A gym membership can be a great thing to give. But make sure the recipient of your gift really wants one (and will work out there). Don't buy one for a relative or friend who is overweight...big no-no. They may feel very self-conscious already about their appearance. Love them for who they are-don't try and change them. If you do, somebody may end up trying to change you...and you wouldn't like that. Don't buy it out of a feeling of superiority, complacency. Buy a gym membership out of love and respect for somebody who will really use it and cherish-like the aspiring, weekend or seasoned athletes in your inner-circle, or those social butterflies who love who love to talk, socialize and fraternize.

A gym membership may push somebody who already has low self-esteem from being overweight or body shape issues deeper into more negative thinking not only about themselves, but the person who gave the gift. The best thing to do before buying a gym membership as a gift is to know that your intended recipient will really use it. If you are buying it for a friend or family member, maybe you should get yourself one and accompany them.

When you buy any gym membership as a gift, always read the fine print. Make sure there are no hidden fees or surcharges, see what place gives the best access to all of the equipment and services for the money paid. Be wary of pushy salespeople, just trying to make a commission. Thoroughly check out the health club you bought it at. Some places have aging and even dangerous equipment, staff and members that can be rude or even potentially dangerous

Go for a complimentary workout there, yourself. Check the state of the equipment, what kind of members go there, and how the staff and management are. If you wouldn't work out there, why would the recipient of your gift work out there? Always shop around. Health clubs are everywhere in your area. Don't just buy any old membership and dump it on your unsuspecting victim and strut around very proud afterwards. The person for whom you gave the gift to may look at you very bleary-eyed afterwards. If you are not certain about a gym membership, buy them something else...but also think about that too! Think very carefully about that gym membership-even an ardent athlete may not want one.

Not every athlete is interested in gyms-remember that before you buy them...gyms like a lot of other things can be an acquired taste.

Learn more about this author, Todd Daigneault.
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