Health club

Health club is a venue that houses exercise equipment for the purpose of physical exercise. Also known as a fitness club, fitness center, and commonly referred to as a gym, health clubs offer a variety of services and activities for their members.

Overview

A health club can be a space for indoor sports. Most health clubs have a main workout area, which primarily consists of free weights including dumbbells, barbells and exercise machines. This area often includes mirrors so that exercisers can monitor and maintain correct posture during their workout.

A gym which predominately or exclusively consists of free weights (dumbbells and barbells), as opposed to exercise machines, is sometimes referred to as a black-iron gym, after the traditional color of weight plates.

Services and facilities

The services and facilities provided by a health club include:

• Cardio area/Theatre: This consists of many types of cardiovascular training-related equipment such as rowing machines, stationary exercise bikes, elliptical trainers and treadmills.
• Group exercise classes: Most newer health clubs offer group exercise classes that are conducted by certified fitness instructors. Many types of group exercise classes exist, but generally these include classes based on aerobics, cycling (spin cycle), boxing or martial arts, high intensity training, step yoga, regular yoga and hot (Bikram) yoga, pilates, muscle training, stretching, and self-defense classes such as Krav Maga and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
• Sports facilities: Most health clubs have a main workout area, which primarily consists of free weights including dumbbells, barbells and exercise machines. This area often includes mirrors so that exercisers can monitor and maintain correct posture during their workout.
• Personal training: Personal training is typically an additional service and not included in the membership fee. The personal trainer will develop a customized workout plan for the client, provide motivation and feedback, instruct and correct the client on the exercises to ensure correct form and technique, and provide general nutritional advice.

Health benefits

Regular exercise can lead to numerous health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, increased strength, improved flexibility, reduced body fat, improved mental health, and reduced risk of many chronic diseases.

See also

• Physical fitness
• Exercise
• Gym
• Personal trainer
• Aerobics
• Yoga
• Pilates

Health club Resources
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