When choosing a gym, one should first ask, � What equipment and amenities will I actually use.� Sure, there are mega-gyms that offer saunas, massage therapy, a lap pool, and rock climbing, but are all of these things what a person really needs in order to pursue a healthy lifestyle.

In reality, free weights, machines, and cardio equipment are more than adequate to support an effective workout routine. Gyms that are well-equipped, minus the �fluff,� are almost always the more cost effective choice, not to mention less overwhelming.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when first stepping foot in a gym, with all the strange-looking machines and fancy equipment. When choosing a gym, be sure to ask if an orientation (a guided tour on how to properly use the equipment) is available and if it costs extra. Is the orientation in a group setting or is it one-on-one. Finding a gym that provides one-on-one attention along with ongoing monitoring is definitely a big advantage to someone just starting out. Only a few gyms offer such a program at no additional cost, so this is a good way to narrow down your search.

To narrow the choices even more, look for facilities where crowding is not a problem and waiting for machines is a non-issue. In addition, any gym worth joining should deliver locker rooms complete with showers; clean, well-organized equipment; and friendly staff. Some facilities even offer �comfort� benefits like complimentary coffee and towel service. Details such as these can make a significant difference in your overall workout experience.

Another important point to consider when searching for a gym is if any kind of nutrition education is available. Quality fitness facilities know that exercise is only half the battle; diet is equally important in developing a healthy lifestyle. Several gyms offer education classes on nutrition, but only a few facilities provide nutrition programs online. Mandi Whittlesey, a certified personal trainer at ProActive Fitness Studio in Austin, says, �An online meal planner such as ProActive’s Vitabot is a great way to create a completely balanced diet using all your favorite foods.� Online nutrition is often more cost effective than attending classes, and in today’s computer-prevalent society, the online program is definitely the more convenient way to keep track of one’s diet.

Achieving the New Year’s resolution to get fit starts with finding the best place to do so, and while workout facilities exist in abundance, only a select few meet the criteria listed above. Take the time to shop around, keeping in mind those details that can make a fitness program worthwhile. Personalized service, non-crowding, practical equipment, and online nutrition are valuable services for novices and experts alike, and the good news is, there really are places that offer all of these and more and at a terrific price. The key to this year’s fitness resolution really is just around the corner.

Mandi Whittlesey is a certified personal fitness trainer at ProActive Fitness Studio, located in northwest Austin.