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So you've decided to get fit? Then our beginners guide to joining a gym will be right up your street. When you first decide to join that health club, gym or leisure centre, it's essential that you have a good checklist to work from.

You need to find out what is on offer, and ask the right questions. First on your beginners guide to joining a gym checklist should be, what facilities they have? If you are going in person, this gives you a chance to look around and evaluate the knowledge of the staff. While you're there, ask for a day pass or for a trial membership, that way you can see if the ambience suits you, if the staff is attentive to your needs, and how crowded it gets. If you call clubs, you can sometimes get a free trial offer as well.

When you are visiting, steer clear of glittering "sign-up now" offers - many people join a health club in haste, with the best of intentions, but wind up unhappy and dissatisfied. A club that requires immediate commitment is probably counting more on contractual obligations than customer satisfaction to keep you there.

It's crucial that the club or gym is right for you - if not, you simply won't go regularly. Next on your checklist should be questions that relate to your needs - for example:

• Is it close to home or work? (crucial - this is often the number one reason people quit)
• What facilities do I need? (classes, personal trainers, etc.)
• What do I actually want to achieve? (aerobic fitness, weight loss, etc.)
• When can I go to the gym? (mornings, evening, weekends?)
• Do I want professional advice? (weights, nutrition, etc.)
• How often will I go to the gym? (consider membership Vs pay per session)
• How will I get there? (car, tube, bus, bike)
• Does it have a cr?che?

Then you need to look at the particular facility and how it operates:

• What are the club's opening times?
• How much is the membership?
• Is the membership a yearly contract?
• Can membership be cancelled or frozen?
• Can I down / upgrade a membership?
• Are there off-peak prices?
• Are there showers & changing facilities?
• Do you have qualified instructors on hand?
• Do you give fitness inductions?
• Will I be given a exercise programme to follow?
• Will a need a doctor's approval?
• Do you run fitness classes?
• Are classes included in the membership price?
• What specific facilities are available?
• How busy does the gym get? And at what times?

Once you've compared a few facilities, and asked your questions, you'll be ready to make an informed choice.