If you really expect to hold yourself to those New Years resolutions to get in shape in 2007, then it’s important for you to make a gym wish-list. After all, you wouldn’t spend money on brand new living room furniture without doing your homework and making sure it was the right color, shape, texture…now would you? Well if you’re shopping for a gym membership you already know that it can be just as expensive as a brand new leather sectional, so why would you settle for the very first gym you find?

Ask yourself the following list of questions. I like to call this my gym pre-shopping list:

Do you want a large or small gym environment? Big gyms can offer the newest and best in fitness equipment and aerobics classes; however the flip side is that often nobody knows your name.

Do you want to workout with members of the opposite sex? Beginner, female gym-goers often opt for an all-woman's workout environment - such as Curves or Exclusively Women’s Fitness – where there is less testosterone and pressure.

Do you want convenience? Then pick a gym that is close to home, or on the way to or home from work.  Because let’s face it; if it’s too hard to get there you’ll find every excuse not to go.

Do the hours of operation fit your schedule? A gym is no good to you if it’s not open when you want to work out. If you work afternoons and want to hit the treadmill after your shift at 11pm, then make sure the gym adheres to the hours you want – so that you’re not adjusting your schedule for the gym.

Can you leave your gear at the gym? If you can’t see yourself lugging a gym bag to and from work every day then make sure your gym has a full locker room, where you’re able to leave your gear. Also, if you plan to work out before work, make sure (for the sake of your co-workers) that the gym has showers.

Does it have a place to stash the kids while you workout? It might sound harsh, but if you’re a mom with no sitter you’ll need a gym with daycare services. Many offer these free to members.

Now that you’re armed with a decent list of questions, don’t be afraid to book a few gym tours and ask away. If you want a clear picture of how busy the gym is, book your tour during peak hours – first thing in the morning or right after work – to see if people are scrambling for exercise equipment or not.

Do you have a few questions of your own for gyms? Please send them in so I can add them to the list.

Good luck!