A health club (also known as a fitness club, fitness center, and commonly referred to as a gym The word γυμνάσιον was used in Ancient Greece, meaning a locality for both physical and intellectual education of young men (see gymnasium (ancient Greece)). The later meaning of intellectual education persisted in German and other languages to denote a certain type of school providing secondary education, the Gymnasium, whereas in) is a place which houses exercise equipment An exercise machine is any machine used for physical exercise. These range from simple spring-like devices to computerized electromechanical rides to recirculating-stream swimming pools. Most exercise machines incorporate an Ergometer. An Ergometer is an apparatus for measuring the work a person exerts while exercising as used in training or for the purpose of physical exercise Physical exercise is any bodily activity that enhances or maintains physical fitness and overall health or wellness. It is performed for various reasons. These include strengthening muscles and the cardiovascular system, honing athletic skills, weight loss or maintenance and for enjoyment. Frequent and regular physical exercise boosts the immune.
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Facilities and services
Main workout area
Most health clubs have a main workout area, which primarily consists of free weights Weights are exercise equipment used for strength training. The term is typically used as a shortened form of the term free weights, but it can also refer to any exercise machine that uses weighted plates to generate the major opposing force including dumbbells A dumbbell is a piece of equipment used in weight training, and is a type of free weight. They can be used individually or in pairs, barbells A barbell is a piece of exercise equipment used in weight training, weightlifting and powerlifting. Barbells range in length from 4 feet to 7 feet (2.1 m). The central portion varies in diameter, but is close to one inch (2.54 cm), and is often engraved with a knurled crosshatch pattern to help lifters get a good grip. Disc weights (plates) are and exercise machines An exercise machine is any machine used for physical exercise. These range from simple spring-like devices to computerized electromechanical rides to recirculating-stream swimming pools. Most exercise machines incorporate an Ergometer. An Ergometer is an apparatus for measuring the work a person exerts while exercising as used in training or. This area often include mirrors so that exercisers can monitor and maintain correct posture during their workout.
Cardio area/Theatre
A cardio theatre including treadmills, stationary bikes and tv displaysA cardio theater or cardio area includes many types of cardiovascular Aerobic exercise is physical exercise that intends to improve the oxygen system Aerobic means "with oxygen", and refers to the use of oxygen in the body's metabolic or energy-generating process. Many types of exercise are aerobic, and by definition are performed at moderate levels of intensity for extended periods of time training-related equipment such as rowing machines An indoor rower, or rowing machine, is a machine used to simulate the action of watercraft rowing for the purpose of exercise or training for rowing. Indoor Rowing has become established as a sport in its own right. The term also refers to a participant in this sport, stationary exercise bikes An exercise bicycle or bike, or stationary bicycle, or Exercycle is a device with saddle, pedals, and some form of handlebars arranged as on a bicycle, but used as exercise equipment rather than transportation. A cycloergometer, cycle ergometer or bicycle ergometer is a stationary bicycle with an ergometer to measure the work done by the exerciser, elliptical trainers An elliptical trainer is a stationary exercise machine used to simulate walking or running without causing excessive pressure to the joints, hence decreasing the risk of impact injuries and treadmills A treadmill is an exercise machine for running or walking while staying in one place. The word treadmill traditionally refers to a type of mill which was operated by a person or animal treading steps of a wheel to grind grain . These areas often include a number of audio-visual displays (either integrated into the equipment, or placed on walls around the area itself) in order to keep exercisers entertained during long cardio workout sessions.
Group exercise classes
Spin-cycle group exercise classMost newer health clubs offer group exercise classes that are conducted by qualified fitness instructors. Many types of group exercise classes exist, but generally these include classes based on aerobics Aerobics is a form of physical exercise that combines rhythmic aerobic exercise with stretching and strength training routines with the goal of improving all elements of fitness . It is usually performed to music and may be practiced in a group setting led by an instructor (fitness professional), although it can be done solo and without musical, cycling (spin cycle), boxing, high intensity training High Intensity Training is a form of strength training popularized in the 1970s by Arthur Jones, the founder of Nautilus. The training focuses on performing quality weightlifting repetitions to the point of momentary muscular failure. The training takes into account the number of repetitions, the amount of weight, and the amount of time the muscle, regular and hot (Bikram) yoga,[1] pilates and muscle training. Health clubs with swimming pools often offer aqua aerobics Water aerobics or "waterobics" is the performance of aerobic exercise in shallow water such as a swimming pool. In some areas it is known as AquaFit or "aqua aerobics", and is a type of resistance training classes.
Sports facilities
Some health clubs offer sports facilities such as a swimming pools A swimming pool, swimming bath, wading pool, or simply a pool, is a container filled with water intended for swimming or water-based recreation. There are many standard sizes; the largest and deepest is the Olympic size. A pool can be built either above or in the ground, and from materials such as metal, plastic, fiberglass or concrete, squash Squash is a racquet sport played by two players in a four-walled court with a small, hollow rubber ball. Squash is recognized by the IOC and remains in contention for incorporation in a future Olympic program. Squash has been recognized as the world's healthiest sport courts or boxing areas. In some cases, additional fees are charged for the use of these facilities.
Personal training
Personal training at a gym.Most health clubs employ personal trainers The 5 classic components of fitness are muscular strength, muscular endurance, body composition, cardiovascular endurance, and flexibility. Although there are other subsets like power and speed. The general population is defined as an age range of 18 to about 50 . The definition of healthy in this context means an absence of a disease that would who are accessible to members for training/fitness/nutrition/health advice and consultation. Personal trainers can devise a customized fitness routine, sometimes including a nutrition plan, to help clients achieve their goals. They can also monitor and train with members. More often than not, access to personal trainers involves an additional hourly fee.
Other services
Newer health clubs generally include health-shops, snack bars, restaurants, child-care facilities, member lounges and cafes. It is not unusual for a sauna A sauna session can be a social affair in which the participants disrobe and sit or recline in temperatures of over 80 °C . This induces relaxation and promotes sweating, steam shower A steam shower is a type of bathing where a humidifying steam generator produces water vapor that is dispersed around a person's body. A steam shower is essentially a steam room that offers the typical features of a bathroom shower. Steam showers are generally found in self-contained enclosures that prevent the water vapour from escaping into the, or wellness areas Wellness is generally used to mean a healthy balance of the mind, body and spirit that results in an overall feeling of well-being. It has been used in the context of alternative medicine since Halbert L. Dunn, M.D. began using the phrase high level wellness in the 1950s. The modern concept of wellness did not, however, become popular until the 197 to be present. Health clubs generally charge a fee to allow visitors to use the equipment, courses, and other provided services.
Levels of services and offerings
Health clubs offer a wide array of services, and as a result the monthly membership prices can vary greatly. A recent study of American clubs found that the monthly cost of membership ranged from US$15 per month at basic chain clubs that offer limited amenities to over US$200 per month at spa-oriented clubs that cater to families and those seeking social activities in addition to a workout [citation needed]. In addition, some clubs such as many local YMCAs offer per-use punchcards or one-time fees for those seeking to use the club on an as-needed basis.
Costs can be altered through the purchase of a higher-level membership, such as a Founders or a Life membership. Such memberships often have a high up-front cost but a lower monthly rate, which are most likely to be beneficial to those who use the club frequently and hold their memberships for years.
See also
- Anytime Fitness
- Celebrity Fitness
- American Family Fitness American Family Fitness is a Richmond, VA-based chain of fitness clubs, operated by Richmond Fitness, Inc. It has been in business since 1988, and claims 300+ employees and a revenue of over $7 million annually. American Family Fitness was ranked the 30th largest revenue producing for-profit health club in North America in 2007, according to Club
- Gold's Gym Gold's Gym International, Inc. is an international chain of co-ed fitness centers originally started in California by Joe Gold. Each gym features a wide array of exercise equipment, group exercise classes and personal trainers to assist clients
- YMCA The Young Men's Christian Association is a worldwide movement of more than 45 million members from 124 national federations affiliated through the World Alliance of YMCAs. Founded on June 6, 1844 in London, England by George Williams, the goal of the organization was putting Christian principles into practice, achieved by developing "a
- Fitness Dynamics
- IHRSA
References
- ^ GYM Directory - Local Gym Directory
- Carroll, L. "Choosing a health club", MSNBC Health, December 19, 2003. Accessed February 23, 2008.
External links
Categories: Health clubs Categories: Exercise organizations | Personal service companies | Clubs and societies
