Through your own observations and by questioning your guide and current members, use the following checklist to determine if the club will be able to meet your fitness, social, and safety needs:

• Are staff members friendly and helpful?

• Is the club clean and well maintained?

• Do fitness staff members have appropriate educational backgrounds and/or certification from nationally recognized certifying agencies?

• Are new members provided with a club orientation and instruction on how to use equipment?

• Does the club have the cardiovascular resistance equipment you want and need to achieve your fitness goals?

• Does the club offer sufficient number and variety of programs for you to achieve your fitness goals (aerobic, racquet sports, basketball, etc.)?

• Does the club offer instruction in a sport or activity that you might want to learn (tennis, squash, swimming, etc.)?

• Does the club offer a sufficient number and variety of programs for you to achieve other goals (stress management, weight management, smoking cessation, social activities, etc.)?

• Are there long lines at the equipment, or crowded aerobics classes, at the time that you would be using the club?

• Is child care available if you need it?

• Is there adequate parking available if you need it?

• The Exercise Movement
• What is regular exercise?
• What are the benefits of regular exercise?
• Why do people join health and sportsclubs?
• How do I shop for a club?
• How do I choose the right club for me?
• What should I know before I sign the membership agreement?
• IHRSA Membership Eligibility Standards