It's a New Year, and for many people, it's time to start working on that New Year's resolution to lose weight. If you're out to pick a gym, you need to make sure you don't start off 2013 by making a big mistake.
Losing weight is really about making a lifestyle choice, so you don't want to get tripped up in the beginning by joining a gym that's not right for you. And besides that, joining a gym is a big financial commitment, so you want to make sure you get it right.
With the help of the Atlanta Better Business Bureau, we've got a to-do list for you:
1) Decide what your fitness goals are. Are you aiming to get in tip-top shape, or maybe just shed 15 pounds. One might require a gym, but maybe you just need to start walking in the evenings—which is free!
2) If you decide to join a health club, visit it. Is it close enough where you'll really go? Is there enough equipment for the time of day you'll be there? Most gyms will give you a one-day pass so you can check it out. If you think your gym time will be at 6 p.m., then try it out at 6 p.m.
3) Consider your budget. You might be able to afford the monthly fee, but don't forget to add in start-up fees. And what if you need to break the contract? What will that cost?
4) Read the contract—every last word of it.
5) Check with the Better Business Bureau to see what they have to say about the gym.
As always, if you have a considerable amount of weight to lose, your doctor's office should be your first stop. Make sure you have his or her okay before starting a weight loss program.
Monday, May 20 2013 11:12 PM EDT2013-05-21 03:12:38 GMT
The Douglas County district attorney used seized drug money to take support staff to a north Georgia training conference designed for prosecuting attorneys.
The Douglas County district attorney used seized drug money to take support staff to a north Georgia training conference designed for prosecuting attorneys. The FOX 5 I-Team followed along and found the four women didn't even register to attend the conference.
Monday, May 20 2013 6:44 AM EDT2013-05-20 10:44:05 GMT
Maria Boudet is a teen who had been living in foster care. She worked hard and earned a college scholarship. But the scholarship was revoked when Boudet's life-long wish was answered; she was adopted.
Maria Boudet is a teen who had been living in foster care. She worked hard and earned a college scholarship. But the scholarship was revoked when Boudet's life-long wish was answered; she was adopted.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:31 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:31:42 GMT
For decades, Atlantans have woken up to Tom Sullivan on their radios. But you might not know that he's also somewhat of an expert eBay seller, and he's got quite a story to tell.
For decades, Atlantans have woken up to Tom Sullivan on their radios. But you might not know that he's also somewhat of an expert eBay seller, and he's got quite a story to tell.
The FOX 5 I-Team found a pattern of payments and perks to one family by the local district attorney's office, and it's a pattern that has critics crying favoritism.
The FOX 5 I-Team found a pattern of payments and perks to one family by the local district attorney's office, and it's a pattern that has critics crying favoritism.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 10:32 PM EDT2013-05-16 02:32:39 GMT
A local man says Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and Reed's ex-girlfriend got him fired from his city job. The man told the FOX 5 I-Team about the federal whistleblower lawsuit he's filed and why he wants the city to pay up.
A local man says Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and Reed's ex-girlfriend got him fired from his city job. The man told the FOX 5 I-Team about the federal whistleblower lawsuit he's filed and why he wants the city to pay up.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 6:39 AM EDT2013-05-15 10:39:34 GMT
Summer is a break for kids, but you still need to keep them busy. So you sign them up for camp, hoping to keep the kids entertained at a safe camp and all at an affordable price.
Summer is a break for kids, but you still need to keep them busy. So you sign them up for camp, hoping to keep the kids entertained at a safe camp and all at an affordable price.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 5:04 AM EDT2013-05-15 09:04:58 GMT
The amount of money many of us pay in taxes in a given year is often times larger than any purchase we'd make. Where does that really money go? Well, there is a way to find out.
The amount of money many of us pay in taxes in a given year is often times larger than any purchase we'd make. Where does that really money go? Well, there is a way to find out.
Contact the FOX 5 I-Team
* denotes required fields
We're sorry, but only one entry is allowed per person. Thank you for your continued interest.
Thanks for contacting FOX 5. To reach our newsroom by phone, please call (404) 898-0100.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:37 AM EDT2013-05-21 14:37:54 GMT
It's summer swimsuit time-- but is your suit right for your body?
It's summer swimsuit time-- but is your suit right for your body? Whether you're curvy, boxy, or round in the middle, Intimacy Bra fit specialist Eve Turner has some ideas that will help you find that perfect suit.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:17 AM EDT2013-05-21 14:17:24 GMT
When it comes to talking to doctors, a lot of us aren't exactly shooting straight. In fact, one survey found that almost 30 percent of patients admit to lying to their physician.
When it comes to talking to doctors, a lot of us aren't exactly shooting straight. In fact, one survey found that almost 30 percent of patients admit to lying to their physician. So, how much does your doctor really need to know?
Tuesday, May 21 2013 9:45 AM EDT2013-05-21 13:45:59 GMT
It's college graduation time, but before many graduates celebrate, they've got to focus on what comes next.
It's college graduation time, but before many graduates celebrate, they've got to focus on what comes next. With a tight job market, many new grads are getting a dose of reality when it comes to trying to land their first job.
Good Day's own Katie Beasley will walk down the aisle this Saturday, leaving her just a few more days to prepare.
Good Day's own Katie Beasley will walk down the aisle this Saturday, leaving her just a few more days to prepare. So, does she have something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue all covered? We found out.
Monday, May 20 2013 11:00 AM EDT2013-05-20 15:00:34 GMT
When the pools open on Memorial Day weekend, it's going to be hard to keep your kids away from the water.
When the pools open on Memorial Day weekend, it's going to be hard to keep your kids away from the water. But before summer gets into full swing, we've got some tips to help you make sure your children stay safe at the pool.
Monday, May 20 2013 9:52 AM EDT2013-05-20 13:52:30 GMT
The nasty divorce between Real Housewives of Atlanta star Portia Stewart and her husband, former NFL star Kordell Stewart, just got nastier.
The nasty divorce between Real Housewives of Atlanta star Portia Stewart and her husband, former NFL star Kordell Stewart, just got nastier. TMZ's Harvey Levin filled us in on the latest on Good Day!
Monday, May 20 2013 9:46 AM EDT2013-05-20 13:46:04 GMT
In case you don't know, we've got a bride-to-be in the house! Good Day's own Katie Beasley is getting married in FIVE SHORT DAYS.
In case you don't know, we've got a bride-to-be in the house! Good Day's own Katie Beasley is getting married in FIVE SHORT DAYS, so we're spending the week checking in with her on the last minute details of her big day!
Monday, May 20 2013 9:32 AM EDT2013-05-20 13:32:48 GMT
Sure, you know that Turner Field is THE place to watch the Braves in action, but did you know you can also take a walk through baseball history while you're there?
Sure, you know that Turner Field is THE place to watch the Braves in action, but did you know you can also take a walk through baseball history while you're there? Good Day's Paul Milliken-- a self-proclaimed Braves baseball addict-- takes you behind the scenes at the Braves Museum.
Picking a gym? The FOX 5 I-Team has some important tips for you to remember first.
