Let's see...you can ask them if they have an exercise consultant there who will help you learn to set up the machines proplerly for your height, fitness level, goals etc. What kind of sevices come with the membership? (My gym has a massage therapist, diatician, exercise physiologist who does your measurements and fitness tests, trainers, consultants, water aerobics, karate, step aerobics, tennis courts, raquetball courts, etc.) Do they offer different packages? (At mine you have a choice of just fitness Which is the weights and cardio machines, or fitness with the pool, or total package which means you can use everything including the daycare for no extra charge) Is there a monthy limit on usage? Some places only allow for so many days a month depending on which package you choose. Is there a contract and if so are there any clauses in place in the contract in case you suffer an injury or finacial hardship or have to move and can no longer attend that would allow you to cancel without a penalty? Is there an early termination fee if you do decide to cancel? Do they offer a trial membership (for like a week) so that you can try the place out and make sure that it is somewherre you'd enjoy being? Do they prorate your first month's membership so that you only have to pay for the portion of the month that you actually use or do they charge you for the entire month? (This is helpful because if you plan to join later in the month and they don't prorate you may want to wait until the first of the following month so that you're not wasting money.)
Also make sure that you look at the people who are working out. Some people (like me) can be intimidated having to work out in a place full of very thin, well muscled people who are in great shape. So you're going to want to make sure that you'll be comfortable working out alongside the people who are already going there.
Ask what their busiest times of day are as well as their busiest days as this may have a large impact of the availability of machines and weights, esp if you plan to workout during these times.
This is all I can think of off the top of my head but I'm sure the others will have some great suggestions for you.
Oh also ,one thing I found very important and very very helpful when I was shopping around was I made a questionaire sheet up on the computer with all of my questions and what I was looking for and printed several out. Everytime I interviewed a gym I used the questionaire (that way I didn't forget anything) and wrote down all of the answers as well as at the bottom I gave the place a rating (after taking the tour) of 1-10 in the areas of cleanliness, helpfulness, friendliness, etc. so that when I got home I could do a side by side comparison without trying to remember everything in my head. This is esp. helpful when it takes a couple of days or more to see all of the places your considering. Also you can staple any info they give you to the questionaire that way you keep everything organized and don't get confused with whether or not you liked a place. I found this very helpful because when you go into a gym they are of course going to do their best to persuade you that they are the best and that you should join right then and there because that's how they make their money. By taking the sheet with you and then reviewing it at home it will give you time to consider things with no pressure, compare them and make an informed decision that you won't regret later. I hope I've helped. If you have any questions PM me and I'll be glad to try and help.
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