In 1996, the Surgeon General determined that a lack of physical activity is detrimental to your health. Even small amounts of regular exercise can benefit you in ways you may not expect. Physical activity need not be strenuous to achieve significant health benefits. In fact, regular physical activity that is performed on most days of the week reduces the risk of developing or dying from some of the leading causes of illness and death. Regular physical activity improves health in the following ways:

• Reduces the risk of dying prematurely.
• Reduces the risk of dying from heart disease.
• Reduces the risk of developing diabetes.
• Reduces the risk of developing high blood pressure.
• Helps reduce blood pressure in people who already have high blood pressure.
• Reduces the risk of developing colon cancer.
• Reduces feelings of depression and anxiety.
• Helps control weight.
• Helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints.
• Helps older adults become stronger and better able to move about without falling.
• Promotes psychological well-being.
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People do not need to workout in a health club to live a fit, healthy life. But…often times a health club provides a great solution for many of the problems people face when confronted with the challenges of incorporating regular physical activity into their lives. The next step is choosing the club that's right for you. The following tips will help you shop for a club and then choose the one that fits.

Shopping for a club

• Location is key when choosing a club. Studies have shown that you will be more likely to use your club if it is conveniently located near your home or workplace.
  
  
• Make an appointment to tour the facility. Visit during the time of day or night you will most likely use the club to see if you are comfortable there during that time.
  
  
• Don't hesitate to ask current members their opinion about the club.

Choosing the Club that's right for you

After visiting the club, ask yourself the following questions to determine if the facility will be able to meet your fitness, social, and safety needs:

• Are the staff members friendly?
• Is the club clean and well maintained?
• Will I be screened for major health risks prior to being allowed to participate in an exercise program?
• Do fitness staff members have appropriate educational backgrounds and/or certification from nationally recognized certifying agencies?
• Will I be provided with a club orientation and instruction on how to use the equipment?
• Does the club have the cardiovascular and resistance equipment I want and need to achieve my fitness goals?
• Does the club offer a sufficient number and variety of programs to achieve my fitness goals (group fitness, swimming, etc.)?
• Were there long lines at the equipment or crowded group fitness classes at the time that I would be using the club?
• Is childcare available at convenient times if needed?
• Are the hours of operation convenient?
• Is there adequate parking available?
• Was I comfortable with the club's membership agreement, payment procedures and policies?
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