Rather than just dropping in and doing a few weights or a stint on the treadmill, you can make your trip to the gym a very rewarding visit.

Your fitness gym is more than just a place to exercise. It’s also a great way to socialise as many clubs are based in gyms, included abseiling, walking and jogging. Many fitness centres hold regular classes in yoga, dance, aqua aerobics and other popular social fitness activities. A health and fitness centre may also provide squash and volleyball courts, a pool and or sauna facilities and perhaps even a space for meditation and yoga.

Health clubs can also often provide a range of complemtary services such as massage, dietician, phsyiotherapy and fitness assessments. Many of these services will be free or discounted for club members – o why not avail yourself of them?

Before you join a gym, find out what it offers besides the impressive-looking weights training machinery. See if it has posters and fliers advertising a range of activities designed to help you get more out of your gym membership, whether it be yoga, zumba, pilates or a system of stretches and exercises if you are recovering from injury or are just starting out.

Gym membership and particularly some joing fees can be expensive, so make sure you do some comparison shopping and don’t be afraid to ask questions to help you find the best place for you to get fit and healthy.