Whether searching for yourself or helping someone else get started with exercise, there are 10 things to look out for.

• Is the club a member of Fitness Australia?
• Does the club adhere to the NSW fitness industry code of practice?
• Is the club staffed during all open hours? Are all of the staff qualified?
• Is the club part of the local community or part of a franchise?
• Is the club exclusively for people like you or can anyone join?
• Does the club have easy to use & effective equipment?
• Is the club clean and hygienic?
• Does the club work closely with other local health professionals?
• Does the club have a safe, supportive & comfortable environment?

Fitness Australia is the national health and fitness industry association working for a fitter, healthier Australia. Fitness Australia is a not-for-profit, member-based association with over 900 registered fitness business members and 20,000 registered exercise professionals Australia-wide. These registered businesses and exercise professionals provide fitness services to over 2.5 million Australians seeking a healthier lifestyle.

Fitness Australia monitors adherence to industry standards of service, care and safety through the registration of exercise professionals and businesses.

Log on to www.fitness.org.au and ‘Watch Fitness Australia’s message to the public’.

You can also click on ‘Start Exercising’ and find the registered health clubs and personal trainers in your area.