Programming: Health & Fitness

by Paul Steinbach January 2019

Amid the annual wave of New Year's fitness resolutions, Better Business Bureau Pacific Southwest has alerted consumers in California and Arizona what to look for in a gym membership. BBB director of public relations Linda Karimi told San Diego's KUSI News that consumers report high-pressure sales tactics, misrepresentations about facilities and services, broken cancellation policies and lost membership fees when gyms go out of business.

The bureau offers guidance to help would-be gym members avoid so-called fitness scams. Gym owners everywhere might be wise to see how their own advice — and day-to-day policies and practices — measure up to the following consumer tips:

• Determine fitness goals. Making goals in advance can help a person select an appropriate facility. It’s also a good idea to check with a physician before embarking on a new fitness regimen, especially if medical conditions are present.
• What is most important? Will a convenient location and extended hours be beneficial in reaching a fitness goal? Will a variety of equipment or classes keep people motivated? Work out while traveling and prefer a chain with numerous locations? Identify top priorities before shopping around.
• Check bbb.org. BBB has business profiles on more than 15,000 health clubs, fitness centers and gyms nationwide and 231 are located in the Pacific Southwest region. Read what current and/or previous customers have to say and see how the business responds to complaints. This information may help narrow down the list of gyms selected to visit.
• Take a tour. Does the gym have the equipment, classes and trainers needed, clean showers and available Wi-Fi? Ask questions and make sure to understand all the rules. What are the busy times, wait times for equipment, class registration requirements, availability and find out if there is an additional cost for personal training.
• Ask about free trials. Fitness centers often offer a 2, 3 of even 6 free pass for potential members providing customers a great way to see if the gym is a good fit.
  Do not feel coerced. Don’t give in to high-pressure sales tactics and join right away. A reputable gym will give consumers time to read the contract, tour the facility and help them make an informed decision.
• Calculate the true costs. Gyms often use special introductory offers to encourage new members, but the price could go up once the initial period is over. Know and understand what the regular monthly fees will be and what they include.
• Understand all terms. Read the contract carefully before signing. Make sure all verbal promises are in writing. The document one signs is what matters, so don’t take a salesperson’s word for it. What happens if a member moves or the gym goes out of business? Will the membership renew automatically? Can one cancel the contract and, if so, under what circumstances?
• Certified trainers. Research certifications any personal trainer claims to have. When paying more on top of the gym membership, make sure the trainer is qualified with appropriate certification.
• Never use a debit card. Be aware when using a debit card, this give the fitness center direct access to ones bank account and money. Instead use a credit card. Credit cards serve as a barrier between your money and the people who want it and some offer benefits for purchases and even fraud protection. As a whole, credit cards offer more protection than debit cards do.
• Get a receipt. Those who don’t like credit cards, often prefer to pay for things in cash. This includes gym memberships. There is nothing wrong with cash, but always make sure to get proof of payment – ask for a receipt.

Gym owners, what do you think of the BBB's tips? Let us know in the comments.

by Andy Berg January 2019

The divide between those who are able to stay fit and those who are not is clearly split along geographic and socioeconomic lines.

by Rob Bishop January 2019

I've been in the fitness business for more than a quarter-century — most of my adult life — and I thought the start of a new year might be a good time to take a look back and see how this industry of ours has impacted me personally. I've come away with at least eight lessons learned.

by Courtney Cameron January 2019

The Minneapolis Police Department is taking steps to implement a new physical conditioning test for new recruits.

by Jason Scott January 2019

Campus recreation at Towson University prides itself on being innovative. Burdick Hall, the campus's main recreation facility, houses an "American Ninja Warrior"-inspired course, the first of its kind among collegiate recreation centers.

by Courtney Cameron January 2019

A new study conducted by researchers at Northwestern University reports that trainers using appearance-based language to motivate women exercisers are less successful than instructors who focused on the health and strength benefits of the same workouts.

by AB Staff December 2018

Eradicating debilitating disease. Shining a light on social injustice. Advocating for safer sports and greater access to fitness. Equipping schools to best handle life-and-death situations.

by Rob Bishop December 2018

I recently read an article analyzing the obesity epidemic from the perspective of several overweight individuals who agreed to share their painful experiences.

by Andy Berg December 2018

Seniors in a number of states who have AARP’s Medicare Advantage and Supplement plans are out of luck if they were thinking of joining the popular SilverSneakers fitness program.

by AB Staff October 2018

Check out these products as seen in the October 2018 issue.

Abacus Sports Installations
Abacus specializes in the installation of inlaid platform weight room flooring. The innovative technique of sinking platforms into high-density rubber flooring creates a firm yet resilient surface that cushions joints and absorbs the impact of heavy weights, while protecting floors and equipment. Abacus has installed inlaid platform flooring in public and private facilities, both indoors and outdoors. Rubber flooring can be loose-laid or fully adhered, depending on the facility's needs. Inlaid platform rubber flooring is easy to clean and can be customized with different thicknesses and embedded logos.
www.abacussports.com
(800) 821-4557

RELATED: Purchasing Guide: What you need to know when buying free weights

Matrix Fitness
The powerful and comfortable Ultra Series presents advanced functionality with an intuitive design that makes operating easy. All Ultra Series equipment is designed for smooth converging and diverging movements to encourage a natural path of motion and enhanced user comfort. To take strength training to another level, users can add the intelligent training console. Members will get a guided training experience, and owners will be able to take advantage of some of the most powerful technology from the Matrix Fitness suite of connected solutions.
www.matrixfitness.com
(866) 693-4863

RELATED: Find more solutions for your facility in the Buyers Guide

sofSURFACES
duraSOUND® Rubber Acoustic Tiles dramatically reduce the structure-borne transmission of sound from free-falling weights in any fitness facility. Performance-engineered for a better acoustic experience for both customers and neighboring businesses, duraSOUND tiles control vibrations, minimize low-frequency impact noise and reduce the transmission of audible structure-borne sound by up to 38 decibels.
www.sofsurfaces.com
(800) 263-2363

RELATED: SPOTLIGHT: Why Gyms Are Offering Strength Training in a Group Setting

Technogym
The PureStrength Linear Leg Press by Technogym was built using the highest standards in biomechanics, ergonomics, durability and safety from the experience of seven Olympic Games, 20 million everyday users in 10,000 facilities, and 20 billion workouts. The machine's pads are made from special high-density foam that adapts to the shape of the body, providing maximum comfort and a beneficial stabilizing effect. The backrest can be adjusted to four different positions, allowing each user to find the most suitable and comfortable position for performing the exercise.
www.technogym.com
(800) 804-0952

Torque Fitness
The next evolution of the TANK All Surface Sled is here. The TANK M4 by Torque Fitness comes with a double breaking system, which means the TANK does not require added weight, making group training and maneuvering seamless and efficient. The M4 comes standard with Torque's ergonomic performance handles, an accessory tray for easy storage on the go, upgraded graphics and optional weight horns for serious performance training by athletes who wish to use the TANK for intense towing exercises.
www.torquefitness.com
(763) 754-7533

These products originally appeared in the October 2018 issue of Athletic Business, a free magazine for professionals in the athletic, fitness and recreation industry. Click here to subscribe.