ample, why pay for a palatial locker room with blow dryers and designer soap if you're never go- ing to use it? • Consider specializing. If you don't need a full-service club, in- vestigate a weights-only gym, an aerobics or yoga studio or a com- munity swimming pool if those are your special interests. You may save money, and there are advantages to facilities that spe- cialize. • Pick the right atmosphere. Some gyms are like a singles bar, with everyone strutting and preening and flirting, and there's nothing wrong with working out and meeting the love of your life (or at least a date for Saturday night). Other exercisers prefer a more low-key family atmos- phere, or a women-only gym, or one that caters to serious weight lifters. • Learn about the staff. A bubblehead at the front- desk might not be a problem, but staffers who actually work with members should be qualified. Ideally, they are certified by the American College of Sports Med- icine, the Institute for Aerobics Research, the American Coun- cil on Exercise or the Aerobics and Fitness Association of Amer- ica. At the very least they should be familiar with the machines and able to get you started on a basic program. If you want more personal at- tention, find out if the gym has on-staff personal trainers or can refer you to a qualified trainer. • Try it out. Ask if you can join an aerobics class or try it out for a week before signing on the dot- ted line. Some gyms offer short- term trial memberships. • Ask about future plans. A club that has plans for expanded programs or facilities is probably in sound shape. • Read the fine print. Read the membership agreement careful- ly. Initiation and monthly fees should be reasonable (initiation fees should be no more than 10 times the monthly dues). Bear in mind that clubs charg- ing high initiation fees and low monthly dues often have a high membership turnover. Make sure you can freeze a membership in the event of in- jury, or transfer your member- ship to an affiliated location if you move. • Look for ways to save mon- ey. Some gyms offer reduced rates for off-peaks-hours mem- bership. Others sell lower-cost partial memberships for use of some, but not all, of the facilities. And some health clubs offer a discount to members who pay a year's worth of dues in ad- vance. 111 Alision Ashton writes for Copley News Service. efore choosing a health plan, make sure it includes the first choice in health care. The DMC Health Care Centers. When comparing health plans, here's And, we're open on Saturdays and offer extended hours at our Novi and Livonia a comforting fact locations. So when you might like choosing a to know: medical The DMC plan, consider Health Care one that gives Centers par- ticipate in most major HMOs, PPOs and health insurances including Health Alliance Plan (HAP). Of course, this isn't the only advantage We provide. As a part of The Detroit you the biggest benefit of all. The DMC Health Care Centers. For more information, call any of our locations. You'll see how easy it is to get the right care, right here. Medical Center-Wayne State University Wayne State University system, our physicians are able to treat Health Care Centers patients with some of the most advanced • Livonia DMC Health Care Center 17940 Farmington Road (313) 523-6800 • Novi DMC Health Care Center medical techniques. Also, DMC Health 41935 W. 12 Mile Road (810) 347-8000 Care Centers offer primary and urgent care 22341 W. 8 Mile Road (313) 592-3500 as well as more than 30 medical specialties. 27207 Lahser Road (810) 827-2160 • Northwest Detroit !)MC: HealthCare Center • Southfield DMC Health Care Center • Bloom coo Bloom • • Clinical Teaching • Testing/Evaluation • Therapeutic Tutoring • Registered Electrologists • Come and let us remove your unwanted hair problem and improve your appearance. Near 12 Mile Rd. bet. Evergreen & Southfield 559-1969 Appt. Only. Ask For Shirlee or Debby 545-6677 • 433-3323 LYNNE MASTER, M.Ed Owner, Director Oak Park Bloomfield Hills