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♦ FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2006 6A How To Choose A Hun U h AK ttj BAh hub wLJrP BL bA B BBBHj Sh flßj It’s that time again. Whether it’s a New Years Resolution or just a post-holiday bulge that has you searching the Yellow Pages for a health club, here are a few simple rules on picking one that’s right for you. Picking a health club can be a frightening experience - there’s all those buff people inside and intimi dating machinery. But, if you have a game plan, it’ll be no sweat (until you get there). These facilities, like people, come in many different shapes and sizes. Your key consideration should be finding a club that meets your needs. Are you interested in rac quetball, weightlifting, aerobic classes, swimming? Make sure the club you pick has the equipment, classes, and facilities you want. Check them out: Shop around; nothings stop ping you. Many gyms have trial or monthly memberships. So, what are you waiting for, try out all of the local gyms in your area to see which one fits your style and personality. Location: Location is everything. After work ing eight (or more) hours a day, no one wants to drive long distances just to workout. So, pick a gym i p r «m % 0 *** * % * \ fp r, / *s* % / *»*'■■■■ ' v" v £" IP r f / ~ \ p» r f ' ~ Sfe (^fITWESSCENTER- jfl bw I * fl^|f j£r o * ____i > * JKL*'' ' *"■ % isir •- # V ~ If - / r,,>' < Nv J ' r&*s i f.\ ro^r'.' ;V ’ Must be a local lesident, tint timeguest 18 years jm ■■ MKfc v<OB -' X- of age or older. Certain restrictions apply. W# '■IV «p«#j / »m_ / 1 an # . • ,>«"■«« » w * -s». ♦V(. «* %—' ' 4* at ' 4* \ »* V . » *>!#"' * . * _is* s V" , ' ! Bi * i * i xv 1 I n “ *TST r Wfir* *lrk 1 rrS »jrfc * * Come and meet our friendly staff for a free tour and a complimentary workout! > • ' LA .A. * £?_ _ * _ 1 I • Best Equipment In Town ’ - • Free Weight J»\ • Over 20 Aerobics Classes - «** \ Ci> al II I m that’s a reasonable drive away. Make sure the facility is well-lit and feels safe, especially if you’ll be working out after work. Pricing: Like their equipment, health clubs come in a wide-range of prices and options. Although price should be considered, remember what your mother always said, ‘You get what you pay for.’ And, with gyms, this adage is true, the better the equip ment, the more staff and classes offered, the higher the price. Check out monthly and annual member ships, often times you can get a discount off an annual member ship, which are usually lower than monthly fees. Hours: While this concept may seem obvi ous, the hours of operation should be an important factor in consider ing a gym. Some people want the luxury of pumping iron at mid night or on a holiday, or early in the morning. If that person is you, definitely check into the hours of operation. Equipment: If the gym you are pondering has sub-par equipment, make a quick 360 degree turn for the door. Old • Child Care - • Sauna * Tanning equipment is one thing, but faulty equipment is dangerous. Make sure that the equipment has been prop erly maintained. Phis should be one of the most important factors in your decision. Atmosphere and Clientele. Take a good look around the gym. Are people dressing the way you would if you belonged? Some gyms may strike you as too competitive or too materialistic. Look for a gym that fits your unique personality. The last thing a person wants to do is feel inferior or out of place while working out. Membership Content and Volume. Some women only like to workout amongst other women, while some women like to check out available guys and socialize with both sexes. Keep this in mind, when selecting a gym. Some gyms are for women only. Also, look at the volume of mem bership. If you don’t want hundreds of people staring at your butt, then don’t become a member of a high volume gym. Ask the management when peak workout times begin and avoid the gym at this time or select a gym with a smaller membership base. Many people workout in the evening after work, so to avoid long - * Indoor Cycling 1 ' ProfessioritfStaff}*' •Iree One On One Mining / b bI m Ml. 1 * Super Clean Facility * Conveniently Located • Smoothie Bar^* ■ Oxygen is now offering it's new & exciting Belly Dancing Class! Experience this new adventure for yourseH! HOUSTON DAILY JOURNAL lines for workout equipment, create a morning workout routine. Extras. Many gyms offer lounges, juice bars, snack areas, intense exer cise classes, etc. If you’re interested in these things, fine, but if not, why pay for them? Attitude is everything. If the man agement does not seem particularly pleasant on your first visit, chances are they aren’t. Pick a gym, where the management caters to your needs. They should, after all, that’s why you are paying them. At the same time, check out what type of training and certifications the staff have acquired. If you’re serious about developing a fitness program, make sure the staff can teach you properly. Five Most Important Rules for How to Pick a Gym: 1 - Don’t select a gym out of your price range. 2 - Make sure the location is con venient. 3 - Make sure that the gym hours fit into your schedule. 4 - Don’t pay for extras that you’ll never use. 5 - Make sure that equipment is state of the art and high quality. 42584