Fitness Trainer vs Fitness Coach

North America is getting fatter and fatter! There are numerous studies proven this so I won’t get into all the statistics from the American College of Sports Medicine, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as the American Heart Association. Just trust me…as a population we are getting fatter.

But wait; there are more fitness centers, gym, personal trainers and fitness related info-products then ever before…so how can this be?

Here a few things that we know:

* A one-size-fits-all approach to fitness does not work
* Knowing biomechanics is good but effective in developing a compete fitness program
* Life stages and changes in a person’s life must be taken into account when developing a fitness program
* Not all fades are created equal. To embrace the latest and greatest fade is very ineffective in making consistent fitness progress
* The carrot or the stick? A positive approach works much better then a fear based approach, to anything, especially fitness
* Social and domestic support is crucial for starting and continuing a fitness program
* In the end, we need to embrace a holistic model of fitness, working on the body alone is not enough

So, where does this leave you?

If you are not getting the results your desire or if you’re not having fun with your fitness program it maybe time to take a look at fitness coaching. “But I already have a personal fitness trainer, why do I need a fitness coach?”

First, if you’re not getting the results it might not be your trainer, it could be you. I’m not saying it’s your directly at fault, but there maybe some underlying situations that you and your trainer are not aware of that a good certified fitness coach could help you discover and find a solution.

So what is fitness coaching?

It can be called an ongoing and guided conversation and process between you and a health fitness coach that is a conversation:

* Involving a comprehensive fitness-related dialogue about your needs, interests and personal active lifestyle orientations
* Directed toward broad based goals of personal and health gains that are
* Attained through continued involvement in physically activates which are
* Adjusted occasionally according to your evolving life agenda

I know, you’re probably saying “That sounds nice, but again, I have a personal trainer.”

What a personal trainer is trained and certified to do is develop the specific workout routine for you. They are to assess your currently physical abilities and limitations and develop a routine around these parameters along with your fitness goals. Then they are to ensure that you perform the routine with biometric perfection. That is want a fitness trainer is schooled and trained in. If they are performing more then this and are not properly trained and educated in that field, they are stepping out of the bounders of a trainer.

A fitness coach, through and open and ongoing dialogue, will help you

* Determine the best physical activity for you
* Stay on track and achieve your fitness goals
* Work through any resistance or sticking points
* With support for all parts of your life

Basically a fitness coach will help you develop your fitness strategy and stay on track with it and a fitness/personal trainer will help you develop the tactics to get you to your goal.

In this day and age we are all bombarded with so many distractions that we need to have a qualified support team around us so that we can achieve our goals with a much ‘ease’ as possible,. I believe that two key members on this team should be a fitness coach and fitness/personal trainer. Read the rest of this entry »

Fitness Motivation

In a quest for a healthier lifestyle, women know that fitness and exercise are important. Exercise can improve your health, increase your energy level, relieve stress, and help you to sleep better. A fit woman will remain stronger and more independent as she ages.

Sometimes the road to fitness is a difficult path when you are attempting to initiate and exercise program and eat healthier alone. Attempting to exercise daily, watching your nutrition, and making healthy lifestyle changes are often overshadowed by boredom or a too busy lifestyle. At one time or another, most women have had trouble starting or sticking with a fitness or exercise program.

Being a fit woman does not have to mean a solo journey. If you have ever had trouble initiating a fitness program or sticking with the exercise program you have started, a fitness partner may be the solution. A fitness partner is a powerful motivator. Being accountable to a fitness partner can help you start a new exercise program or stick with the exercise program over time as you continue on your road to fitness.

The right fitness partner can motivate you to achieve your fitness goals. Your fitness partner should be positive and supportive as she encourages and supports you. In choosing a fitness partner, look for someone whose fitness level is close to yours. As you become fit together, you can progress at a similar pace, and encourage each other to climb to new levels of fitness. Having similar fitness goals will allow you and your fitness partner to share triumphs and encourage you to accomplish individual fitness goals.

Keep lines of communication open with your fitness partner. A good fitness partner is honest and sensitive. Cheer each other on in your fitness successes and avoid being critical.

In addition to a fitness partner, the right fitness program is also important to achieve health. Sisters in Sneakers provides a complete home fitness program and exercise program designed especially for the fitness needs of women. Sisters in Sneakers includes color coded exercise cards for flexibility, strengthening, and cardiovascular exercises so you can vary your exercise routine day to day. Since exercise alone is not enough for a healthy lifestyle, Sisters in Sneakers includes nutritional information including fat and calorie awareness to get your eating on the right track. Motivation is important for fitness, and Sisters in Sneakers includes inspirations and nutrition tips as well. An exercise band is a great tool for resistance exercise and is also a part of the Sisters in Sneakers complete fitness program.

Look no further for your new fitness partner. Sisters in Sneakers will connect you with a fitness partner just for asking. You and your new Sisters in Sneakers fitness partner can motivate each other on the way to fitness and health, as you work out in the privacy of your own home.

It is time to get serious about starting to exercise and becoming involved in a fitness program. Your health is important. You do not need to be an athlete to be fit. The first step is the hardest.

Fitness Training Program and Commitment

Choosing the right fitness training program is not the only important step of getting in shape – you must also construct your plan realistically so that you can stay fully committed. Anyone can begin a fitness training program after getting clearance from his or her physician, and there are thousands of different programs on the market today; however, the real trick comes in knowing how to achieve the personal fitness goals you have set forth.

Determining Your Own Personal Fitness Goals

Most people have a skewed idea of what fitness is exactly. Ask anyone, and they’ll most likely envision a skinny model-like woman or a huge man that seems like he just stepped off the stage of a body-building competition. You, too, might think this, but personal physical fitness is something much more specialized and unique. This is where commitment comes into play. When most people think of the term “fitness,” it has a broad range of definitions that each of us can apply to our own abilities. Fitness generally has nothing to do with your general weight or body shape. If you eat right and work out regularly, sticking to your individual fitness training program, odds are that you’re on the right path.

The completion of personal fitness goals is controlled entirely by the mind. You have to want to get in shape. If your mind is not truly committed to the final outcome, your goals will never be met even under the best of circumstances or any obstacles that may impede the process. You, and only you, can control your commitment to fitness and ensure that you meet your personal fitness goals.

How to Stay Committed

The biggest challenge of a fitness training program or plan is teaching yourself to stay committed – the fact is that most plans fail because there is an overall lack of drive or inspiration to meet those individualized personal fitness goals. Luckily, you have a few options if you find it impossible to stick to your diet and workout plan. Most people talk about finding or using an exercise buddy, but never actually seek one out. Try finding someone at your gym or fitness center with a similar schedule or convince a friend or colleague to join you on your quest for fitness.

Another good way to keep focus is to promise yourself a reward if you meet your personal fitness goals. If you’ve always wanted a pretty piece of jewelry or a new television set, save up during your commitment challenge and splurge once you’ve met your planned goal. Promising yourself a reward will help you keep your eyes on something you want.

What If Your Fitness Goals Aren’t Met?

When personal fitness goals are not met, disillusion and despair begin to set in, and the whole venture seems worthless. You must ultimately revisit your commitment to the fitness training program and process and take a long, hard look at all of the factors that are hindering your program. You might find that your level of commitment was lacking; for instance, knowing when you should have rested more, eaten better and more frequently, or perhaps even turned down that additional serving of alcohol or dessert. Some people might dismiss willpower as just a personality trait, but everyone has the ability to resist.

Once you re-examine the flaws of your fitness training program, you’ll understand why you’re not achieving the personal fitness goals you created. However, you must remember to make goals that are attainable and realistic, and this is where many people slip up in planning an effective fitness training program. Research acceptable weight loss or gain, find cookbooks meant for your diet, and set your schedule for workout times that are manageable.

The Bottom Line

Making your fitness training program fully attainable is the biggest part of ensuring commitment. Without realistic personal fitness goals, it is highly doubtful that you will succeed. Examine your routine as it is now and slowly work the new regime into your lifestyle. Once you start your fitness plan and get used to the motions, it soon becomes second nature to live a healthy lifestyle.

The bottom line is determining if you are really committed to this fitness venture. If you see getting in shape as just another item in a long list that may or may not be completed, this is probably not the right time to start your fitness training program. Look inside yourself and see if you have what it takes to make this goal a reality.

Fitness and exercise slow the onset of disease.

This is a proven fact and yet more Americans than ever are suffering from obesity and Type Two diabetes thought to be at epidemic levels in the United States. If you are overweight, and especially if you are obese, or if you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, then take your doctor’s advice and begin and begin a regular fitness and personalized exercise program. You’ll be very glad you did.

One of the bi-products of fitness and exercise, as any doctor will tell you, is that working out and consistent exercise helps manage your blood sugar. A diabetic who takes drugs daily may realize that less medication is needed with a habitual fitness and exercise program. Many diabetics who stay with fitness and exercise programs may find that they are able to reduce or quit the medication and manage their diabetes in a totally natural way.

High triglycerides are also rapidly becoming a norm for most Americans. High triglycerides are linked to heart disease, including strokes and heart attacks. A wonderful, easy-to accomplish and totally natural way to decrease your level of triglycerides is to begin and stick with a fitness and exercise program combined with a sensible diet. Elevated triglycerides are also connected to high blood sugar, and it is very common in diabetics. Fitness and exercise effectively minimizes two potential health risks at the same time.

Many people have despaired at the way obesity has become part of the American psyche questioning its causes. Some reasons are obvious. Sedentary lifestyles are now much more common and can include working in front of computers, watching television, staying indoors, playing virtual reality games and the like. In addition, many Americans eat diets high in fat and carbohydrates. Whatever the source, fitness and exercise can be a major part of the cure for this predicament. Increasing physical activity, raising the heart rate, and just getting active can help a person loose weight, control triglyceride levels and improve or stave off diabetes. It should not be ignored.

Parents should restrict time spent by children with video games or watching television and encourage them to engage in fitness and exercise. Children did this naturally in past generations, but now there are too many distractions to keep them inside. Playing games like baseball, basketball and jump rope outdoors can help alleviate this situation in a way that is fun and revitalizing for all involved. Children who learn the benefits of fitness and exercise at an early age will continue working out in adulthood. They will lead healthier lifestyles and tend to live longer, healthier and happier lives.

Fitness and Exercise Gains Popularity

Fitness and exercise is gaining in popularity for many reasons. Since the advertisement and educational commercials about obesity and its deadly effects on Americans in recent years as well as a rash of Type 2 diabetes on the upswing, people have begun seeing the benefit of engaging in fitness and exercise to improve their conditions. Parents are once again encouraging their youngsters to get up and away from the television and work out, and the baby boomers, pursuing fitness and exercise as they age, are taking to it with commitment in order to enjoy their lives well into the advanced years. Regardless of the reasons, many Americans take fitness and exercise very seriously now whereas a bare ten years ago it was on the fringes of societal consciousness.

Americans exercise in a wide variety of ways engaging in fitness and exercise activities which reflect the diversity of both the population and their interests. Many people go to gyms or athletic clubs. Others participate in sports events that they enjoy. Fitness and exercise activities can include bowling, racquet sports like squash, golf, summer softball leagues, horseshoes, hiking, horseback riding, and many other fun things to do. Fitness and exercise activities in American have many faces.

One of the most popular fitness and exercise activities is walking. Many people of all ages enjoy taking a brisk walk every day. This simple fitness and exercise activity can be done by almost anyone. So many Americans are walking these days that magazines are published devoted to the activity. Generally Americans are not as organized as their European cousins when in comes to walking. In Germany, one of the most popular weekend fitness and exercise activities is the volksmarch, or the people’s march. When a volksmarch occurs, people of all ages come together to take a day long or walk through a town or the countryside, stopping to share a meal and good conversation along the way. They combine fitness and exercise with social activity and everyone has a great time.

Americans may not be ready for the volksmarch yet, but they find many other fitness and exercise options to their liking. Golf is more popular now than any time in history. Tennis is making a comeback and even martial arts are fitness and exercise choices for many. For Americans the important thing about fitness and exercise is to do something and make sure that that is something they will enjoy so that they stick with it.

Fitness and exercise is now more mainstream, and with it’s continued growth, it will lead to a longer and healthier life, and give a great deal of fun to the participants along the way.

Five Steps to Fitness Success

Despite what you might see on TV infomercials or in newspaper ads, there is no magic bullet or miracle pill that will get you fit overnight. No matter what any glamorous hard-body spokesperson says about the newest “revolutionary” exercise machine, diet, or supplementation program- the fact is that achieving fitness success takes time and energy. You can bet that the spokesperson did not get his or her physique by using the “new, amazing de-fat-alizer” machine for 30 seconds a day! He or she is undoubtedly engaged in a fitness program that includes sensible diet and lots of exercise.

On the other hand, we believe that achieving fitness success is well within everyone’s reach. This article will provide you with powerful, effective steps you can take RIGHT NOW that will jump-start your fitness program and get you on track to fitness success.

THE FIVE STEPS TO FITNESS SUCCESS

1. Make Changes TODAY!

2. Decide & Commit

3. Define Goals

4. Design Your Road Map

5. Feel Good!

Step 1: Make Changes TODAY!

Achieving FITNESS SUCCESS is all about making consistent incremental improvements over time. Like the power of compounding interest, implementing even small improvements can result in a cumulative snow-balling effect that generates momentum, enthusiasm and results!

There are specific, immediate changes you can make that will deliver meaningful results:

MOVE!

It sounds obvious, but it’s truly amazing how much potential is in this simple step. Park at the far end of the parking lot; take the stairs instead of the elevator; chase your grandchildren around. Our bodies were built for movement, and the simple act of moving more is a great way to start your fitness program. Walking is a vastly underrated form of exercise. So is dancing!

DRINK WATER

You’ll hear different target quantities from different experts, but a good rule of thumb is to drink 8 glasses of water per day. It’s a good practice to drink a glass ½ hour before and after meals. Substituting water for less healthy drinks (like soda) will cut calories and reduce intake of artificial flavoring, coloring, etc. Also, increasing water intake will help curb your appetite.

EAT LESS, MORE OFTEN

Studies have shown that our bodies operate more efficiently when we spread our food intake our over five or six smaller meals per day, versus the three larger meals to which we’ve become accustomed. And what grandma told you about eating your vegetables was right on target! Most Americans do not consume enough fruits and vegetables regularly. It’s surprisingly easy to shrink the size of meals when you increase your water intake and include more fruits and vegetables.

KEEP TRACK OF WHAT YOU EAT

Another simple yet very powerful tip! Whether you go “all the way” and actually maintain a log of everything you eat, or simply try to do a mental recap periodically during the day, this is a great way to manage your diet. For example, when you get ready to eat dinner, doing a quick review of what you’ve eaten so far that day will help you make intelligent menu choices.

STRETCH

Flexibility is a very important component of overall fitness. A daily routine of basic stretches can greatly improve your mobility in a very short period of time. Just remember: stretching movements should be gentle and gradual, and never jerky or bouncy.

Once you’ve made the simple lifestyle changes listed above, you will begin building the positive momentum that will empower you to move aggressively toward your fitness goals!

Remember:

It’s not about big, sweeping changes: the fact is you CAN NOT become fit in one day. But you can decide TODAY to make a commitment to incremental, consistent improvement that will get you on track IMMEDIATELY.

Step 2: Decide to Take Better Care of Yourself

You probably know someone who has experienced health problems that could have been avoided if the person had taken better care of him or herself. How many times have you resolved to begin taking better care of yourself?

But what does that mean?

Ask virtually anyone what it means to “take better care of yourself”, and undoubtedly you’ll hear something like “Get more exercise and eat sensibly”. Everyone seems to know that exercise is important to overall health and well-being, and is a big part of taking better care of yourself. We’ve all seen the reports on TV, in magazines, on the internet: it’s an irrefutable fact that people of all ages and fitness levels can reap compelling physical and psychological benefits by engaging in a sensible exercise regimen.

So…Why are so many people neglecting to engage in an exercise program, when they KNOW that this behavior will improve their health, appearance, attitude, and overall quality of life?

The answer is simple. They have not yet DECIDED TO TAKE BETTER CARE OF THEMSELVES.

You already know many good reasons to begin an exercise program. You have probably heard (or even used!) at least one of the most common excuses for not beginning a fitness program:

“I don’t have enough time”. (probably the number 1 excuse)

“I won’t feel comfortable working out with a bunch of “hard-bodies”.

“It’s too expensive”.

Let’s BUST these mythical excuses right now!

“I don’t have enough time”.
There are plenty of busy people who are fit, and plenty of fit people who are busy. The fact is that people who DECIDE to make the time, make the time. It’s hard to imagine there are many things in your life more important than your physical well-being, which is what enables you to enjoy all other aspects of your life.

“I won’t feel comfortable working out with a bunch of “hard-bodies”.
This is an easy one. If you’re not comfortable working out in any particular health club, THEN DON’T! There are so many different venues in which you can exercise that you are certain to find the right one with a little homework. See “Should I Join a Health Club”.

“It’s too expensive”.
The expense associated with a fitness program can vary from a multi-thousand dollar investment in home exercise equipment to a zero-cost program that includes walking, jogging and/or calisthenics. If you decide to join a health club, or seek out the services of a personal trainer, then there are of course associated costs. But once again, there are many health clubs with varying fee structures. Do some comparison shopping!

Consider the following:

a) What is the ROI (return on investment) for an effective fitness program? How much is it worth to you to improve your overall health and wellness; to have more energy and stamina; to feel better? What is the long-term price of NOT engaging in a fitness program?

b) What constitutes “expensive”? A health club costing $60 per month breaks out to roughly $14 per week. That’s something like $3 per workout, or what most people spend on coffee every day.

c) Perhaps you fall into a category that qualifies for a discount at a local health club. For example, many clubs have discount membership programs for seniors, employees of local companies (”Corporate Memberships”), referral discounts, etc. Again, doing a little homework can really pay off!

Now it’s just a matter of making the decision that you will Take Better Care of Yourself. That means making a commitment to take action.

Remember:

We’re using the word “commitment” here for a reason. The dictionary defines “Commitment” as “an agreement or pledge to do something in the future”. A commitment is a PROMISE. We’re talking about making a promise to yourself that you will begin taking better care of yourself. And nothing is as gratifying as fulfilling a promise!

Step 3: Define Your Fitness Goals

Start with YOUR definition of fitness. What does it mean to you? It could be reaching and maintaining a more healthy body weight. It could be lowering your blood pressure, gaining lean muscle mass, or being able to walk a brisk mile without getting overly winded. Your goal could be being fit enough to carry your grandson up the stairs. For some, it’s bench-pressing 400 lbs. or running a marathon. It doesn’t matter.

Define what you want out of a fitness program.

It might be helpful to talk to people you know who are already actively engaged in exercise, or to have an assessment consultation with a Personal Trainer/Fitness Specialist at a local health club.

Make sure your goals are realistic, but don’t be afraid to challenge yourself. Keep in mind that fitness is REALLY about one thing: feeling better!

So, when you define your goal, be sure to think about how reaching this goal will make you feel physically, mentally and emotionally. That will make the goal feel more “real”, and give you a motivational tool you can use throughout your fitness journey.

Hard vs. Soft goals:
It really pays to establish “hard” goals. That is, goals that are as specific and measurable as possible.
“Soft” goals on the other hand are more vague and general.

For example…

Soft Goal:
I want to get in shape. (how will you measure your success? What does “in shape” mean?)

Measurable, Specific Goal:
By June 30th, I want to lose 10 lbs, and increase my endurance to the point where I can jog two miles without stopping.

Setting specific fitness goals is also a great motivator, because you can track your success and see progress as you move toward your goal.

Step 4: Lay Out Your Road Map

You’ve decided to make a real commitment to take action, and to start taking better care of yourself. AND you’ve taken the next important step by defining your fitness goals.

For many people, those first steps are the most difficult. It’s important to understand that without a real commitment (Step 2) and clearly-defined goals (Step 3), there is no way to develop a plan. That would be like building a house without a blue-print!

But once you’ve completed these crucial steps, you are ready to develop your road map.

Your fitness road map must answer the BIG THREE questions:

What is my goal (where am I going?)

What is my plan (how do I get there?)

How to I track progress (how do I tell where am I now?)

It is absolutely critical that you lay out a road map that addresses these BIG THREE questions. The road map should outline the actual exercise routines to be performed, the scheduling of workouts, and a procedure for measuring progress at prescribed intervals.
The best approach is to start with a high-level outline, and then fill in details as you gather information. The outline should include:

workout frequency (e.g. 4 times per week)

approximate mix of flexibility, strength and cardio training (based on goals)

actual exercise programs (*)

check points (e.g. weigh-ins every 3 weeks)

The more specific you are in this planning phase, the BETTER your chances for success!

(*) There are many sources for help in designing your exercise program. Workout programs are available over the internet or in book stores. Our best advice is: GET HELP. Whether it’s from a fitness-minded friend or trained professional at a health club, by getting skilled assistance you can easily build a road map that includes enough variation to ward of the potential boredom of a fixed routine.

Also consider whether you’d like to enlist someone as a workout partner. Some people find it motivating to have a partner; it might even occasionally “guilt” you into working out when you know your partner is counting on you. And two heads are usually better than one!

Once you have your road map, you can determine what workout venues will make sense. Depending on your goals, there may be several effective paths for you to follow. You might join a walking club, or sign up for dance lessons. You might begin an independent exercise program at home, or join a friend who jogs regularly.

Remember: You should consult your physician before beginning an exercise regimen.

Step 5: Feel Good!

Fitness is, above all, about FEELING GOOD!

Once you have designed a fitness road map, the best way to succeed is to enjoy the challenge. Our bodies WANT to be fit! And once you start your program, you will feel the exhilaration that comes when you get moving.

Nothing is more motivating than knowing that you’ve defined a goal, have an action plan, and are WORKING YOUR PLAN. While you’re working your plan, always remember to:

Enjoy the ride

Track progress

Set challenging new goals for yourself.

That last point is important: you’re not “done” when your reach your goals. Fitness is not a destination, it’s a lifestyle. So, when you reach a goal, congratulate yourself and raise the bar!

You’ll find that you will look forward to workout days, and even on those rare occasions when you have to “force” yourself to work out, you’ll be glad you did. Enjoying the ride is the biggest key to success in fitness.

Remember:
It’s also important to mix in some patience with your enthusiasm. You might miss a workout or two, or get side-tracked for a week. This happens to even the most dedicated fitness devotees. If and when you slip, or your progress slows, it’s important to remember how much long-term benefit you will get from your fitness program. And even after a “slip up”, nothing feels better than getting right back on track.

Recap

By following the FIVE STEPS TO FITNESS SUCCESS, you can realize IMMEDIATE improvements in your overall fitness jump-start your journey toward your fitness goals ENJOY getting the most out of your fitness program

Remember:

The FIVE STEPS TO FITNESS SUCCESS
1) Make Changes TODAY!
2) Decide & Commit
3) Define Goals
4) Design Your Road Map
5) Feel Good!

Why Join a Fitness Club?

Rest assured that there are a lot of reasons why you should join a fitness club but there’s only one reason that you’ll even feel marginally reluctant to join a fitness club and it’s called MEMBERSHIP FEES.
Still, don’t let this dissuade you. After all, you can’t expect to reap all the benefits of joining a fitness club for free right?

Fitness Clubs – Helping you Achieve your Fitness Goals
Fitness clubs motivate you. Exercising alone is no fun and even if you are not with an exercise buddy, the atmosphere in fitness clubs alone is often enough to energize you into ‘getting back on track’ with your fitness goals. However, don’t worry that you won’t find your own ‘personal space’ in fitness clubs. Most people, like you, appreciate the ambience but are quick to leave you alone.

Fitness clubs offer savings. There is no doubt that various fitness machines have proven themselves to be extremely effective. However, to buy them all would cost a fortune! This is really one of the main reasons to go for a fitness club membership. Sure, you might pay a steep amount especially if you are going for a well-equipped fitness club, but considering that you get access to numerous equipment, consider it a worthwhile investment to your overall fitness goals.

Fitness clubs give you access to fitness professionals. Fitness centers truly worth their salt are staffed with professional nutritionists, dieticians, fitness consultants and personal trainers. Most of the time, access to these people are included in your membership fee so do take advantage of them!

Fitness clubs offer pleasant pleasures. Great amenities such as saunas, steam rooms, spacious shower and changing rooms, and perhaps a swimming pool are all great ‘perks’ that come with a fitness club membership. So exercise and enjoy!
What to Look for in a Fitness Club
All geared up to join fitness club. Following are a couple of pointers you should consider.
Consider your own fitness goals and what particular type of activity really encourages you. For instance, if you are more into aerobic workouts, join a fitness club that offers aerobics classes and offers a host of aerobic fitness machines. On the other hand, if you’re idea of an overall body workout is swimming ensure that the fitness club has a great swimming pool.

Location, location, location. The best fitness club to join is to the one that you have ready access to. Believe me, if that ‘perfect’ fitness club is all the way across the other side of town, chances are, you will NOT go as often as you should and you would have just wasted money joining it.

Friendly and reliable fitness club staff. Although one of the main factors to join a fitness club is the range of fitness equipment they offer, it is important that they have professional staff that are accessible to you all the time. For instance, some fitness clubs claim that they have in-house trainers and consultants but many customers are never able to ‘consult’ with them. If you are a novice with fitness equipment or are just starting out on your fitness goals, this point should be big consideration with you