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Health clubs vs gyms

The difference between a health club and a gym is subtle but evident. There we point out these differences and so when it comes to the crunch, you will choose the right facility to develop your fitness.

Health clubs and gyms - The difference

A gym usually describes a fitness room or facility where members can workout using weights, cardiovascular machines etc. A health club on the other hand includes these benefits but also much more besides.

The health club

A health club facility should include areas which relax the body and mind as well as stimulate. So a good health club will include:

  • A wide range of fitness and resistance machines
  • Various fitness / relaxation classes
  • Personal training
  • A swimming pool
  • A spa
  • Saunas and steam rooms
  • Treatments rooms / beauty rooms
  • Tanning areas
  • Cafe and social areas

The gym

The typical gym isn't usually a 'spit and sawdust' room housing only free weights - thoughts these type of gyms do still exist. Usually a gym will be similar to a health club, minus the trimmings. So out will go the swimming pool, spas, treatments rooms, cafe and personal trainingf, but in stays the wide range of machines and exercise classes.

Choosing a gym or health club

Whether you choose to go to a gym or health club basically comes down to

  1. Your goals
  2. Your budget
  3. Your locality - do you live or work near a health club or a gym.

If your goals include developing a clearer, sharper mind and the ability to unwind after a hard day, then a health club membership may be worthwhile. But if your main goal is purely down to fitness and a change in body shape then a gym will serve your needs as well as any top level health club facility.

NOTE: Health club membership tends to be more expensive than basic gym membership - but as you get more for your money, this is understandable.



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