You've decided to join a fitness center. But the choices are astounding — from expensive all-purpose gyms to the local YMCA, to specialized facilities that offer only weights or tennis. How do you choose? Fortunately, you can tell a lot about a health club before you even put on your workout clothes or step onto a piece of exercise equipment.

Before you select a gym, decide on your fitness goals.

"There is no one ideal piece of exercise equipment, and there is no one ideal exercise club or fitness facility. It really should be tailored to what your needs are," says Edward Laskowski, M.D., a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist and co-director of the Sports Medicine Center at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.

Figure out what you need to work on — whether it's aerobic fitness, strength training or improving your tennis game — and look for a facility that will allow you to pursue that goal.

If you want to focus on weight training, then you may not care whether a swimming pool is available. If you prefer to work out on exercise equipment, a wide assortment of exercise classes won't be as important to you.

Having your fitness level assessed by an exercise or medical professional also can help you decide what areas need work. He or she may be able to suggest specific activities that will help you, such as yoga or stretching classes to increase your flexibility.

And if you still aren't sure of your fitness goals, consider joining an all-purpose gym with a large variety of classes and equipment to explore your exercise options.

Now that you know what you're looking for, the next step is finding out what's available. Your goal is to determine what local facilities offer and what people like about them.

Start by:

• Calling local gyms
• Conducting research on the Internet
• Asking friends and family

Pick the top spots that interest you, and pay a visit to each one. Try to visit at least three facilities, if possible, to comparison shop. Most facilities have regular drop-in hours. You can meet with a staff member, learn what services are available and take a tour.

Keep the following in mind as you visit the facility:

• Location. Is the facility near your home or work? Choose a facility that isn't too far out of the way of your daily activities. You'll be less likely to make the excuse, "But it's too far away."

• Hours. Many fitness centers open early and close late to give early-bird or late-night exercisers some flexibility. Check with the facility you're looking into to make sure it will be open at the times you plan to exercise.

• Environment. Is the environment clean? Check out the equipment, floors and locker room. Also consider the overall atmosphere — is this somewhere you'll enjoy spending time?

• Equipment. Does the facility have the equipment you're interested in using? How much equipment is out of order? Too many "out of order" signs might be a clue to poor maintenance of the facility.

• Classes. If you're interested in fitness classes, find out what kinds are offered and when. It doesn't matter how great the classes at a facility are if they're never at a time that you can make it.

• Friendly employees. Do the staffers say hello and smile? Do they circulate around the exercise area, offering tips and encouragement? A caring and friendly staff can go a long way toward helping you stay focused on your fitness goals.

• Referrals. Talk with other members of the fitness center about their experiences at the facility. You might also want to check with your local Better Business Bureau before entering into any contract with the club. You'll be able to find out if any complaints have been registered against the facility.

This is your opportunity to find out if a particular facility is a good match for you, so take advantage of it by finding out as much information as you can.

"Ask questions — prepare them ahead of time so you remember to ask the ones you need to. The more information you have, the better decision you will be able to make. You will also be able to determine how easily you can access the available resources if you do decide to join that club," says Jon Giese, a patient education specialist at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.

Make a list of questions to ask the staff on your tour of the facility. For example, you might want to ask:

• How old is the exercise equipment?

• How often is the equipment replaced?

• What is the staff turnover rate?

• What type of continuing education is provided for or required of staff?

• What are the busiest times?

• What fitness areas are most crowded? At what times?

• Are class sizes limited?

• Are any additional fees imposed, for example, for towels or the swimming pool?

• Does the facility offer amenities such as free parking or on-site child-care services?

• Is entertainment available, such as televisions or personal music stations?

• How many interactions during a workout can you expect from staff?

• What types of personal consulting services are available? For example, are there personal fitness trainers or nutrition consultants? What qualifications do these staff members have?

• Is the facility equipped to handle emergencies? For example, are staff members trained to give first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)?

• How much does membership cost? What are the opt-out policies?

• What are the billing cycles?

Check for a method of certification for staff members who teach classes or instruct members. The American College of Sports Medicine, the National Strength and Conditioning Association and the National Academy of Sports Medicine are reputable organizations that provide certification tests for fitness professionals.

In addition, staff members who interact with members out in the gym ideally should have a 4-year degree in an exercise science or other related field.

Don't assume that a state-of-the-art mega-gym with a high membership fee is necessarily better for you than a smaller, more moderately priced facility.

"No one club fits everyone, so it's important to know what's offered by each. Just because you're paying more does not necessarily mean you are going to get more as far as what you need in your fitness program," says Dr. Laskowski.

If membership to the fitness facility requires that you sign a contract, review the details carefully. Make sure you understand completely your obligation to the facility, including the length of your agreement, billing procedures and cancellation policies.

If you have special needs, don't assume that a fitness facility can't accommodate them. Check before committing to the facility. Find out if staff members have special training to deal with your needs. This is especially important if you want to take a class that's geared toward a specific condition, such as water exercises for people with arthritis.

Also check to see that the building can accommodate any assistive devices you may use. Are the hallways wide enough for a wheelchair to pass? Is there an elevator? Are lockers and shower facilities accessible?

Your doctor may be able to recommend fitness facilities in your area.

If you decide that you're interested in trying out a facility, ask about a temporary pass. Trying out the facility before joining is the best way to see if it meets your expectations. Although some places offer free trial memberships, most facilities charge a nominal fee — usually around $10 a day — to try out the club. If you know a member of the facility, you might be able to visit using a guest pass.

Visit the gym at the same time of day or night that you typically would be there. For instance, machines that might be accessible at 10 a.m. may be unavailable during the busier, early-evening hours.

Finally, keep in mind that it's not enough to join a gym — you must put in the work to reap the health benefits.

"It's like exercise equipment. People buy it, they know it's good for them, but they just don't use it. Fitness club memberships can be like that, too," says Dr. Laskowski.

But by joining a club that really has what you want, you're more likely to succeed in meeting your fitness goals.