We're back with our panel of health and fitness experts, talking about health clubs. Last time they told us that choosing the right fitness club will take some legwork. When you call to check prices, ask about the availability of equipment, certified instructors, parking and even the music they play, among other things. You can eliminate some clubs over the phone, but you can't get a club's pulse without visiting. Try to go about the same time you expect to be working out.
Some places offer free trial memberships for a day or a week.
If you use poor body mechanics, you can run into trouble with tendonitis. I see that in patients who come in here,'' she said. Nancy Bloomquist, an exercise physiologist who supervises a fitness center affiliated with Danbury Hospital, suggested asking health clubs for a list of instructors and their credentials. You want to make sure you have a safe, guided exercise program,'' she said. Instructors should be certified by one of several major organizations, such as the American Council of Exercise or the National College of Sports Medicine, Bloomquist said.