International Fitness Club Network (IFCN),
a Preventure Company
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the International Fitness Club Network?
A1. The International Fitness Club Network (IFCN) is a network of over 9,500 independent fitness clubs
across the U.S. Clubs within the network offer lowest guaranteed rates and one-week free trials at an
unlimited number of clubs to eligible employees.
Q2. Who is eligible for the International Fitness Club Network?
A2. All Lowes employees are eligible for this benefit.
Q3. How do I find IFCN clubs in my area?
A3. To take advantage of the benefit you should:
1.
Visit the Lowes/IFCN website
2.
To search for an IFCN health club in your area click the find a health club near
you link ether at the bottom of the Lowes IFCN welcome screen or in the right
navigation bar.
3.
Enter your zip code
4.
Select the mile radius
5.
Click search
6.
A list of IFCN clubs will appear both as a list and on a map
7.
Once you locate a club you would like to visit, call the health club you are interested in and speak
with someone in the membership department. Schedule a time to tour the facility. Be sure to
present your LOWES proof of employment along with a print out of the IFCN Voucher/Free Week
Certificate when you visit the club.
8.
Discuss what the lowest membership rate would be for the type of membership selected with the
health club’s membership department. Make sure to mention you have the International Fitness
Club Network (IFCN) benefit through LOWES or show them the IFCN Voucher/Free Week
Certificate.
Q4. How do I find out what nationwide club chains are part of the IFCN?
A4. 1. Visit the Lowes/IFCN website
2. Click the nationwide club chains link at the bottom of the Lowes IFCN welcome
screen or in the right navigation bar
3. Scroll through the list and to for more information on a nationwide club chain click
the underlined link in the club write-up.
4. Once you locate a club you would like to visit, call the health club you are interested in and speak
with someone in the membership department. Schedule a time to tour the facility. Be sure to present
your LOWES proof of employment along with a print out of the IFCN Voucher/Free Week Certificate
when you visit the club.
5. Discuss what the lowest membership rate would be for the type of membership selected with the
health club’s membership department. Make sure to mention you have the International Fitness Club
Network (IFCN) benefit through LOWES or show them the IFCN Voucher/Free Week Certificate.
Note: New nation-wide club chains are always joining the IFCN, so check this list frequently for
updates.
Q5. What "rate" am I eligible for through International Fitness Club Network (IFCN)?
A5. IFCN contracts with quality health and fitness clubs that vary greatly in size, amenities offered, and
facilities available. Therefore, IFCN cannot set one flat membership rate for every club. Participating
IFCN clubs offer LOWE’S employees a variety of memberships (e.g., Aerobics Only, Fitness Room
Only or a Full Facility Membership). The IFCN program ensures LOWE’S employees receive the lowest
rate for the type of membership selected, which is typically the club’s lowest corporate rate.
Q6. Are LOWE’S employees and their family members eligible for a free week trial membership?
A6. Yes, LOWE’S employees and their eligible family members can try out as many clubs as they like for
one week. Free week certificates are available at My Lowe’s Life> My Life Track> Fitness Club
Network. From there, you can click IFCN Voucher in the right navigation bar and print the voucher to
take with you to the IFCN club of your choice. If you do not have access to a computer to download the
voucher, you can call IFCN’s toll-free member service number 1.800.866.8466 and inform the operator
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International Fitness Club Network (IFCN),
a Preventure Company
Frequently Asked Questions
that you are a LOWE’S employee. The IFCN representative can then contact the club to confirm your
eligibility.
(Note: The free week certificate becomes active on the day you print it. It is imperative to print the
certificate on the day you plan to visit the facility to get the full week benefit. Free Week Certificates
cannot be used with the Passport Travel Program.)
Q7. I am already a member of a club. Can I still take advantage of this program?
A7. The "lowest membership rate for the type of membership selected" may only be offered to new
members joining the club. If you have already entered into a contract with a participating club, you must
fulfill the terms of that contract. When it is time to renew your membership, contact your club’s
membership office to see if the IFCN rate can be applied.
Q8. What if I can't find a gym in my area?
A8. You should visit My Lowe’s Life> My Life Track> Fitness Club Network to access the health club
database, or call IFCN’s toll-free number 1.800.866.8466 to speak with a member service
representative. If you are still unable to find a club in your area, you may nominate a health club to join
the network. Simply fill out the online “Nominate a Club” form or call the customer service number and
speak with a representative. Clubs are invited to join IFCN, but are not obligated.
Q9. My gym didn't know about the program, but they are listed as a member club. What do I do?
A9. The IFCN benefit consists of more than 9,500 health clubs nationwide. These clubs have a large, everchanging staff, and there may be an occasion when one club representative may not be aware of their
club’s participation in IFCN. If this happens, speak with someone in the club’s membership department
and mention you have the IFCN benefit through LOWE’S. If they are unclear as to their participation,
please call IFCN’s toll-free member service number, inform the operator of this situation, and an IFCN
representative will resolve the issue at the club and supply you with the name of someone at the club
that will assist you directly.
Q10. Do all chains/franchise clubs participate in IFCN?
A10. No. Franchised club chains such as Gold’s Gym and the YMCA enroll their clubs on an individual
location basis. However, Curves, Bally’s, Club One, LA Fitness, Snap Fitness, The Rush and Charter
Fitness are currently IFCN members. Please visit My Lowe’s Life> My Life Track> Fitness Club
Network to search for participating health and fitness clubs near you. Again, be sure to speak to
someone in the club’s membership department to ensure the club is part of the IFCN network. Don’t
forget, you can “Nominate” a club that is not listed as a participating IFCN club, and IFCN will invite
those clubs to enroll in the network.
Q11. Can my spouse and/or children join the club with me?
A11. IFCN is extended to LOWE’S eligible employees and their immediate family members. However,
immediate family members are defined by each individual club. Contact the club directly and ask for
someone in the membership department to determine family member eligibility for their location. You
must accompany any qualifying family members upon their initial visit and present your employee proof
of employment to confirm that they receive the IFCN benefit through LOWE’S.
Q12. What do the clubs have to do to belong to the IFCN program?
A12. IFCN is a free and voluntary program for clubs to join. Every participating club signs a contract stating
they will:
1. Offer their "lowest membership rate for the type of membership selected". At most clubs, this will
be their corporate rate.
2. Offer a one-week free trial membership (subject to space availability)
3. Abide by the American College of Sports Medicine's (ACSM) and International Health, Racquet &
Sportsclub Association's (IHRSA) Health and Safety standards
Q13. Can I use my IFCN club membership when I travel?
A13. The International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) established the IHRSA
Passport Program to give members of participating IHRSA clubs guest privileges when traveling. Many
IFCN participating clubs are also members of IHRSA's Passport Travel Program, which is a reciprocal
access program allowing eligible members’ access to health clubs when they travel further than 50
2
International Fitness Club Network (IFCN),
a Preventure Company
Frequently Asked Questions
miles from their “home” club. If your home club is an IHRSA member and participates in this program,
then you are eligible to use any other Passport Clubs around the country that also participate. Visit
www.healthclubs.com to search for an IHRSA Passport club in the area where you will be traveling.
Before you leave home, call ahead to the club you'd like to visit to verify if any guest fees may apply, as
well as to confirm the availability of facilities you plan on using. Upon arrival, show the front desk staff
your Passport identification (your home-based club should be able to supply this to you); pay the guest
fee and you're in! (Note: Free Week Certificates cannot be used with the Passport Travel Program.)
Q14. I'm not ready to join a gym, but I would like to start exercising and take better care of myself.
Are any other programs available for me through IFCN?
A14. Yes, IFCN members will receive the lowest guaranteed price on a variety of NordicTrack cardio and
strength training equipment and accessories available at Sears. In addition to discounts at Sears, IFCN
members also receive preferred pricing at 2nd Wind Fitness. Visit the online store located on My
Lowe’s Life> My Life Track> Fitness Club Network for a list and description of products offered. In
addition, IFCN offers employees’ self-help programs through the American Institute for Preventive
Medicine (AIPM) and information about the American Heart Association Walking Program, America on
the Move, the National Health Resource Directory, President’s Challenge and much more!
Q15. Who do I contact for questions regarding IFCN?
A15. Visit IFCN online at My Lowe’s Life> My Life Track> Fitness Club Network or call IFCN Customer
Service, toll-free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1 (800) 866-8466.
3