Thinking of dropping a wad of cash to get fit? Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you’re getting your money’s worth, says Jacqui Ripley

A good gym can offer a great deal in terms of equipment and expert instruction. Plus many of us find the motivation of classes helps keeps us going. But what should you be looking for in a gym and a gym contract? Here’s what the experts recommend:

‘Like anything, joining a good gym is a financial commitment, so you want to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible,’ says Andree Deane, Executive Chairperson of the Fitness Industry Association in London. ‘To start, make a list of your fitness goals and the activities you fancy. Then visit all the gyms convenient to your home or work, talk to the staff and hang out for a while to get a feeling for the place.’ If there is a gym that meets your needs, visit at least twice before signing up – once at peak time and again at the time you are most likely to use it. Here is a checklist of things to look for:

1. If your goal is aerobic fitness, make sure there is a wide range of cardiovascular machines, such as treadmills, steps, rowing machines and bicycles. Ask what each machine does, and make sure there is a ‘bank’ of each so you won’t have to queue up every time. Also, look for the small things that make you happy to be at the gym. Are there paper towels to wipe down the machines and plenty of water fountains? Do they have small towels you can use while you workout?
2. If you’re interested in classes, check that the gym has a wooden spring floor to minimise impact on your joints. The constant pounding on carpet or hard wood floors can lead to lower back and leg injuries.
3. If you fancy swimming, have a look at the pool (don’t trust the photo in the promotional leaflet). Some clubs have tiny pools, and if you’re into swimming laps you’ll want one at least 25m long.

4. Check that the changing rooms are well-maintained. Are there tissues, hairdryers, lotions, soap, shampoo and towels available? A light gym bag can be a big incentive to join a gym.
5. Get a sense of the club’s general atmosphere. Are the staff attentive? Do they smile? If you’re interested in classes, ask how many people are likely to attend. Will you feel crowded in your favourite classes? If so, it might be worth looking elsewhere. Also, look around at the other members.
6. The first few weeks are the most important in your membership. Ask to speak to an instructor to see if the gym offers any special programmes for beginners or new members. What qualifications do the instructors have? It’s important to know that the people training you are properly qualified. Ditto for the ‘lifestyle’ service practitioners, who offer nutrition counselling, stress management and alternative health therapies at some gyms.
7. Reputable clubs ask members to undergo a medical examination, take a fitness test and attend an induction course, during which they are shown how to use the machines. Check to make sure your club offers this service.

When it comes to joining a gym, you generally get what you pay for, and so you need to shop around for the best deal. ‘However impressed you are by the club, make sure they are a member of a reputable company and adhere to a professional code of practice within the fitness industry,’ warns Bob Paton, Chief Executive of The Leisure Corporation. Here are some ways to ensure the club you want to join is legit:

• Is the club part of a group or is it a single unit? Whilst being part of a group offers no guarantee that your money is safe, it is more reassuring to know that the club has several tried-and-tested outlets.
• Check that your membership money is paid to the company that operates the gym, not to an unconnected third party. This way you can be assured that re-investment of your money will most likely go back into the club’s facilities.
• If possible, pay your membership fee on a credit card. This way you’re automatically insured and your payment is safeguarded, if the club goes out of business.
• With the fitness industry booming, a lot of clubs pre-sell memberships where you can join before the gym officially opens. Ask if the club puts your pre-registration fees into an Escrow account. This way, you’ll be able to get your money back if, for some reason, the club doesn’t open.
• As with all contracts, check the fine print. How long you are you locked into membership? Be wary of gyms that ask you to sign a five-year or other long-term contract. Before you sign, you have to be sure you will continue to live or work near the gym for the whole period. For many people, these things are difficult to ensure, so we recommend signing up for one or two years. Also, check the cancellation notice period. Most clubs ask for one month’s written notice.
• Look for ways you can reduce the financial outlay. Ask about seasonal and promotional offers: you may get a discount if you join as a family or with other people from work. If your lifestyle allows, ask about off-peak membership, as this can offer excellent value for the money.
• If you are paying by direct debit, always check your bank balance and make sure the club doesn’t continue to charge you after you cancel your membership.