Many people join a gym only to find they use it infrequently or not at all! We know how hard it is to start a new fitness programme, and it is essential that you find the right club or gym to help and motivate you. You are also making a significant investment in money, so make sure you make the right decision for you. If you choose carefully, you will never regret making the move towards fitness!

First, do your search by county and town/city to find a club or gym in the right location for you. Look at the facilities offered by each gym, and if they have a web link or further information, take a look at that. Once you have narrowed your search down to a few clubs, you should speak to the club itself and plan a visit.

We have identified some areas you may want to consider before making your final choice.

Location
Getting to the club will have to be convenient if using it is to become part of your everyday lifestyle. The closer and easier it is to get to the better. Are you going to use your car to get there? Then look to see if it has adequate car parking. If you are using public transport, make sure it is close to bus stops or tube stations. Decide whether it needs to be close to your work place or home. Some people find it is easier to go before or after work. Location should not be the sole reason for choosing a particular club, but if a club is difficult to get to, you will find lots of reasons for not going!

Facilities
Make a list of the facilities you are interested in. Do you want a pool, personal training, squash courts, childcare or a sauna? If you are looking for aerobic classes, and they don't run the classes you like, it will be more difficult to motivate yourself to go. When you look at our list of clubs, look for the facilities on your list and be clear about the facilities on which you are willing to compromise against the ones you consider essential. When you try out the club, make sure you focus on the things you are interested in. Spending an hour in the gym on your trial visit, when you really want to do aerobic classes will not be helpful in making a choice.

Staff
Are the staff friendly, knowledgeable and approachable? Is there someone available to answer questions? Look for other staff around apart from the person showing you the club. There should be enough staff around at all times to assist club members.

Members
Look to see if you are comfortable with the membership of the club. If you are a beginner needing to lose weight and everyone else there looks like Cindy Crawford you may find the club intimidating! You should feel like a member of a club with lots of people just like you.

Costs and Contracts
Clubs can vary widely in their costs and the types of contract they offer. Find out what the membership fee is, and what it covers e.g. does it include classes and child-care. You will then need to work out the full cost of membership for you including any additional facilities. On the other hand if the costs include lots of facilities that you feel you will not use, it may not offer good value for money.

Find out how the contract will work. Do you have to sign up for a full year, or is it a month on month charge? Do you have to pay a full year in advance or do they have payment terms? Read the contract carefully before you sign, and look for cancellation penalties or periods. Some clubs may require long notice periods for cancellation. Find out if they have a trial period so you can cancel within a set period without additional charges.

Try before you buy
It is essential that you try the club before you sign that contract. Ask for a day pass or trial period. Make sure you have a proper visit rather than just being shown round. That way you will really get a 'feel' for the club. Go at the time you would normally want to visit the club, and don't be fobbed off with staff telling you that 6 o'clock wouldn't be the 'best' time for individual attention. Look to see if there is a wait to use equipment, whether you can easily book into a class with limited notice and how crowded the changing rooms are. You may even want to ask the person on the piece of equipment next to you what he/she thinks are the pros and cons of the club.

OK, now you know what you want, you have nothing more to fear! Why not look at our comprehensive list of health clubs and gyms in your area, and make your move!