Long before you step into a gym and start lifting weights or exercising, do some heavy lifting at home. That means searching online for reviews and complaints.
Check Yelp, the Better Business Bureau and the Florida Department of Agriculture.
Look for a gym that meets your personal goals.
"The biggest reason people quit is because of lack of support, motivation and accountability. A responsible fitness facility that cares about their members will also do whatever it takes to be results driven, not simply numbers driven," explained Roni Taylor-Parsons of Ultima Downtown in West Palm Beach.
Look out for these items in your gym contract
Once you decide which gym to join, ask for a copy of the contract. Check first to see how long it is. Some gyms let you go month to month, but others make you sign up for six months or a year.
Check for the fee to end the agreement early.
Can you get out of the deal if you get injured, or have a baby, and need some time off? Or will you have to pay?
How much notice do you need to give? 30 days or two months?
If you decide to workout with a personal trainer, get the details in writing. You may have a secondary contract for this.
You could be billed for as much as 50 percent of the balance even if you walk out on your trainer. Ask first so you're not spinning your wheels after you sign up.
