By Weightcircles Team

You may think choosing a gym is as simple as opening the yellow pages. Actually, there are a lot of things to consider. Many people sign up for a year-long gym membership and stop going within a month. You can avoid that mistake by choosing your gym carefully.

If possible, visit two or three gyms in your area, so you can make a comparison. Many gyms will give you a free membership for a day or a week so you can give it a try. Ask for this, and do it if it's available. Actually working out there may feel different than taking the tour.

To find a gym that you'll really use -- and get your money's worth from -- think carefully about these factors:

Location

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If you're the kind of person who puts off exercising, make sure your gym is close to home or work. It may limit your choices, but the chances that you'll drive a long way to work out are slim.

Hours

Do you plan to exercise before work or late at night? Make sure the gym is open during those times. Do you want to take aerobics classes on your lunch hour? Look at the class schedule to see if they offer classes when you need them. Some gyms offer a lot of classes in the evenings to accommodate work schedules, others are more focused on daytime. Make sure their schedule will work with yours.

Equipment / Classes / Services

What kind of workout do you like to do? Lift weights, swim, play tennis, take classes? A fantastic weight room won't help you if you prefer yoga and Pilates. If you plan to use treadmill-type equipment, take note of how many are available, whether they're working, and whether they're full. Ask when peak usage hours are. If you plan to use the stairmaster right after work, you'll be disappointed if you find there's a long line to use them when you show up.

If daycare is important to you, make sure you visit the daycare center, and ask about their hours and reservation policy. Most centers can only accommodate a certain number of children, so find out if it's typically full when you want to exercise.

Atmosphere

You should feel comfortable at your gym. Does being around fitness buffs inspire you, or intimidate you? Do you prefer an all-female gym like Curves, or a family-oriented center like the YMCA? Do you like a big gym with lots of activities and options, or a small intimate center where you can get to know everyone? Is the staff friendly? How about the other members? Choose a place that feels welcoming to you!

Price

Make sure you understand the pricing structure at the gym you're thinking of joining.

• Is there an initial membership fee?
• How often will you be charged?
• Can you cancel your membership, and is there a cancellation fee?
• Are there different types of memberships -- such as with/without tennis court or pool access, or family memberships? Be sure you're not paying for something you don't use.
• Are there extra fees for certain activities, such as tennis or Pilates, that you want to do?
• Can you get a free day or week-long pass so you can try the gym out?

Take your time making a decision. Don't take an offer for a discount if you "join today" -- unless you're really ready to join. Also, when comparing two gyms, don't let price be the primary decision factor. Remember, if you don't use the gym, your money is wasted.