How to find the right gym for you

First impressions count

A good gym should be hygienic and safe, with spotless changing rooms and well-maintained machines kept free of sweat.

What do you want?

Michael Garry, personal trainer at the White Room, London (www.michaelgarry.com) advises asking yourself the following questions:
● What facilities do I need: classes, pool, racquet sports?
● How often will I go? Is monthly membership worth it if I'll only go once a week and there's a pay-as-you-go option?
● Are personal trainers on the Register of Exercise Professionals?
● Will there be regular fitness assessments to monitor progress?

Before you sign up

● Call nearby gyms and request a one-day or weekend trial pass so you can test each one out.
● Consider distance if the gym isn't near your home or work, it'll be another excuse to avoid going.
● Beware of extra charges for specialist classes or crèche care.

Body conscious?

● Curves is a chain of 200 women-only gyms, with a 30-minute express workout that burns 500 calories. Call 0800 130 0544 for your nearest gym.
● Fitness First (www.fitnessfirst.co.uk) has women-only gyms, many Virgin Active gyms (0845 130 4747) have dedicated women's zones, and lots of local authority gyms have women-only nights.

On a budget?

● For special offers, check www.cheapgymmembership.co.uk.
● Take out health insurance with PruHealth (www.pruhealth.co.uk or 0800 012 1328) and you'll get a discount on gym membership. And the fitter you are, the cheaper your insurance will be.
● Harpers gyms (www.harpersfitness.co.uk or 01480 401300), which run local authority gyms, let you pay for just the classes you attend, and if you do join but decide to leave, you only need to give 30 days' notice.
● Ask about deals for families.