Monday, March 8, 2010

7 things you should know before joining a gym.

You’ve decided to take action to get fitter and healthier and are thinking about heading off to join your nearest gym.

It is a sad fact that almost 80% of gym members stop within the first 6 months. To the gyms accountant this is like a dream having your customers signing up for 12 months but only having to deliver to them for 6.

My many years of knowledge employed at some of the big name fitness chains and smaller gyms have the experience of both pitfalls and incentives for everyone to learn from. I have listed below my top 7 checklist of things you should look out for at the gym.

1. Don’t submit to high pressure sales tactics: In May 2009 Choice magazine reported the Strong Arm Tactics of some of the big name gyms in Australia. Know your rights and be aware of the psychology that drives their sales team. Don’t feel pressured to sign on the spot. Many gym members complain about sales people who want to build up a personal relationship with you at the sale, then not talk to you again until it is time to renew. Don’t be frightened to ask questions about your contract that you don’t understand. Many gyms have a creative approach to pricing. Be aware of your fees like initial joining fees and administration charges which can be magically waived if you join up today.


2. Over crowded equipment/classes/lockers/showers: All gyms have peak times of day depending on location. Peak demands mean more people at the gym. A common complaint about gyms is the overcrowding of classes and waiting times to get on workout equipment. Before joining, visit the gym at a day and time that would suit your planned workouts to see if it fits with you. The same rule applies to Lockers and showers. Attending the gym during your preferred time may cause heart-ache if a locker is not available or the showers are overcrowded. . If your plan is to attend during off peak times then ask if they have an off peak membership.


3. Cancelling your membership: By far the most common criticism about gyms is the exit rules they involve. You have every right to finish a gym membership over the phone (at the end of your 12 months) but many gyms insist you do it in writing (30 days prior) and have an exit interview face-to-face. There have been many horror stories of high pressure sales tactics to have people join again during this face to face meeting. It is also a method to draw out the direct debit payments and work on people’s emotional vulnerability. NSW Department of Fair Trading received 344 complaints from unhappy gym goers last year, 149 relating to cancellation and cooling off periods.


4. Direct debit: Do not assume your direct debit finishes at the end of the 12 month contract. If you have any suspicions then you check with your bank as soon as possible. The gym sales consultant should let you know all the necessary fees (E.g. establishment set up fee, ongoing debit fee to use this service, on hold fee etc). You can cancel your direct debit with your bank without going through the gym. However, if you are still under contract with the gym, it will be seen as a breach of contract and is best to see the gym as soon as possible.


5. Opening /closing hours: Check the opening and closing times of the gym. The opening closing times during the week may be of no use if you like to get in a session before or after work. You may even like to go for an early workout on the week-end. But, if the gym doesn’t open until 9am it may be of no use. Many gyms also only open week-ends in a split shift (E.g. 8 - 10am and 4 – 6pm). What are the opening hours on public holidays? Understandably, some days are not open such as Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Christmas Day or Anzac day, but you may be surprised by what other days they may decide not to open.

6. What is their customer service policy if you go on holidays/injuries, or do not attend for a period of time: Ask about their rule regarding members taking time out and direct debit payments (how often and for how long). All gyms should have a clause whereas they can suspend temporality your debits for a short period of time with enough notice. Most people find it hard to stick to a program and stay motivated to regularly go to the gym. Once the first wave of enthusiasm wears off, it is likely the gym may not contact you at all to see how you are going. Many have policies to follow up their members, but very few actually do.

7. Programs that suit your fitness capabilities: Ask the sales person what they know about the types of classes and equipment available for your specific needs.

Written by Chris Bakens

1 comment:

  1. Nice information for gyms . gym is very useful part of our body. Bicycle, Treadmills, and the recumbent exercise bike it’ s excise equipment useful in Home Gyms.

    ReplyDelete

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