The busiest time for a fitness club is just after Christmas but many people stop attending within a few months so if you join a club you want to make sure they will motivate you enough to keep coming back. Before you choose you first need to decide what your priority is and make sure that it suits your needs and goals. This may all sound trivial but the number of people that join clubs and then leave because it doesn't meet with their needs, usually within a matter of months, is enormous. Probably the most important consideration is the location, those clubs that are have the best attendance are either located close to home or work, anywhere outside of this and you will probably make excuses as to why you cannot go.

Having a decent well qualified instructor is the next most important as a good instructor will encourage you to not only attend but to keep the fitness training up. Always inform your physical trainer if you require any special attention or have any limitations they need to know about in advance. You can ask the staff what services they offer, this will give you the chance to find out how helpful, friendly and professional they are. Increasing numbers of fitness clubs have specialists who work certain days or are resident such as physiotherapists and nutritionists for instance.

You also need to know that their opening times are extensive as if they are short you may find the club becomes very busy or it might be difficult for you to fit in with their schedule. If your fitness club offers group classes, choose the facility that offers the classes you really like; you can do a trial class to check it out if you want. Check if there is enough equipment for all the members otherwise, you will waste time waiting for your turn instead of working out. Modern equipment is safer and more comfortable to use but machines and other training facilities should be in clean and in good order so if you see a lot of ‘out of order' signs, it could be something to think about.

Many clubs have a good social calendar which is worth noting and attending to get to know a few people who are members that may be able to help you with your training in the future. You will also need to know what the membership fees are, whether they increase a great deal every year and if there are charges not mentioned in the literature. If you are serious about joining a fitness club, you will really need to look at more than one; after all it is your money! Take your time, there is no hurry and be wary of clubs that continue to contact you about membership as there is a fine line between a courteous approach and pestering.