Five questions to ask before you join a gym

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Don't even think about joining, before you have these answers:

1. Is the gym a member of the Fitness Industry Association and are the fitness instructors on the Register of Exercise Professionals? Both these associations help ensure higher standards.

2. What additional facilities does the gym have, such as a crèche, classes and fitness advisers, and what will you have to pay extra for?

3. Does membership entitle you to use any other clubs in the chains that may be useful when you're travelling, on holiday, or staying with friends?

4. What sort of induction does it offer? Studies show that having two or three one-to-one sessions with an instructor in the first eight weeks will make you enjoy the gym more.

5. What does the contract commit you to? Make sure you know how long you're signing up for and what the notice period for cancellation is.

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