Gyms and Fitness Clubs

Joining a Health Club: Preface

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As an owner/manager of a health club for over five years and another nine years of working at various health clubs, my advice will come with great value.

Health clubs today reach over 36 million people. A majority of these people are between the ages of 35 to 55 with the female population making up just over half of this total.

Believe it or not only 14% of the United States population belongs to a health club. I've always been amazed at how few people take advantage of the great opportunity a health club can offer. I think that many people are intimidated to join because a health club often gets stereotyped as a place where the young, perfectly shaped bodies get together to flaunt what they've got.

This is far from the truth. In fact, between 1987 and 2000, health club membership for Americans over the age of 55 grew 350%, according to the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) in Boston. This means that nearly one out of every five club members today is over the age of 55.

Joining a health club can be one of the most rewarding decisions you ever make. Before you spend any money joining a health club, look at the following suggestions I have to find one that best fits your needs.

There are three important areas to consider when choosing a health club: personal preparation before joining, what to look for and making the best use of the club.

Quick Fact: Health club members are more likely than others to report successful weight loss. ~ IHRSA Trend Report

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