Did you know that 99 percent of those who enroll in a health club or gym do so because they want to lose weight? Actually, less than five percent of these new members reach their weight loss goals. Even more surprising is that only two percent of those who lose weight are able to keep it off for more than six months. The fact is this: attending a health club will not guarantee weight loss. In fact, most health clubs are not adequately equipped with health, wellness, and weight loss programs. Yes, there’s equipment and exercise classes that can help you improve your health and fitness, but you and I both know that it takes more than a class schedule and a bunch of equipment scattered in a room to ensure one’s success. As with most things, there are always going to be pros and cons to working out at the gym. I want you to know that it is not my goal to bash health clubs, but to explain the short comings of these facilities and empower you with the knowledge and understanding to make the most out of your health club experience. So let’s begin by taking a closer look at what I feel is the primary reason as to why most of us get the short end of the stick when we enroll in a health club membership.  Disconnection   The challenge with health clubs begins when you walk through the door. You are likely greeted by a front staff member who is hovering over or under the legal drinking age. I am not saying that a 21 year old is not capable of operating a health club. However, bear in mind that the largest growing population seeking improved health and fitness belongs to a Baby Boomer generation. My recommendation for health clubs and gyms that want to connect with this growing clientele is to staff the front desk with experienced, educated and trained personnel. It may cost more than minimum wage to staff the front properly, but in the long run, members will feel connected instead of neglected when it comes to achieving their goals.  Encouraging Environment   Let’s imagine for a moment that regardless of your age and/or ailments, you enroll in a health club or gym and are guided with exceptional service and reliable information. My next concern with health clubs and their staff is the gap between talking the talk and walking the walk. In my experience and that of many others over the years, it is not uncommon to walk into your local health club only to observe the front staff and personal trainers drinking soda and eating all the foods that are believed to diminish health and slow us from achieving our best body. In fact, I have even heard of health clubs offering donuts, bagels and cream cheese and cupcakes to members as they walk out the door. This is more common than you may want to believe. Therefore, my second recommendation for health clubs is to give the facility a touch of wellness. A supportive environment towards wellness is a great way to demonstrate how much you care about your business. A well-studied health supplement or a wellness newsletter can attract many new clients and keep them coming back on a regular basis.  Health Club vs. Home   In the last few years I have witnessed more and more people choosing to exercise at home rather than go to a health club. Nonetheless, your community health club can be your home away from home. However, in order for that to happen, it’s imperative that health club owners and management become what they market and promote. What I mean by this is that if a health club’s owner and management eat unhealthy food in front of members, it’s going to be difficult for the health club to radiate wellness. Though a health club is a place that welcomes all types of lifestyles, it’s to everyone’s benefit when these facilities are guided by leaders that “Walk their talk.”