Health Clubs in San Francisco Area serving Bernal Heights, Cow Hollow, Diamond Heights, Duboce Triangle, Eureka Valley, Fisherman's Wharf, Haight-Ashbury, Hayes Valley, Inner Sunset, Japantown, Laurel Heights, Marina District, Mission District, Nob Hill, Noe Valley, North Beach, Outer Sunset, Pacific Heights, Presidio, Rincon Hill, Russian Hill, San Francisco, Sea Cliff, Sunset District, Telegraph Hill, The Marina, The Presidio, Treasure Island, Twin Peaks and Western Addition

How to Find the Best Health Club in San Francisco, CA

Most of us seem to spend a lot of time sitting. You're sitting down right now looking at a computer screen. When you've had enough of the sedentary life and want to lose weight, firm up those muscles, tone your body and perhaps increase your body's metabolism with aerobics and weight lifting, it's time to find a high-quality, local San Francisco health club. In San Francisco there are several fitness centers and gyms from which to choose. Read on to learn how to find the best health club to meet your weight-loss goals. more »

How to Find the Best Health Club in San Francisco, CA 

The local gym was once the domain of only the professional boxer or sweaty weight lifter. It was not a place most people—especially women—went. In fact, most people didn't actually do much regular exercise. In the seventies and eighties that began to change, as peoples' consciousness began to focus on health and natural living. The running (jogging) craze hit; aerobics classes became very popular. People who had never heard of yoga began attending yoga classes. Richard Simmons, God help us, broke out the short shorts. Leg warmers appeared on womens' legs across America, even when they were just going to the grocery store. Fitness, and fitness wear, became a new fashion statement. And, to answer this craving for healthy living, businesses began popping up in towns across America. They didn't call themselves gymnasiums any more (though doing so might have brought even more business—the original meaning of the Greek word gymnasium was to "exercise naked"). These new businesses called themselves health clubs, or family fitness centers. Offering a safe, convenient place to use weight-lifting equipment, attend exercise classes with like-minded friends and perhaps actually lose a few pounds, health clubs became, for many, a part of daily life.

Today, in San Francisco and around the country, health clubs have come a long way from those early years. The range of options has widened from weight machines and aerobic classes to encompass every special interest a client may have. There is equipment that specifically targets cardio training, getting the heart rate up, nutritional programs with certified nutritionists, personal trainers who will work with you individually to address specific needs or weight loss goals, yoga classes, weight management and weight loss programs, spin classes, therapeutic saunas and hot tubs, Jazzercize, massage, tai chi classes (physical therapy) (recuperative classes) (adapted physical education) and more. Some high-quality San Francisco health clubs and fitness centers have broadened their offerings to include indoor rock wall climbing, aerobic kick boxing, group cycling on the most modern exercise bikes and treadmills (often with televisions so you can watch your favorite show while exercising) children's exercise and fitness programs, martial arts, racquetball, basketball and even, yes, boxing, hearkening back to the old-school gyms where it all started.

Some health clubs offer special senior-only, or women-only classes, specifically designed for that demographic for comfort and privacy. Most health clubs offer free weights as well as exercise and weight machines. Most offer the services of personal, certified fitness trainers who will show you the proper use of the machines and help you, based on your weight and experience, design an exercise program tailored just for you. Many health centers are open 24 hours a day.

Most San Francisco health clubs offer memberships. Typically, in order to use their facilities, one must pay an initial sign-up fee, then a monthly fee thereafter. Memberships may vary widely depending on how often you wish to come and what services you are seeking. San Francisco health clubs and fitness centers often run special introductory prices so be sure to ask. Many offer complimentary guest passes, or steeply reduced start-up rates, allowing you to try them out once or twice before committing.

San Francisco health clubs and fitness centers provide a way to utilize the latest equipment and fitness trends, without having to buy that equipment and have it sitting in your living room. They are a great place to socialize while staying healthy, and they provide the incentive to continue your weight-loss regimen and healthy lifestyle.

There are several Health Clubs to Choose From in San Francisco
If you're starting a search from scratch on health clubs in the San Francisco area, it can be hard to decide which is best for you. That's why we've listed some of the best health clubs in San Francisco for you. The top health clubs in the San Francisco area are: San Francisco Bay Club, Sports Club/La, Crunch Fitness, Diakadi Body Personal Training and Wellness Center, 24 Hour Fitness, Gold's Gym, Pacific Heights Health Club, Cathedral Hill Plaza Athletic Club, Equinox Fitness Clubs, Mercury Fitness, Inc..

Look for San Francisco Health Clubs With Great Reputations
San Francisco health clubs may offer similar programs and equipment, but some have better reputations with consumers and organizations such as the Better Business Bureau or other consumer or watchdog groups. To help you sort it all out, The Prime Buyer's Report has compiled a listing of publications, associations, and internet resources. To view these links, see the article, "Key Consumer Resources for Health Clubs in San Francisco .

 

 

How to Choose The Best Health Club For You in San Francisco 

In general, most people who join a health club are motivated by one of three reasons: They want to lose weight, tone up and be healthier, or they are recovering from an injury, surgery, or other health issue. These goals often go together, of course, but it's important to know what your goals are before choosing a health club. Trainers and exercise professionals often have very different approaches to the same stated goals. Your objective is to find the health club that most closely matches your goals and your comfort level. Sit down and write out exactly what you're hoping to accomplish by joining a health club, even if you're not completely sure. That way, when you go in, you'll be able to give each health club representative the same list of goals. This will make it easier for you to compare their responses to your consistent description.

Although many health clubs in San Francisco may have similar equipment and classes, there are differences of style, temperament and interest. Some don't have a lot of compassion for those just starting out; some emphasize comfort and privacy. Ideally the health club representative will show a great deal of interest and ask relevant questions, perhaps pointing out things you hadn't yet considered. If, after meeting them, you've gotten a good initial impression, ask some questions about the club's facilities and credentialing. Use the list of questions below as a guideline to develop your own.

How long have your trainers and employees been in the health club industry?

How many members do you have?

What are your hours?

Are there "peak" hours of use?

Do you provide child care?

Will someone here be able to train me on the use of the exercise equipment? Does this cost more?

What does the membership fee include? (personal training, classes, pool, towel service, lockers, childcare, etc.)

Are there extra costs for additional services?

May I speak to other members to ask them questions before I join?

May I quit anytime or is there a certain time-frame minimum?

Are your trainers/employees trained in first-aid and CPR?

What industry certifications do your personal trainers have?

Through this question-and-answer period, consider first impressions, the cleanliness and overall look of the health club, experience levels, and compatible styles. Visit the club at different times. Many clubs have high-density use times, or "peak" hours.  Are there long lines at equipment during the times you would be there? Does the club offer a wide enough variety of equipment types to help you achieve your goals? When you've chosen the health club most suitable for you, make sure they are properly certified to perform your work. Before you sign a contract, verify the company's licensing, insurance and endorsements, such as Diamond Certification and Better Business Bureau membership. Before you sign up, insist that there be a written contract that details pricing and all details of the membership, including how to opt out should you change your mind.

 

 

Key Consumer Resources for Health Clubs San Francisco  

Associations & Licensing
BBB Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org)
DCA California Department of Consumer Affairs (www.dca.ca.gov)
Diamond Certified (http://www.diamondcertified.org)
Consumer Reports on Health (http://www.consumerreports.org/oh/index.htm)

Media & Web Publications
http://www.healthclubs.com/
www.steadyhealth.com
www.health.com
www.ivillagehealth.com
National Health and Wellness Club (http://www.healthandwellnessclub.com/)
International Health Racquet & Sportsclub Association (http://cms.ihrsa.org)
President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports (http://www.fitness.gov/)
National Gym Association (http://www.nationalgym.com/nga/index.php)
National Center on Physical Activity and Disability (http://www.ncpad.org/)
Association of Women's Fitness (http://www.association-of-womens-fitness.org/)
PRO Pulse Magazine (http://public.proclub.com/PROPulseMagazine/tabid/77/Default.aspx)
Club Solutions Magazine (www.clubsolutionsmagazine.com)
Natural Health Magazine(www.naturalhealthmag.com)
Women's Health Magazine (www.womenshealthmag.com)
Men's Fitness Magazine (www.mensfitness.com)

The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the top 10 Health Club and Fitness Centers in San Francisco within the following zip codes. 94101, 94102, 94103, 94104, 94105, 94107, 94108, 94109, 94110, 94111, 94112, 94114, 94115, 94116, 94117, 94118, 94119, 94120, 94121, 94122, 94123, 94124, 94125, 94126, 94127, 94129, 94130, 94131, 94132, 94133, 94134, 94140, 94141, 94142, 94146, 94147, 94157, 94158, 94159, 94164, 94165, 94166, 94167, 94168, 94169, 94170, 94172 and 94188

 

 

Tips for Choosing a Health Club in San Francisco  

Take Time Choosing Your Health Club.
Whatever it is that you're trying to accomplish by joining a health club, take your time choosing. Different gyms and fitness centers have different skill sets, specialties and experience so it's important to be sure the health club you choose can actually provide you with what you need to achieve your goals. If you shop around a little you'll have better odds of having a happy ending.

Write it Down.
Think about the goals you have in mind. What do you want to do? Lose weight? Tone up? Change your entire lifestyle? Restore your health? Write everything down that comes to mind. That way you'll be able to hand each health club representative a clear, consistent summary of what you're after.  If you give each health club the same information, it will be easier to compare apples to apples when you learn what each has to offer.

Talk to and Visit Several Health Clubs.
It's not about just finding the lowest price, or nearest-to-work location. Comparison shopping for pricing help you get an idea of the median price for health club memberships and it will give you a chance to sound out the personalities and policies and customer service of each health club before joining. It will also give you a chance to see the facility and get an impression of whether or not you'd be comfortable there.

Get it in Writing
Nothing is official until it is written and signed. So insist that the health club you choose provides you with a detailed document that describes the pricing in detail. Make sure you understand what you're agreeing to. Is it month-to-month? An annual membership? (Don't sign up for a lifetime membership: They are illegal in most states). Three-quarters of the states have specific legislation regarding the maximum length of health club contracts and provisions for cancellation. There is usually a "cooling off" period offered on all contracts, typically three days, during which you can cancel your agreement without penalty. Be sure you understand the cancellation provisions in the contract. To learn more, call the California State Department of Consumer Affairs. (See our article, "Key Consumer Resources for Health Clubs in San Francisco).

Do Your Homework Before Joining a San Francisco Health Club
To narrow down your choices, do some detective work. Research the club's licensing, insurance and reputation. See if there have been complaints about the health club with the Better Business Bureau. To help with this, see our article: Key Consumer Resources for health clubs and fitness centers in San Francisco . Verify all of this information before signing the contract.

Choose Certified Companies.
As with most industries, there is an upper echelon of highly regarded health clubs that insist on delivering the best customer service possible. In San Francisco , Diamond Certification is a measure of extraordinary customer attention. Seek out local health clubs that have earned this designation and you are much more likely to get great customer service.

Know Your Rights.
If you have the misfortune of arriving at a legal impasse with your health club or fitness center, you are protected by certain rights. Start with the California Department of Consumer Affairs Web site (www.dca.ca.gov).

 

 

Health Clubs in San Francisco Offer Many of the Best Exercise Equipment and Brands 

Health clubs in San Francisco offer many of the best exercise equipment and brands, including, Bowflex, Nautilus, Precor USA, NordicTrack, Advanced Fitness, Inc., HealthRider, Inc., Cybex International, Inc., Eloton Exercise Equipment, Sohn, Benter Ball, Cableflex, Butt Blaster, Cardiosport, Orbitrek, TrackMaster, StairMaster, Sportline, Jumpking, Empower, Altus, Variflex, Valeo, Powertec, Infiniti Fitness, Textrix, Unisen, Scifit, Versa, Intek Strength, Sportsart, Quinton