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Their focus is on simple physical tasks, such as lifting weights and breathing properly. Workouts are an oasis in a day of obligations. Is joining a health club expensive? Only if you don't use your membership. To make sure you choose a club that's right for you, consider the following before signing a membership agreement: • Location: Join a club that's convenient to home or work. It's too easy to avoid working out if your club is too far out of your way. • Hours: Will you be able to work out at a time that's convenient for you? Can you take advantage of less crowded off-peak times? • Cleanliness: Check out the bathrooms and showers. Remember, it's supposed to be a health club. That means the facilities are cleaned regularly. Better clubs clean their changing, shower, and restroom facilities through- out the day. • Staff: Do the people behind the reception counter greet you with a smile? Do they make eye contact? Or are they too busy comparing tans and muscle mass to notice you? You want to feel comfortable asking them for help. After all, you'll be paying for it. • Atmosphere: Does everyone in the club look like a professional bodybuilder? Are there both men and women working out? What kind of music is playing and how loud? Does the staff make an effort to "walk the floor" to answer questions or offer training tips? Each club has a dis- tinct "personality." In this way, joining a health club is a little like having a roommate: you get along great, you put up with each other, or you move out. • Stretching area: Is there a separate area in which to stretch before your workout? • Weight room: Are there enough free weights and weight machines to go around? What about cardiovascular equipment such as stair-climbers, treadmills, stationary bikes, rowing and skiing and elliptical motion ma- chines? Is the equipment clean and in good repair? You want to be able to spend your time working out, not waiting in line. • Aerobics: Does the club offer aerobics classes? If so, ask for a class schedule. If you plan on being the Sultan of Step or the Queen of Kickbox- ing, make sure the only class isn't offered at 5 a.m. (unless you're an early- morning person). Also, ask about the aerobics instructor's certification. Look for credentials from the American Council on Exercise (ACE), the Aerobic Fitness Association of America, or the Exercise Safety Council. Some health clubs also provide extras: • Sports leagues: Many clubs organize basketball, volleyball, and rac- quetball leagues. • Swimming pools: Check chlorination levels and cleaning schedules. Are swimming and water aerobics courses offered? How many lap lanes are available throughout the day and during lessons? Child care services: More and more clubs are offering on-site child care for parents who need someone to watch their kids while they work out. Many clubs contract with experienced day care companies to main- tain and staff the club's child care facilities.