The pros and cons of joining a fitness club to play raquetball

For racquetball enthusiasts, heading to a nearby high school or park to play a game may be commonplace. But when the weather is anything but sunny, or in the hottest days of summer, where can you go to get your racquetball fix? A gym is great alternative. However, there are pros and cons to consider if you’re thinking of joining a gym solely for having convenient, year-round access to racquetball courts. First, the cons. Gym membership can be pricey. While some gyms will allow you to sign up for a racquetball-only membership, you still have to pay an initiation fee that can be as high as a few hundred dollars on top of monthly dues that can be $10 to $40 or more, depending on the area where you live.

In addition, there are a limited number of courts and, during peak business hours, you may have to wait for a court even if you have scheduled a play time in advance. The busiest times at gym racquetball courts are in the early morning hours and in the early evening hours as members try to get their exercise in before and after work. Lunch time can also be busy at some gyms, depending on their proximity to major employment centers. The best times to book a time on a court, and ensure that it will be available for play without you having to kick other players off, is between 8 and 10 a.m., 1 and 4 p.m. and after 7 p.m. on weekdays. On weekends, avoid morning hours and head to the gym in the afternoon or evening, especially if you haven’t reserved a court in advance.

Some gyms also have seasonal racquetball leagues. If you’re not participating in your gym’s league, you may have a tough time getting on the court during seasonal play and tournaments. Find out in advance if your club offers league play, and how and when such competitions impact availability of the courts. Just as there are downsides to joining a gym for racquetball playing privileges, there are plenty of pros to consider as well.

For starters, if your gym doesn’t offer racquetball-only memberships, you’ll have to purchase full membership that grants you access to an array of fitness classes, weights and cardio machines and possibly, basketball courts, sauna and a swimming pool. Taking advantage of these additional amenities will help you get in even better shape to play racquetball. Some gyms also offer free childcare, which will allow couples to enjoy a racquetball game while the kids get some quality (supervised!) play time.

Many gyms now offer racquetball leagues. So if you tend to play racquetball alone, but would like the challenge of having a partner, look into gym leagues. Frequently, leagues are round-robin culminating in a championship tournament series. There may be additional fees to participate in league play, so consult your gym representative. If you’re new in town or only recently began playing racquetball, the gym is a great place to meet fellow players who you can join in a pick-up game or who can offer pointers. There are plenty of racquetball die-hards to be found on gym courts, and they are typically more than willing to share their insight on the game or to help you find a new serve.

Another advantage to joining a gym to play racquetball is the quality of the courts. Not only are the courts more than likely located indoors -- allowing year-round play -- but they are also cleaned on a regular basis and are usually maintained frequently to ensure they offer the highest quality playing surfaces. Since you’re paying good money to play racquetball at a gym, court damages are repaired quickly to ensure a safe environment.

There are plenty of advantages and disadvantages to keep in mind when you’re considering whether to join a gym to play racquetball. And don’t forget to take into account free, public racquetball courts in your town as well as the local weather conditions and popularity of the sport. Look on-line or in the phone book to locate any facilities that may offer discount play, and identify the pros and cons before dedicating your money to a gym. Above all, if you decide to join a gym for racquetball purposes, be sure you fully read and understand your gym contract to ensure you get the most for your money while enjoying your sport.