August 3, 2001

The Clubs at Charles River Park, a full-service fitness center adjacent to the MGH, opened its doors to MGH employees July 1. To date, the facility has enrolled more than 700 MGHers who are eager to stay fit with two swimming pools, state-of-the-art exercise equipment, a variety of classes and help from a friendly, professional staff.

MGHers still can join The Clubs at a hospital-subsidized rate of $8.77 per week, or $38 per month. The rate includes unlimited free fitness classes and two sessions with a personal trainer. There is a separate fee for swimming lessons and additional personal training sessions.

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about The Clubs:

Q: When can I start using the gym?

A: MGHers can start their workouts as soon as they complete their payroll deduction forms. The start date on that form will be the start date of membership. Employees also should have their MGH ID badges on hand when they visit The Clubs.

Above: Clubs staff member Michael Bento, left,
helps MGHer Denise Marcellino Boisvert sign up.

Q: Why do I have to complete a second contract after my initial signup?

A: The first form is the employee's payroll deduction form. The second form is a membership contract. All MGH members are required to complete both forms.

Q: When will I get my locker?

A: Employees must indicate interest in renting a locker when completing the payroll deduction form. There is a $5 per month additional fee per locker. Lockers will be issued after the payroll deduction form has been approved and upon completion of The Clubs at Charles River Park membership contract. Because of high demand, The Clubs presently cannot offer lockers to anyone who signed up after July 17. The locker situation will be reviewed at the end of the summer season.

Q: How do I find out more about payroll deduction or membership in general?

A: Contact John Buckingham, manager of Member Services, via e-mail at jbuckingham@partners.org

Q: If I already am a member, can I join at the discounted rate?

A: Employees should indicate on their payroll forms that they already are current members. Annual members should speak to John Buckingham about extending their membership.

Q: Can family members who are not MGH employees join at the same price?

A: The special MGH rate cannot be extended to non-MGH employees. However, the initiation fee can be waived, and family members can join with a standard club membership.

Q: How do I cancel my membership?

A: To cancel monthly or weekly payroll deductions, written notice must be received by the 20th day of the last month in which membership is desired. Cancellations will be effective on the first day of the month following receipt of a cancellation notice.

For more information about The Clubs, call (617) 726-2900 or visit http://is.partners.org/healthclub