If you’re young and healthy, health insurance is something you probably don’t think much about. Unless you get injured or contract some odd infection that doesn’t respond to the typical over-the-counter remedies.  A lot of health insurance companies are also offering discounts to their policyholders who join fitness clubs, which seems like a really good idea.  Except that new evidence shows that young healthy people are receiving more injuries and are contracting more illnesses in the gym than just about anywhere else. For the first time ever, health industry experts are beginning to wonder if gym membership is bad for the health.
 
As with most complicated issues, the answer to this question is, well, complicated.  But the short answer is, a growing number of health clubs are getting flabby with their safety and sanitation regimens.  So the next time you walk through the door to your gym, take a moment before your workout and really look the facility over. To determine if your club puts your health and safety first, look for the following signs:
 
1. Club staff instruct members on the proper use of the equipment.

All new members should fill out a health history questionnaire that the staff then refer to as an exercise program is developed.  Should any serious health problem exist, such as a bad back or a heart condition, medical clearance is normally requested by the staff.  The gym should work one-on-one with you to develop an exercise program and should instruct you individually on the proper use of all equipment needed for the program.  Gym staff should then check back with you periodically to modify your program, make sure you’re continuing to use the equipment properly and to train you on anything new as may be appropriate.
 
2. Staff members are qualified and well trained.

All staff members should be knowledgeable about health and fitness issues, they should be able to perform a basic fitness test on all new members, and most 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.
 
3. The equipment and facilities are clean and safe to use.

Review the equipment for signs of wear, breakage or missing parts, and for signs that it was cleaned in the past 24 hours. Consider, too, the cleanliness of the facility as a whole. Health clubs are licensed by state or local governments, but they are not as closely regulated as restaurants or like establishments. Dirty locker rooms and broken equipment is often a signal that a club is in financial trouble, and can be the tip of a larger safety iceburg.
 
4. The club has rules and procedures in place.

• Members should be instructed to clean off machines after use (look for adequate paper towels and spray bottles of disinfectant).
• The facility should be large enough to accommodate members during peak hours.  Club membership should be limited to prevent overcrowding.  Find out if it is.
• Exercise equipment should be relatively new, clean and in good repair.  Outdated, worn or damaged equipment may be a safety hazard.
• Instructions for use should be attached to each machine.
• Mats and flooring should be clean and resilient enough to protect against injury.
• Showers and locker rooms should look and smell clean. Mold or mildew is not acceptable.
• The pool and hot tub should be adequately sanitized.  There should be no foam in the hot tub, for example.
• Rules of use should be posted in the pool and hot tub areas.
• First aid kits should be readily accessible throughout the facility.

• Screens everyone entering or exiting the facility, via membership cards, video cameras or security personnel.
• Has well-lighted parking areas.
• Employs security guards (appropriate in densely populated areas).
• Monitors and maintains any child-care facility it may have.

If you feel that your health club is not as clean or safe as it should be, sit down with the director. Request a refund on your membership and take your business elsewhere. If your concerns aren't resolved or if serious health violations exist, contact your local Heath Department.  You’ll be doing every member of the health club a favor.
 
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