Word Count:
888

Summary:
Preoccupation with male genitalia and sexual performance is not unique to 21st century men. In fact, men from ancient times were also obsessed with the male genitals and its supposed “magical” effects as a symbol of fertility and good harvest. The article also discusses the need for men to get more information about male sexual health, especially regarding the problem of male impotence. Aside from stressing the need for sexual health education, the article also mentioned the availability of drugs that help treat erectile dysfunction.

Keywords:
sexual health, male sexual health, sexual health clinic

Article Body:
Preoccupation with the male genitalia and virility is not a new social behavior. Ancient civilizations had already placed a high value on the phallus not only for sexual reasons but also for the preservation of peace and order. The phallus was a very important symbol in the Roman Empire, specifically in the city of Pompeii. Pompeii is famous for being the Roman city that was literally buried in lava, mud, and rocks when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 B.C. Accidentally discovered in 1748, the city was found beneath meters of ash and pumice. People who resided in that city were found stone-like and lying in different poses that showed their panic and despair that fateful day when the volcano took away their lives and property. But another interesting find in the ruins was a fresco inside the Villa dei Vetii. The fresco showed Priapus weighing his penis against a sack of money. In Greek mythology, Priapus was a fertility god who was also considered the protector of livestock, plant life, and yes, even the male genitals. Called Mutinus Mutunus in Roman mythology, the said minor god was the son of Aphrodite and Adonis. The fresco boasted how Priapus’ privates outweighed the bag full of coins. In fact, sculptures and images of Priapus were placed by farmers in the field supposedly to ensure the abundance of the harvest. For the Romans, his status also served as a scarecrow. The erect penis was not only propped to scare off the birds but burglars as well. These statues usually had inscriptions that contained the threat of sodomy on anyone caught stealing in the field or house where the said stone figures were set-up. During those times, rape was a common punishment for criminal offenders.

Archeologists and sociologists believe that for many men during those ancient days, a properly functioning penis was crucial to having self-esteem. Proficiency and endurance in sexual activity were considered “manly” attributes, and are still viewed as such by most 21st century men. But what is really interesting in the archeological ruins of Pompeii is how the penis as a symbol was highly regarded, even revered, by the Roman people.

Today, we can hardly see pictures or statues of men that show the disproportionately sized penis. In ancient Rome, it was important enough to commission an artist to paint such a scene inside one’s villa. Still, the preoccupation with the male genitals and sexual performance is still a “silent concern” for most men. Lack of sexual ability, or more accurately, the inability to achieve an erection is a major male concern. It is estimated that at least 30 million American men have been diagnosed with erectile dysfunction. As a sexual health problem, male impotence is defined as the total inability to achieve an erection; an inconsistent ability to achieve an erection; or a tendency to sustain an erection for only brief moments.

Sexual health is more than just an issue of prevention and control of sexually transmitted disease. More appropriately, it is concerned with the physical, emotional and even relational conditions of people. Specifically, male sexual health is focused on a man’s ability to have an erection, which is crucial to performing the sexual act. Intimacy in marriage or in deeper, physical relations between a man and a woman is normally attached to the issue of having the “capacity to perform.” While professional definitions of sexual health goes beyond anatomical and coital discussions, most ordinary men and women attribute the term to acts “in the bedroom.” Surely, men will do well to elevate the discussion of
male sexual health above sexual trivia, positions, and performance. Aside from the obvious need to be informed about the dangers of sexually transmitted disease, men should also be educated about the women’s sexuality and women’s needs. Unlike men, the sexual functions of women are influenced by a number of factors, and not the normal rise in libido.

To access reliable and professional advice regarding sexuality and sexual health, both men and women should consider an appointment with a professional counselor or doctor at the nearest sexual health clinic. It is a known fact, especially in poor countries, that what goes around as knowledge about sexual health is nothing short of a myth. Often, young boys and girls rely on the peer group to get information about sexual health, or about sex itself.

But for men, whether they live in a poor country or in a developed nation, sexual problems must still be addressed by going to a sexual health clinic. Erectile dysfunction is not just a physical problem. It is also linked to emotional and psychological distress. While men who suffer from erectile dysfunction still have the ability to father a child, they do encounter challenges in sustaining their relationships and even their own self-esteem. By getting professional help, men with erectile dysfunction can benefit from science-based information and even medications such as Sildenafil (usually sold under the brand name Viagra), Vardenafil, and Finasteride.

Indeed, getting information on how to attain good sexual health need not be as difficult as excavating Pompeii. Male sexual health is not about achieving the legendary size of Priapus or have circus-like abilities for the most intimate human act. Sexual health is, above all, about maintaining physical health, safety in intimacy, and sustaining good relationships with those we love.

Word Count:
382

Summary:
Do your children love and enjoy playing outside? Especially during the sunny days, running bare foot in the lawn gives you unlimited pleasure. We all know about this since we also did the same during the days we were kids. You can have the television and video games but nothing can match the pleasure that one derives from outdoor games. Summer days meant outdoor game playing. Currently I enjoy playing outdoors with my seven year old daughter. Whenever she returns from school,…

Keywords:

Article Body:
Do your children love and enjoy playing outside? Especially during the sunny days, running bare foot in the lawn gives you unlimited pleasure. We all know about this since we also did the same during the days we were kids. You can have the television and video games but nothing can match the pleasure that one derives from outdoor games. Summer days meant outdoor game playing. Currently I enjoy playing outdoors with my seven year old daughter. Whenever she returns from school, her first question is “Can I go and play outside?” I simply love when she says so. These children a majority of children prefer to stay inside. This can cause weight problems in the future. We should make it a practice for our children to play outside, like our younger days. The only thing that has changed today is that my daughter has a outdoor playset to make her outdoor playing even more enjoyable.

Is there an outdoor playset in your backyard? Nothing bad not to have it. But some of the modern outdoor playsets can be really expensive. When I moved into my current residence I was bewildered by the new age outdoor playset prices. I wished to buy an outdoor playset for my youngest daughter, but soon discovered that I had to comply with some rules. Ever heard of woodent outdoor playsets? Since metal outdoor playsets were not allowed in our locality, I had to buy a wooden outdoor playset. These playsets, though expensive but are better. But it is surprising that our locality does not allow any other kinds of playsets? It sounds bizarre, but do check out the Homeowner’s association before making any purchase. But these outdorr playsets can give your children immense pleaure and fun. Its really satisfying to see my daughter climb, side, swing and play on hers daily. And when she is not playing, its great to see her sitting on it and chatting with her friends.

An outdoor playset is a great means to encourage your children to play out of the house. You do want them to be healthy and active. If you are looking to buy an outdoor playset, check out the internet. It does have a host of outdoor playset that will best fit your budget and requirements.

Word Count:
454

Summary:
If you are a small business owner and you need to purchase health insurance, you may be surprised by how much a policy covering just you can cost. If you need to find a plan that also covers your family, the cost may be even higher. Because of rising health insurance premiums, restrictions about how much coverage you can receive due to pre-existing conditions, and other rules, many small business owners are unable to afford basic health insurance. If you have a small business…

Keywords:

Article Body:
If you are a small business owner and you need to purchase health insurance, you may be surprised by how much a policy covering just you can cost. If you need to find a plan that also covers your family, the cost may be even higher. Because of rising health insurance premiums, restrictions about how much coverage you can receive due to pre-existing conditions, and other rules, many small business owners are unable to afford basic health insurance. If you have a small business that employs a few people, you may not be able to offer health insurance coverage because the premiums are too high.

You have a few options, however, when it comes to health insurance coverage. There are smaller companies that offer plans with higher deductibles or those that cover hospital stay and other emergency care, but do not cover routine check-ups and other appointments. Some plans cover these doctor visits, but require you to pay a higher copay. Even though these plans are not the best, they may be enough to provide you with adequate coverage until you begin earning more money or if your business grows.

If you have employees and want to offer them health insurance, you can sign up for a plan that offers flex options. You pay a smaller premium and each employee receives a certain amount of money each year to cover basic medical needs. Flex plans are also offered to employees who work for larger companies as a way to supplement existing health plans. Employees will still have to pay a copay and pay for major medical emergencies, but other costs will be lower.

Paying for health insurance can be a burden if you are just starting your business. If you have a spouse with an insurance plan you can be added to it. This is a good idea that will save you a lot of money in the long run. Other options when looking for health insurance include joining local community organizations, academic organizations, or alumni organizations. Many times these organizations may be able to offer limited coverage for at least six months. This can help you establish your business and find adequate healthcare coverage in the meantime.

Once your business is generating a profit, you should find out more about health insurance, especially if you aren’t currently covered. Because health issues can occur at any time, you need to be prepared. Having surgery after an accident or illness can cause you to lose your business. Medical costs can take their toll as well. Finding affordable health insurance is possible if you look at smaller agencies and local groups who can provide you with more information or less coverage for the time being.

Word Count:
492

Summary:
Nothing is worse, when on vacation or travel abroad than a medical crisis that you are unable to deal with. It is wise to protect yourself buy purchasing travel insurance which at the very least will give you a level of security in those circumstances.

You never know when misfortune strikes, heart attacks, missed flights, natural disasters may all be covered under a travel insurance policy. Although it won’t prevent the crisis, it would considerably improve the situation a…

Keywords:
insurance, health, travel insurance

Article Body:
Nothing is worse, when on vacation or travel abroad than a medical crisis that you are unable to deal with. It is wise to protect yourself buy purchasing travel insurance which at the very least will give you a level of security in those circumstances.

You never know when misfortune strikes, heart attacks, missed flights, natural disasters may all be covered under a travel insurance policy. Although it won’t prevent the crisis, it would considerably improve the situation after the fact.

There are many types of travel insurance. You can purchase basic insurance that helps you in the event that you are moved off a flight or you missed your cruise to types that cover issues such as loss, health issues or theft. There are policies that are purchased before the trip or during the trip. For example if you broke your leg just before a walking tour of England, your insurance would cover deposits or pre-paid costs likewise if you were on your trip and your leg was broken, then you can have it attended to without worrying about the exclusion or inclusion of various treatments on your current policy.

The travel insurance can be purchased from an insurance agent or a travel agent. The policy may vary in duration. It can be set, for example for two weeks, or be bought on a day to day basis, or for the package holiday, you may have a flat rate.

Travel health care insurance is very useful. You may get coverage for things you don’t consider when traveling, such as injury or death to yourself, family members or travel companions; accidents and the like that end up in hospital; ambulance costs; medi-copter; urgent dental care; and things like transportation back to the US, and evacuation. Many comprehensive insurance policies in the US may not protect you from occurrences abroad.

When planning a trip, go through your current health care package and review exactly what you are covered under to figure out what you might need if you travel abroad. Don’t hesitate to contact your provider if you are unsure about any part of your agreement. Make sure you understand what documents you need to carry and if you are traveling with others find out whether you need to purchase individual insurance coverage or whether you can get a group policy. This would reduce the costs involved in buying duplicate coverage.

Travel health insurance can be a lifesaver but it may not be needed at all. Whether it is needed or not depends on you and how much risk you want to take. It also depends on the nature of your trip. A trip like white water rafting or going to Africa may be more risky than a train tour. It also depends on what you can afford. Figure out how much the expenses are and the risk and the price of peace of mind before you get your policy.

Word Count:
313

Summary:
It’s that time of year again hence we all promise to make a change for the better. Here’s a Los Angeles cardiologist whose wish list of six resolutions for a healthier heart will pay you dividends in 2008.

Keywords:
Los Angeles Cardiologist, Heart Surgery Recovery, Heart Scan, CT. Scan, Full Body Scan, Cardiac CT scanning Los Angeles.

Article Body:
It’s that time of year again hence we all promise to make a change for the better. Here’s a Los Angeles cardiologist whose wish list of six resolutions for a healthier heart will pay you dividends in 2008. Do you want to prevent heart attack? How about heart surgery recovery tips? Los Angeles Cardiology experts speak out.

1. Reduce stress. Try to take some time for yourself each and every day. Don’t lose sight of the big picture. Finally, listen to your body for when it says “enough”, it probably is.

2. Stop smoking. Stop smoking. Stop smoking.

3. Eat healthier. Drink low-fat milk. Take baby carrots or cherry tomatoes to work for lunch. Have fish for dinner twice a week. Have one green vegetable with each evening meal. Losing weight if overweight is obvious. Track your weight on paper each morning to chart your progress.

4. Control blood pressure if elevated. Watch your salt intake. Take your blood pressure pills regularly. Monitor on paper your morning blood pressure and review them with your doctor at follow-up visits.

5. Lower elevated cholesterol. Know your LDL (“bad” cholesterol) and HDL (“good” cholesterol) levels. Follow a prudent low cholesterol diet. Take your medications if prescribed regularly.

6. Exercise regularly. Even small amounts of daily exercise can provide significant heart benefits. Try an activity that can fit into your daily routine?it doesn’t have to be a gym or a trainer?walking with a pedometer for 2 or 3 miles a day each morning would do just fine.

Enjoy the Holidays and have a happy and healthier New Year !

Mason Weiss, M.D., F.A.C.C., is a triple board certified physician with certification in internal medicine, general cardiology, and interventional cardiology. He has practiced medicine for 23 years and is a physician partner with the highly regarded APEX Cardiology team of physicians located at 501 East Hardy Street, Suite 200, Inglewood, California 90301 (310) 672-3900

Word Count:
419

Summary:
The Food and Drug Administration understands that people may not eat properly. That is why they have listed recommendations for consumers about health supplements ? and specifically those with antioxidant properties.

Keywords:
health supplements, Proxacine, Resveracine, Flexacine, Sea Vegg, Rice N Shine, Flex Protex

Article Body:
The Food and Drug Administration understands that people may not eat properly. That is why they have listed recommendations for consumers about health supplements ? and specifically those with antioxidant properties. The simple fact is the human body cannot work properly without antioxidants. The FDA acknowledges that a lack of antioxidants in a person’s diet is detrimental to their health. They also recognize that health supplements are coming to the aid of many people.

Most people — even those who eat healthy — do not consume the proper amounts of vitamins and minerals they need on a daily basis. When the human body lacks the proper nutrients that include antioxidants (foods that contain vitamins C and E, along with beta-carotene and selenium) the immune system is not as strong as it should be. This means that common illnesses and even serious diseases can arise.

Antioxidants are a protection from free radicals. Free radicals should be thought of as dangerous, deformed enemies who are out to hurt us. Actually, free radicals are mutated oxygen molecules. They are “mutated” by pollution, sun and other hazards. When free radicals are allowed to run free inside the human body, they will attach to cell walls and start to change the cell. Changes in the cells can bring on early aging and even cancer.

Health supplements, such as Resveracine, are the soldiers that guard us against the outside, enemy forces. Resveracine is a combination of super nutrients. This “super hero” is specially formulated to provide the human body with the highest level of free radical scavenger hunters in the world today.

It should be noted that nothing will ever take the place of whole foods. However, the simple fact remains that in today’s world of processed foods, adding a health supplement such as Resveracine to your diet is the only sure way to ensure that you have a ready supply of antioxidants available to fight off disease and signs of early aging.

Only in recent years has the importance of antioxidants been relayed to the general lay person. Education by cancer and disease organizations has prompted many to purchase health supplements for themselves and their families. People are coming to understand that if they take in enough antioxidant though healthy eating and health supplements, their bodies will have a strong defense system in place.

The fact that antioxidants slow down the aging process is the added benefit. Doesn’t it just make sense to make sure you are getting all of the nutrients you need?

Relationship Balancing: What Is It?

Relationship Balancing is the natural flow of energy, support and enthusiasm that develops between individuals who are interacting positively. When this flow is balanced individuals become able to fully tap their potential, inner resources become available and work proceeds optimally. When this flow is blocked an energy drain occurs, resentment develops and success is impeded on many levels.

Are Your Relationships In Balance?

To start the process of relationship balancing take a close you at your workplace relationships. At times of pressure or during difficulties most individuals “react” automatically to those they are working with. Automatic “reactions” are one of the greatest obstacles to positive energy flow. A response as opposed to a reaction is a thoughtful, measured constructive response to what is going on. It is driven by goals and values, not by automatic impulses. It allows us to stop reacting and take charge of what is going on.

Examine each workplace relationship carefully. Assess exactly what you want from this person. What is the function of this relationship in your life? What effect is the relationship presently having? As you do this, you are putting a stop to automatic, knee jerk reactions and channeling your energy and resources.

Activity ? Discover Your Personal Relationship Balancing Quotient

List each individual you interact with. Place a score next to each person’s name. Each person will be scored from 1-4.

(1 ? not at all; 2 ? somewhat; 3 ? moderately; 4 a great deal)

a)Each of these individuals are a positive force in my life.
b)I feel at ease with this person.
c)I trust this person.
d)I communicate naturally with this person.
e)I understand what they’re communicating to me.
f)I am able to ask this person for what I want from them.
g)I am able to give this person what they want from me.

SCORE

7-12 Quotient is A1 ? Unbalanced
13 ?17 Quotient is A2 – Moderately Unbalanced
18- 22 Quotient is A3 – Moderately Balanced
23-28 Quotient is A4 – Well Balanced

Be clear about how balanced or unbalanced a relationship is. This clarity is an important step to making the corrections needed.

Common Sources Of Relationship Imbalance

Source 1 – Casting Blame.

It is easy and often natural to blame others for our own difficulties, failures, mistakes or lack of self-esteem. Sometimes we feel the other is diminishing us, or trying to take something important away. However, by blaming another for your own difficulty, you are disempowering yourself. Take a look at your part in difficult situations. See new ways you could possibly respond.

Source 2 – Holding Onto Resentment.

When we refuse to let go of the wrongs we feel have been done to us, resentment builds and inevitably effects successful outcomes. Resentment cast upon another must also inevitably bounce back upon ourselves. This leads to an unwillingness to communicate and to generalized stress and anxiety. One of the greatest skills we can develop is to learn how to let go of resentment on the spot, the sooner, the better.

Source 3 ? Holding onto unrealistic hopes and expectations of the relationship.

Expectations are an enormously important factor in obstructing workplace harmony. When the images, dreams or expectations we have of another are different from the reality of how they are behaving, we become hurt, angry and often withdrawn.

The same happens in connection with expectations we hold of ourselves. Some are always failures in their own eyes and believe others feel that way as well. It is enormously important to determine what our expectations are, (both of others and ourselves) and whether they are congruent with our present situation and realistic.

Activity ? Creating Your Own Relationship Blueprint

List the people you are in relationship with at work. Honestly list your expectations of them, what you hope for or imagine. Also write down what you expect of yourself in each relationship. Then write down what is actually going on now, and how you feel about it.

So often we are responding to expectations we have that have nothing to do with the reality of the present situation. To overcome this, become very clear about the purpose of this relationship. Are your expectations appropriate? Are you projecting feelings from another time, person or situation onto this individual? Look at the picture with clear eyes.

Discard expectations that are unrealistic. This immediately releases enormous tension and anxiety and permits balance to be restored. New lines of communication open naturally.

Now create your own relationship blueprint. Create a new vision for the relationship based upon what is happening now, and what is the best for both of you. Blueprints have power. They assist us in taking charge of what we are experiencing, correcting distortions and negativities and replacing it with what we want. In this way we keep track of where we are, who we are with, and what it is that is truly appropriate constructive in this time at this place for all concerned.

Word Count:
257

Summary:
Long, curvy lashes can make your eyes look wider, alert and more youthful in appearance. It may be no surprise, then, that women want to accentuate their lashes.

Keywords:
Keep Your Lashes Long And Healthy

Article Body:
Long, curvy lashes can make your eyes look wider, alert and more youthful in appearance. It may be no surprise, then, that women want to accentuate their lashes.

But maintaining healthy, long lashes is often no easy task, as lashes are constantly exposed to irritants such as pollution and smoke. In addition to these environmental stresses, your lashes also experience demands from continuous mascara application and curling, as well as pulling and rubbing. All of these lead to fewer and thinner lashes.

To meet consumers’ needs for full, healthy lashes, Blinc Inc., a cosmetics company focused on products for the eyes, developed a lash primer to condition lashes and prevent breakage. Lash treatment is something that is often overlooked, according to Blinc Chief Executive Officer Lewis Farsedakis.

“People don’t think twice about conditioning their hair, but completely forget about their lashes,” Farsedakis said. “Yet lashes play such an important role in how you look.”

Proper lash and eyebrow treatment begins by avoiding lash primers with dyes and those containing fumes or fragrances that can sting or irritate the eyes. Consumers also should look for products with anti-inflammatory and healing agents, which soothe and enhance the strength of your lashes and eyebrows while increasing their resistance to breakage, Farsedakis said.

It also is important to enrich your lash and eyebrow treatment with vitamin E, which nourishes lashes by replenishing and augmenting the level of vitamin B-5.

What should consumers expect their lash primer to provide? Protection from damage caused by overheating and overdrying, free radicals and environmental stresses.

Word Count:
569

Summary:
When you talk about sports fitness, what comes first in your mind? It is, basically, the different sports activities, right? This is because sports fitness has always been referred to as the sports itself.

Keywords:
badminton, tennis, badminton rules, rules of badminton, history of badminton, badminton racquets, how to play badminton, badminton tips, badminton history, badminton raquets, badminton skills, badminton training, badminton scoring, badminton shots, badminton drills, badminton techniques, badminton court dimensions, badminton raquet

Article Body:
When you talk about sports fitness, what comes first in your mind? It is, basically, the different sports activities, right? This is because sports fitness has always been referred to as the sports itself.

Generally, sports entail physical activities that are usually carried out for some “recreational” functions such as self-satisfaction, entertainment, competition, etc. It uses physical activity that is why most fitness experts regard sports as one way of staying fit and healthy. It can also be considered as one way of physical fitness; the only difference is that sports fitness is more inclined to the development of skill or ability.

However, like physical fitness, sports fitness is also capable of toning down the body fats of a person. Because of its rigid and strict health program, a sports enthusiast is able to maintain a well-balanced lifestyle in order to cope up with the strenuous demands of sports.

In sports, people should learn how to value their health. Otherwise, they can never endure the kind of energy that is required when playing sports activities.

Therefore, for people whoa re into sports fitness, here are some tips that you could use in order to stay healthy and be active on whatever sports you want to pursue:

1. Drinks lots of water

Humans can survive days, or even months without food, but they can never last a day without water.

Water is, indeed, the most important element needed by the body. Excessive perspiration, without any means of replenishing the lost fluids will result to serious health problems, and even death.

Therefore, for people who are into strenuous exercises and trainings, it is best to always drink lots of water.

However, for sports enthusiasts, water may not be enough to replace the kind of fluid lost. Hence, it would be better if they would have sports drinks instead. Aside from the fluid, sports drinks have tow additional important ingredients needed by a person who is into sports fitness: carbohydrates and electrolytes.

Electrolytes are usually lost during strenuous physical activity, and this can only be replaced through sports drinks. Carbohydrates, on the other hand, are also needed by the body during rigid workouts to provide more energy so that the body can cope up to the demands of the activity.

2. More veggies!

People who are into sports fitness require more intakes of vegetables and fruits. This is because the body is craving for more vitamins and mineral supplements. It makes the body stronger and healthier enabling it to cope up with demands of the activity.

3. Calcium intake

People who are into sports fitness should have calcium present on their diet. This is to provide stronger bones to the body.

Since the body is more exposed to greater physical activities, it is important to have stronger bones in order to avoid fractures or certain bone diseases like “osteoporosis.”

Calcium can be found in different vitamin and mineral supplements. They are also abundant in foods like sardines, tofu, dairy products, etc.

4. Warm exercises are always important before any kind of strenuous activities.

This kind of activity is needed in order not to strain the body. Hence, before playing the sports that you have always love, it is best to do some warm-up exercises first.

Indeed, engaging into sports activities is one great way of being physically fit. The best thing about it is that in sports, you get to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Word Count:
589

Summary:
Buying and maintaining a health club membership can be pretty complicated, but if you follow these 10 tips, you’ll save money and be on your way to greater fitness.

Keywords:
health clubs, fitness, exercise, workouts, work out, health club membership, gym

Article Body:
You’ve decided you want (or need) to get work out more and get fit. You’re thinking about joining a health club, but you’ve heard too many stories about people who sign up, go one or two times, and never go back. You’re not really sure which type of club to join: a low-cost chain, a more expensive, exclusive fitness center, or a club that caters to only women or men.

Buying and maintaining a health club membership can be pretty complicated, but if you follow these 10 tips, you’ll save money and be on your way to greater fitness.

1. Make a list of your specific fitness needs and wants. Will you be comfortable working out in a large club with both men and women? Will you need access to more than one club? Are you looking for one-on-one personal training services? How often do you think you’ll work out each month? Do you think you’ll be able to keep up your fitness regimen? How much can you afford to pay for a membership each month?

2. Once you’ve identified your requirements, visit health clubs that meet your needs. Get a free pass for each club (at least a one-week’s pass) and workout at each club as often as possible during the free periods.

3. Don’t sign up for a membership at any of the health clubs while you’re using free passes. You’ll be under a lot of pressure from salespeople and managers, and they will tell you that you need to sign up today in order to get discount pricing. Don’t. Health clubs offer discount pricing all the time.

4. When you’ve decided a health club, go back and speak with a salesperson about membership choices. Don’t feel pressured to sign a long-term contract at any health club. Remember that long-term contracts are really installment loans with high interest payments. If you don’t think that you’re going to keep up your workouts, don’t even think about signing one of these contracts. Gather all of the written information about each type of membership, then go home and review it at your leisure. Don’t feel pressured to sign up for any membership at the club.

5. When you’re speaking with the salesperson, ask all of the questions you want. Don’t feel rushed or pressured. Never forget that any contract you sign supersedes any promises a salesperson gives you. Even if the salesperson writes it into the contract, it probably isn’t legally enforceable. The contract is king. Read it carefully before signing.

6. Compare the costs of each membership type, and remember that you should make the ultimate decision based on your own needs, not on short-term discounts that may sound like you’re saving money, but will end up costing you more money in the end.

7. Make sure you fully understand the cancellation requirements of each membership type. Many long-term health club contracts are almost impossible to cancel. A month-to-month contract may be a better solution.

8. Don’t sign up for automatic payments via credit card. If you no longer want a membership, and you’re able to cancel, you may find it difficult to get payments stopped.

9. Keep track of all your payments in case there are any disputes with your health club.

10. If you do cancel you membership, make sure you get the cancellation in writing from your health club.

By following these 10 tips, you will certainly set yourself up for fitness success.