How to Choose a Gym or Fitness Studio You'll Actually Keep Going To

January is famously busy for gym sign-ups, and plenty of those memberships go quiet by spring. Usually it isn't a willpower problem. It's that people choose a gym or fitness studio based on a shiny tour or a good deal instead of the things that decide whether they'll keep going: where it is, when it's open and whether they enjoy being there.

Here's a practical way to choose, so the place you join in January still feels like yours in June.

Start with what you'll actually enjoy

The best workout is the one you'll show up for. Before you compare prices, think honestly about what you like.

• A full gym with machines, free weights and cardio equipment suits people who like to set their own routine and go at odd hours.
• Group fitness classes suit people who like structure, music and an instructor telling them what's next.
• Yoga and Pilates studios suit people who want flexibility, strength and a calmer atmosphere. Some specialize in heated classes.
• Martial arts and boxing gyms suit people who like learning a skill and seeing clear progress.
• Health clubs with pools, courts and classes suit families and people who like variety.

You can browse many of these on Listings Junkie, from the gyms and fitness category to yoga and Pilates studios and martial arts schools.

If you're not sure, mix it up. Many people do best with a combination, like a basic gym for weekdays and a class or two on weekends.

Location and hours matter more than equipment

The fanciest gym in town won't help you if it's a 30-minute drive. Most people stick with a gym that's close to home or work, or right on the way between them.

Check:

• Drive time at the hour you'll go. A 10-minute trip at noon can be 25 at 5:30 p.m.
• Hours on the days you're free. If you work early, does it open early? If you're a night owl, how late does it stay open?
• Class times. A studio with a great reputation won't work if its beginner classes are all at 10 a.m. on weekdays.
• Parking. It sounds small, but a hard-to-park gym becomes an excuse fast in winter.
• Childcare, if you need it. Ask about hours and age limits.

Try before you commit

Most gyms and studios offer a free day, a trial week or a discounted first class. Use it, and use it well.

• Go at the time you'd normally go. A gym that's calm at 2 p.m. may be packed at 6 p.m. in January.
• Take a beginner class if you're new. You'll see how instructors treat newcomers.
• Try the locker room. Cleanliness and comfort matter more than you'd think.
• Talk to a member or two. Ask what they like and what bugs them.

What to look for on a visit

When you tour, pay attention to more than the equipment list.

• Cleanliness: wiped-down equipment, clean floors, stocked cleaning supplies.
• Condition of equipment: lots of "out of order" signs is a warning.
• Staff: Are they friendly and helpful, or just selling?
• Beginner-friendliness: Do they offer an orientation or a session with a trainer to show you around?
• The crowd: Does it feel welcoming to someone like you?

Look at how the business describes itself, too. PIES Fitness Yoga Studio in Alexandria, Virginia, lists yoga, kickboxing, boot camp, Zumba and Capoeira, which tells you right away it's a place for variety. Pure Hot Yoga GR in Grand Rapids, Michigan, describes a single specialty: a traditional 26-posture sequence in a heated room. Both are clear, which makes it easier to decide whether the place suits you.

Read the contract before you sign

This is where January excitement can cost you. Before you sign anything, read the membership terms and ask questions.

• How do you cancel? In person, by mail, online? How much notice is required?
• Is there a minimum term? Month-to-month or a 12-month commitment?
• What fees are there? Enrollment fees, annual maintenance fees and charges for classes or towels.
• Can you freeze your membership if you're injured, traveling or moving?
• Does it renew automatically? At what price?

Get everything in writing, and keep a copy. Rules about gym contracts vary by state, so if something seems unfair, your state attorney general's office or consumer protection office can tell you what applies where you live.

Questions to ask before you join

Set yourself up to keep going

Choosing well is half the battle. These habits help with the other half:

• Put workouts on your calendar like appointments.
• Start smaller than you think. Two or three sessions a week you'll keep beats six you won't.
• Find a buddy or a regular class. People are more likely to show up when someone expects them.
• Book a session with a trainer early on to learn the equipment and build a simple plan.
• Track something, like the number of classes you attend each month.

If you have a health condition, an injury or you haven't exercised in a long time, talk with your doctor before you start a new routine.

Not sure where to start your search? Our guide on using Listings Junkie to find local businesses shows how to browse by category and state. In Wisconsin, for example, the gyms and fitness page includes Wisconsin Athletic Club West Allis, which describes a mix of classes, coaching and court or pool access.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to join a gym?

Any time you're ready. January has plenty of deals, but gyms are also at their busiest. Some people find better attention from staff, and quieter floors, by joining in late winter or spring.

Is a boutique fitness studio worth the higher price?

It can be, if the classes, coaching and community keep you coming back. Compare the cost per visit you'll realistically make, not just the monthly price.

How do I cancel a gym membership?

Follow the steps in your contract, and do it in writing if possible. Keep a copy of your cancellation request and any confirmation you receive.

Should I see a doctor before joining a gym?

If you have a health condition, an injury, or you haven't been active in a while, it's a good idea to check with your doctor first.