Fitness studios have long since ceased to be the domain of “musclemen”. More and more sports enthusiasts specify physical fitness, figure training and health as training goals. Many studios have therefore expanded their repertoire to include versatile offerings (e.g., aerobics, nutritional counseling, relaxation methods, massages, etc.) and specifically address different age groups with special programs.
What’s good for me?
The personnel and equipment standard of the studio should meet the regulations of the TÜV for health-oriented fitness facilities. if especially the treatment of health problems is in the foreground, one should pay attention to the DVSF seal (German Association of Sports Doctors in Sports, Fitness and Leisure Facilities e.V.).
What do I want?
First of all, you should clarify for yourself what wishes and demands you have. The following questions are helpful in this regard:
- Is the studio easily accessible for me, for example, it is on the way from work to home?
- Do I need childcare in the studio for the time of training?
- Should there be a good course and wellness program in addition to an equipment park?
- Are health problems to be remedied in addition to the fitness to be achieved? Then the staff and facilities must be particularly high demands.
- Are offers in the field of health training and education available, for example, nutrition counseling and diet programs?
- Do I want to relax after the workout, for example, in the sauna, swimming pool or massage?
- Should there be the possibility in my studio to buy a snack, drinks and possibly good sportswear?
- Do I attach importance to a family atmosphere? Then, for example, a smaller studio is the better choice.
Before to the check?
As preparation, older people and people with acute or chronic complaints or known pre-existing conditions should be checked during a sports medical examination to determine their suitability in terms of exercises and training intensity. In addition to a blood pressure measurement, a resting and an exercise ECG should also be performed. This enables a statement to be made about a person’s performance capacity and the limit of their ability to cope with stress. Once the individual’s wishes have been clarified, a good studio should offer a detailed consultation and a free, non-binding trial training session under the guidance of a trainer. Here, special attention should be paid to various points:
To my body I let only …
It is desirable that at least some of the trainers are certified sports teachers and have knowledge of sports medicine or have completed special specialized training, for example, as a state-approved sports and gymnastics teacher, sports physiotherapist or licensed aerobics trainer.
How fit am I actually?
As a rule, and this is especially important for untrained individuals, a qualified fitness test should be performed at the beginning, which tests endurance, strength and flexibility and includes a medical risk questionnaire with body data (height, age, weight, body mass index, blood pressure and resting pulse). Some studios also offer body fat measurement to determine if the workout should also serve targeted weight loss.
Not only for the muscles: the equipment park
It is important that the training equipment can be individually dosed, that sufficient (about 30%) cardio equipment is available (e.g., treadmill, rowing machine and bicycle ergometer) and that the equipment is regularly maintained. In any case, the cardio equipment should allow control of exercise via heart rate.
Also suitable for men: Fitness and gymnastics classes
The course program should be varied and offer both beginners and advanced users versatile training options. In addition to endurance-oriented courses such as aerobics, step aerobics and spinning, targeted strengthening gymnastics should also be offered, such as the so-called “belly-legs-po courses” (problem zone training), spinal gymnastics or pump (barbell training). A special bonus can be offers in the field of relaxation methods (e.g. autogenic training), holistic techniques (e.g. yoga), martial arts (e.g. karate) or even mixed forms, e.g. Tai Chi (elements of martial arts and meditation) or Tai Bo (movement exercises derived from martial arts that strengthen strength, endurance and coordination).
Do I feel well?
Whether a fitness studio is good, can be recognized not only by the program and the professional support, also the atmosphere is important. Is the interaction between the members relaxed and familiar? Is it easy to get into conversation with the other exercisers? Does the studio offer activities outside the opening hours, such as joint activities, skiing holidays, Christmas parties and the like? Pay attention to the tone of the studio and talk to people who are already training there. Pay attention to whether they are received in a friendly manner by the service staff. Ask on which days and at which times the studio is particularly busy and whether it is still possible to train in peace. Make sure that the opening hours are optimal for them.
Very important: prices and contracts
What applies to the services of the studio, also applies to the contributions: A comparison is worthwhile. Nevertheless, quality usually has its price, because the studio must be able to finance good staff. Before signing a contract, read the general terms and conditions carefully. Pay particular attention to the contract terms. Most gyms have lower monthly fees if the contract is signed for a longer period of time. Regarding the termination or renewal of a contract, it has been established since the beginning of 1997 that the clause according to which contracts are renewed for one year at a time if they are not terminated in time is effective. Many studios also have clauses in their contracts that are intended to make participants pay the monthly fee even if they do not use the studio’s services. If the customer doesn’t want to work out, that’s fine. However, if he or she is prevented from exercising for health reasons or because he or she has changed his or her place of residence, these clauses are invalid, according to a ruling by the German Federal Court of Justice. Keep in mind that for gyms that halve your fee and then debit it bi-weekly, the total annual fee is higher than if you pay monthly, since 12 months equals 48 weeks and if you pay bi-weekly, you pay 52 weeks. Be aware of additional costs such as those that may be charged for initiation fees, trial training, progress testing, and for creating a training plan.