Exercise can not only improve physical appearance through tightening and toning, it can also reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and heart attack. Coupled with a healthy diet, the proper exercise regiment can add vitality and length to a lifespan. A popular spot to go in order to receive tips and training, and to utilize a variety of exercise equipment, is a fitness club or gym.

Fitness clubs: membership options

Fitness clubs generally require monthly, quarterly, or annual membership fees and should provide ample space for equipment and weight training. Some memberships may offer further amenities such as basketball, tennis, and racquetball courts, or even indoor and outdoor swimming pools. At times, members of a fitness club are also invited to use the services of a personal trainer. Personal trainers give private instruction and coaching, and will design for you a customized regiment with realistic expectations and goals. Classes may also be offered as part of a club membership. Some classes offered by a fitness club may include yoga and pilates, which promote overall muscle strength through stretching and flexibility as well as providing core exercises . Kickboxing and aerobics (both are high impact cardiovascular classes) may also be available, while spinning classes consist of calorie burning stationary bike riding. All classes should offer different levels for beginning, intermediate, and advanced fitness programs, and should be taught by certified instructors.

Choose your fitness club according to cost, location and what they offer

A fitness center membership may have a low flat fee, but then require further payments for classes or training sessions. Many fitness centers will have promotional discounts throughout the year that may provide excellent opportunities to invest in membership at a lower cost.

As far as location is concerned, if a gym is too far away, it will be easier to avoid attendance. It is wise to choose a fitness club that is close to either work or home.

The staff, equipment, and programs offered by the fitness club should be researched in order to ensure their certification and safety. Some clubs may even offer licensed massage and physical therapists to assist members with any physical limitations.

Each fitness center should be compared and contrasted in order to increase the likelihood that the individual will attend and exercise, as well as remain safely instructed while doing so.

For further information on choosing the right fitness centre, gym or health club see the following article from TheDietChannel: Gym Memberships: General Info.