will likely give you a good basic workout, producing the health benefits of exercise, said Nicholas Boer, assistant professor in health and human performance at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

In the end, it’s smart to choose a place that suits you and your budget, local pros said.

As for personal training?

New exercisers thrive when certified trainers design and supervise their first workouts, said Dr. Boer, who has a doctorate in exercise science. After six to 12 weeks, though, most people are ready to exercise on their own.

But some studies find people work harder with better results when paired with a personal trainer.

Whatever you decide, don’t hesitate to reject the personal training option if it’s not for you, experts say.

“Don’t allow yourself to be bullied into something you do not want,” Dr. Boer said.

Here’s a checklist of expert advice for picking a fitness facility in 2008:

— Compare two or three centers near your workplace, home or on the road between the two. If a center isn’t convenient, you won’t show up.

— Pick a center that has operating hours that fit with your schedule. “Make sure that this isn’t the same schedule that all the other members have, or you’ll waste precious time waiting, not exercising,” said Gregory W. Heath, head of the department of health and human performance at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

— Aim for at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity five times a week and strength training twice a week. Choose a fitness center with activities you enjoy in both areas.

— Well-trained instructors don’t always have the proper paperwork. And a certification doesn’t guarantee results. But asking about education and certifications is a good place to start. The American College of Sports Medicine, American Council on Exercise, National Strength and Conditioning Association and the Cooper Clinic offer the most rigorous certifications. A bachelor’s degree or higher in exercise science also is recommended, Dr. Boer said.

— Try it out. Most centers will give you a three-day or longer pass.

— Check the Better Business Bureau online for complaints against the center. A recent search showed no complaints against any local centers, but it’s wise to investigate the center before you sign.

— Several local facilities refuse to give prices over the phone. Their hope? You’ll fall prey to their sales pitch and sign a one-year contract for services and amenities you don’t need. Don’t give them the satisfaction. Ask for a copy of the contract to study at home. Then ask:

— Can I cancel, with 30-days notice, at any time?

— Can I cancel your contract early if I move or become disabled?

— Which services are included in the contract, and which cost additional fees?

— Aim for the shortest contract. You may change your mind or your goals. The YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga allows you to end your membership at any time without penalty. Some larger personal training facilities, such as Randy Webb’s Futur/Fit in Brainerd, offer group classes every four to six weeks.

— If you’re not sure about fitness, try the Chattanooga Fitness Center at Warner Park downtown. Each visit costs $1. The center offers treadmills, ellipticals, weight machines, free weights, aerobics and strength training classes and certified personal trainers. Join a club once you know you’ll stick with a program and what activities you most like to do.

— Look at your budget, and stay within your means. “Most of the gyms will have about the same equipment, but the most important thing is to look at your goals and make sure the facility has what you need before you spend your money,” said Jenny Lass, wellness coordinator for the City Employees Health and Wellness Center downtown.

E-mail Kathy Gilbert at kgilbert@timesfreepress.com

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