Does Your Health Club Healthy?
Increasingly, insurance companies offer discounts on health and fitness club memberships in the Dallas area and areas of Houston and Texas, which may be a good time to join a health club to keep fit and keep improving your overall health. But be careful. If your club health courts corners when it comes to security, sanitation and personal training, you actually could jeopardize their health by working out there. Now that you know should keep their eyes open, here's what to expect from a health club:
1. Instruction on proper use of equipment and facilities.
When you join in a health club, club staff person should ask you to fill out a medical history questionnaire. If you have a serious health problem (eg, a disease heart or back problems), the club should be required to obtain medical clearance before starting an exercise program. Should also be invited to a session new member orientation, which is usually a one-on-one session to learn the rules of the club and how to properly use the exercise equipment. Officials should also work with you to design an exercise program that suits your needs, taking into account the health problems or physical limitations you may have.
2. Officials test your fitness when you start an exercise program.
Staff members must check periodically after consultation initial. Even after having been there for a few months, should be readily available to answer questions and teach you proper exercise techniques. This is only possible if there is an appropriate relationship instructor member. If there are only a few staff on duty, may not be able to give you the personal attention you need to play safely.
3. Qualified and trained staff.
All staff should know about health and fitness issues and should be trained in CPR and first aid. In addition, exercise instructors should be certified by a nationally or internationally recognized organization such as the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America or the American College of Sports Medicine.
4. The equipment and facilities are clean and safe to use.
As to the condition of the equipment and cleaning facilities. Although the state and / or local governments should leave health clubs, there is a possibility that can not be closely regulated. However, may be certified by a national organization such as the International Health, Racquet and Sports Club Association, which requires members to keep clean and secure facilities and adhere to a strict code of ethics. changing so dirty and broken equipment can sometimes be a sign that the club is in financial trouble, especially if the condition of the club has recently taken a turn for the worse.
These are signs that your health center is maintained properly:
– The club must have procedures for routine sanitation.
– Members should be instructed to clean machines after use. So look for paper towels adequate and spray bottles of disinfectant.
– The installation must be large enough to accommodate the members, even during peak periods. Find out if the the boundaries of club memberships to keep overcrowding to a minimum.
– Exercise equipment should be relatively new, not outdated.
– All equipment must be clean and in good condition. Worn or broken equipment can be a safety hazard.
– User has attached to each machine.
– Mats and flooring must be clean and strong enough to protect against injury.
– Showers and locker rooms should look and smell clean and free of any visible mold.
– The pool and hot tub should be disinfected regularly. Signs of inadequate sanitation include pool water that burns the eyes or foam in the tub.
– Terms of Use must be placed in the pool or hot tub.
– First aid kits should be well stocked and easily accessible for staff and members.
Five. Adequate security inside and outside the club.
Health clubs often post signs warning members not to leave valuables in their lockers. Because lockers are remarkably easy to jimmy open, petty thieves often against them. This does not necessarily mean that the health club is the lack of security, but it does mean I need to know if the health club goes further to protect you and your belongings. Determine if your club has:
Security measures to ensure that only members and their guests can enter or exit the building, such as membership cards, surveillance cameras or doors.
– Well-lit parking areas.
– The security guards if the area is especially dangerous.
– A busy child care facility if the health club offers child care.
If you notice your health center is not as clean or safe as it should be, talk to the director of the club. If your concerns are not resolved or if there are serious health violations, contact the state or business responsible for monitoring or health practices in your area, the office of the Attorney General or the Department of Health the authority of their city.
Whether you go to a gym or exercise on their own, making exercise a priority in your daily routine, staying active and contributing to lasting health.
About the Author
Melih (“may-lee”) Oztalay, CEO
SmartFinds Internet Marketing
Web: www.precedent.com
EMail: melih@hsfideas.com
Precedent – Health Insurance For The Rest Of Us
California Department of Public Health: Worksite Wellness