Quality Of Service The Key To A Good Gym
The Age
Wednesday February 3, 1993
ESTABLISHING a commitment to exercise is frought with stumbling blocks. To overcome the ups and downs associated with trying something new, it pays to have realistic goals and the help of family or friends.
Peer group pressure is an important factor in whether you'll become a ``regular". "People who come to the gym in twos and threes," says Draper, ``motivate each other even though they might have very different reasons for coming. Those who exercise together in small groups get to the stage where they can't not come just because their friends come. It's as simple as that." Gyms are generally centred around the office or home. At an office- based gym people are probably more intent on getting in and out of the place quickly because of time constraints and there is usually a higher turnover of clientele because of job changes. Suburban gyms probably have a higher percentage of people attending who are motivated by social reasons.
These are some things to keep in mind: Motivations: Decide why you want to join. Is it to improve your appearance? Avoid sickness? Feel better about yourself? Reduce stress?
Location: Pick where the gym needs to be. If you're joining purely for social reasons, perhaps a gym close to home would be most suitable.
Stress relief? Try a gym near the office. Are you a morning person or do you need time out during the day to alleviate anxiety?
Service: Many people overlook important things when assessing potential gyms. Draper is adamant that the most essential aspect of a gym is the service _ the people contact. In the scheme of things, whether or not there is a spa or you like the color of the walls bears little on your success at the gym. Its's the level and quality of service.
Are there sufficient staff to make sure weights are being lifted correctly and exercises being done to maximum effectiveness? Are they trained properly? Do they have additional training in nutrition and first aid?
Is there reciprocity with gyms in other cities? Can you suspend your membership during holidays or exttended illness? Is the staff interested in you as a person and not just as another membership? What about payment options _can you spread it over several months? What if you are dissatisfied?
INITIAL ASSESSMENT: Will the gym do an initial assessment of your fitness, including percent body fat, cardio-vascular level, flexibility and strength, before structuring a workout for you? How often is that workout reviewed or changed? (If a gym doesn't provide an assessment or you're just interested in finding out how you rate, the Institute of Health and Fitness (Tel. 5788905) does complete medical and fitness evaluations for about $180 (some of which can be claimed).
EQUIPMENT: Does the gym provide all the equipment you wish to use? How often is it maintained? Updated?
CLEANLINESS: What are the changeroom facilities like? Showers?
Toilets? Are your valuables secured during exercise classes and workouts?
TRY BEFORE YOU BUY: Can you sample a class/the equipment before you join? What are the class sizes like? Do you relate to the instructors? Talk to members to see if they're satisfied.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES: Can you get a massage after a workout?
Nutritional advice? Are you looking for social clubs and networks?
Childcare facilities? Does the gym offer ballroom dancing? Karate?
Step Aerobics? Yoga?
Benefits of exercise (from the Mayo Clinic Health Letter, June 1991).
The Institute of Health and Fitness in Melbourne also endorses these guidelines.
Body composition *Less body fat *More lean body mass Brain *Improved sense of well-being *Less depression *Less anxiety Lungs *Improved capacity to use oxygen *Increased strength and endurance of breathing muscles Heart *Stronger, more efficient heart muscle *More blood pumped with each heart beat *Slower resting pulse rate Muscles *Increased strength *Improved energy storage *Better blood supply *Improved capacity to take in and use oxygen *Increased mobility and flexibility Bone *Maintained strength (density) *Delayed development of osteoporosis Tendons and ligaments *Increased flexilibity Hormones *Lower blood sugar level *Lower adrenalin at rest (decreases anxiety and muscle tension) Coordination *Improved reaction time *Better balance Blood *Increased oxygen-carrying capacity *More efficient body cooling *Increased blood volume *Higher HDL (good cholesterol level *Lower triglyceride level Blood vessels *Improved flow of blood *More blood vessels *Lower blood pressure Nerves *Improved capacity to send and receive messages *Delayed deterioration (aging process)
© 1993 The Age