If you’re committed to the concept of building equity, you may want to accrue the kind that takes some sweat. You can invest in your own physical plant by exercising. Dr. Gerry Smyth, cardiologist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, says “the evidence of its benefits is overwhelming.”
May is National Commit to Get Fit Month, so if you’re not working out already, now’s the time to start. But picking the right program or place to realize this goal may not be as simple as it sounds.
“Put some time and effort into this selection, so you don’t end up joining a facility you never use,” says John McCarthy, executive director of the International Racquet and Sport Association. “For instance, if a club is overcrowded at the times you’re most likely to use it, or if it doesn’t offer the activities you like best, then it’s not the right place for you.”
Dean Ricker, a salesman who lives on Chicago’s North Side, found this out the hard way. He ended up joining two health clubs near his home because one (a major chain) is often overcrowded at the time he wants to work out. Ricker frequents a neighborhood storefront facility when he “doesn’t feel like fighting the crowds.” And much to his surprise, he finds the aerobics classes better at the smaller club (storefront, or boutique, clubs normally take up less than 5,000 square feet and are often oriented toward niche markets, such as weight lifters or aerobic exercisers).
Deciding on right club
In fact, determining which type of place is right for you requires some self-examination before you join. Ask yourself what physical activities you like to do best, when you are going to work out and how committed you will really be. Are you also interested in socializing? And what about your budget? How much can you spare for facility fees?
Todd Logan, publisher of the trade journal Club Industry, points out that there are many kinds of physical fitness facilities to choose from, “but none of them will work for you unless they meet your needs. You can join a club, and there are also non-profit organizations such as the YMCA, hospital-based fitness centers or park district programs.”
Logan also points out that some corporate, hotel or university facilities accept memberships from the general public, citing Northwestern as a case in point. “Country clubs are even beginning to offer separate fitness memberships, but none yet in this area,” he adds.
“People used to make their decisions based on what they could afford and location, beginning with their local YMCAs and moving up,” Logan adds. “But that’s no longer true today. People are looking for a psychological comfort level.
“Money may not be a factor for some people, but they still don’t want to work out at a high-profile health club. You have to figure out what you want out of a facility, and where you fit in.”
Ed Elins, a Highland Park business consultant and award-winning athlete, worked out at his local YMCA for years because it had a basketball court. But when Multiplex in Deerfield installed a star-quality court about eight years ago-to accommodate the Bulls, who moved into their own practice facility last year-he switched affiliations.
“I don’t care about the social aspects, price or amenities of the club,” says Elins. “But I’m there almost every day because they have all the activities I want.”
Determining the value
Price and value, however, are important issues for some, and ones that are “harder to gauge,” says Logan. For instance, he and McCarthy point out that although a facility may be expensive, it could well be worth it when it’s averaged out over the course of a year.
In fact, a recent survey Logan conducted of health club operators and users shows that instead of severing affiliations in these fiscally troubled times, members of facilities such as the East Bank Club in Chicago are giving up other recreational activities, such as a weekend of skiing, that cost as much as, or more than, their yearly fees.
“They get much more out of the club on an everyday basis than a weekend or two away,” says Logan.
For Meredith George, membership in the Lakeshore Athletic Club in Chicago is an important part of her life. She used to belong to a storefront gym that offered only aerobics and weight training, but now she has access to a wide range of offerings for her whole family.
She and her husband participate in various court sports at the club, which is near her home, and her three children are involved in classes and activities. There’s a pre-school program, summer camp and swimming classes, not to mention several levels of baby-sitting.
“I end up spending quite a bit of time there on a weekly basis, but for good reason,” says George. “And there’s also a very strong social component, which is an added advantage. I’ve met some nice women working out.”
George’s experience at her health club emphasizes the fact that certain facilities fulfill specific needs. “It’s a matter of market segmentation,” says Al Phillips, the owner of World Gym in Chicago and a 30-year veteran of the health-club industry. “Look at a club’s structure before you join.”
“A `black iron’ gym for weight trainers or a storefront offering aerobics is obviously not going to be for everyone,” Phillips cautions. “Some clubs have strong social components, and others cater to special needs. But make sure your needs are met.”
McCarthy capsulizes the key issues to look at in a simple five-point plan. They are in order of importance:
-Convenience: “Make sure the facility you join is convenient, which means close to home or work, or it won’t get used.”
-Time. “Determine through visits and interviewing other members how busy a club is at the times you’re most likely to use it.”
-Facilities and services. “Ask yourself, `Does (the club) have in spades the things that are most important to me?’ For example, if aerobics are your thing, make sure there are good instructors, two studios and lots of classes with variety and various levels-especially at the times you are going to go.”
-Price and terms. “Determine if the price is manageable for you, and the terms of membership are comfortable.”
-Maintenance: “Take a tour of the club, and take a discerning look at the facility. Check out the washrooms and scrutinize the locker rooms. Make sure these areas are clean, because you’re going to be spending a lot of time there.”
What the clubs cost
Full service
East Bank Club-Individuals: $1,000, dues of $100 a month. Couples: $1,600, dues $165 a month. Children: 5 to 11, $15 a month; 12-21, $25 a month.
Lakeshore-Individuals: $575, dues $73 to $78 a month. Families, including children up to 21 if they live at home and go to college: $875, dues $124 to $134 a month.
Multiplex-Individuals: $400, dues of $71 a month. Couples: $550, dues of $121 a month. Teens over 16, seniors: $250, dues of $50 a month.
Lehmann Sports Club (Chicago)-Individuals: from $125 to $199, dues from $30 to $48 a month. Couples: $325, dues of $81 a month. Children: $100, dues of $35 a month.
Chicago Health Clubs-Individuals: $599; spouses, $299. Costs change almost monthly, so call first. Dues start after a term expires, so if you purchase a two-year membership for $599, dues begin after the two years are up. They are about $5 per month. No court facilities.
World Gym-Individuals: $490 or $590 with the use of a pool; other family members: $200 apiece. No dues for the first year, then they average $23 to $28 per month per person. No court facilities.
Boutiques
Storefront-Prices vary as much as the clubs themselves and are subject to change. Nautilus and Aerobics on Broadway in Chicago, a club for women, charges $158 a year for unlimited use of aerobics facilities and a small weight room. Chicago Fitness Center in Chicago, a club for men, has only a gym. It charges $300 a year for unlimited use of the weights, the cardiovascular room, and karate, tae kwon do and boxing classes.
Women’s Workout World-Memberships are $197 for unlimited use of the facilities for one year.
Jamnastics (Chicago)-Annual unlimited-use membership is $518 a year. Daytime unlimited use (before 3 p.m.) is $367. Unlimited monthly passes are $60.
Non-profits
YMCAs-Costs vary. For example, annual memberships at New City YMCA on the Near North Side is $228 for an individual and $270 per year. Classes are extra.
Jewish Community Centers-Costs vary. A membership at Bernard Horwich is $200 per year for an individual and $325 per year for a family. Classes cost extra.
