Joining a health club offers many advantages

ROCHESTER, Minn. - Is joining a health club still on your New Year's resolution list? The February issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource covers the pros and cons of joining a gym. Among the biggest advantages:

Variety: Health clubs offer many types of equipment, classes and activities. Some offer luxury features such as a spa or beauty salon.

Professional support: Fitness and training professionals can custom-design programs to help individuals reach fitness goals.

Safety: Professional, certified staff offer guidance on proper technique and form to prevent injury.

Out of the weather: It's never too hot, cold or wet inside a fitness facility.

Camaraderie: Meeting a friend for a yoga class or being surrounded by others who exercise can be motivating.

Institutional-size features: Some health clubs offer Olympic-sized pools, racquetball and tennis courts or a running track.

On the other hand, some aspects of a health club may be less than positive.

Cost: Memberships can be expensive and some are based on long-term contracts. By some estimates, it takes two visits a week to justify the expense. Before signing up, consider paying a "per visit" fee to try out the facility.

Convenience: If it's too far away, too crowded, or takes too much time, a health club might not be the best option. There are many other ways to exercise outside of a health club.

If the pros outweigh the cons, consider a health club that suits individual fitness goals and interests. Those who don't swim or play racquetball might find a smaller facility suits their needs. A health club should have a comfortable atmosphere, be clean, and have a friendly and inviting staff and wellmaintained equipment.

Staff training is important, too. Staff members should be certified by a nationally accredited agency such as the American College of Sports Medicine, American Council on Exercise or the National Strength and Conditioning Association.