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                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, January 12, 1992                   TAG: 9201100016
SECTION: BUSINESS                    PAGE: E-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Daniel Howes
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

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HOW TO PICK A HEALTH CLUB

Roanoke Valley health and fitness club operators say there's no substitute for thoroughly checking out the place you want to pay for the privilege to sweat.

So here's a few pointers from the pros - all of whom would surely welcome your business:

Check out all the clubs in the area.

Talk to members.

Look at the history of the club, paying special attention to when it opened. Most clubs that will fail do so within the first three years, experts say.

Tour the club at the time you think you'll work out.

Study the club's rules and regulations, fees and hours. Make sure to check policies regarding children and what it takes to cancel a membership. A few clubs allow members to freeze memberships for reduced monthly administrative costs.

If you have a particular interest - weight training, aerobics, racquetball - talk to the staff person who oversees those programs.

Get a couple of free passes and try out the one you think you like. Not all clubs are for everyone, and most operators know it.

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