WASHINGTON — The stifling heat we’ve been enduring lately might have you looking to exercise indoors, but how can you know which of the dozens of local health clubs will fit your needs?
Local health clubs can vary widely in quality and price, and Washington Consumers’ Checkbook has recommendations for choosing a health club that’s best for you.
Visit the gym at the time of day you’d typically use it.
“One of the common complaints we get from gym customers is these places are just crowded and it’s a pain because there’s a wait for equipment,” says Kevin Brasler, executive editor of Checkbook.org.
Look around, talk to club members, ask instructors questions to see whether they’re responsive. If the gym you’re considering offers classes, check availability on the signup sheet.
Another consideration is the type of contract being offered. In recent years, the number of health clubs that push long term contracts has grown. Many now offer month-to-month pay-as-you-go contracts, but Brasler warns that clubs that do require a long term commitment can be ruthless.
“You want to make sure that if you get hurt or if you have to move or you get sick, that you’re not stuck with a contract you can’t use,” he says.
Prices can vary widely. A recent price comparison by Checkbook for a membership at Fitness First in Bethesda with unlimited access to all facilities for one year found a cost of $446, while Level Fitness in Cabin John was charging $1,520.
Gym membership sales associates have a lot of flexibility. Be prepared to haggle.
“Ask ‘If I work out only at certain times can I get a discount. Can I get a discount based on where I work.’ A lot of these places have corporate discounts.” Brasler also says many employers and insurance companies have deals with health clubs.
If a member of the sales staff makes you a promise about anything such as your ability to change or cancel a contract, or about new equipment being installed, be sure to get it in writing.
Checkbook surveys reveal there can be great disparities in perceived quality even among different locations of the fitness same chain. For example, 77 percent of customers at one Gold’s Gym location rated their location as “superior” for “overall value for your money,” while another location was at only 33 percent.
Find all the Checkbook Health Club rankings at Checkbook’s website.
