Fitness centre facilities Find your local centre Calorie burning Healthclub reviews How to start with a personal trainer Search for further info about fitness centres :

When comparing fitness centres, there are various factors to consider. The most important would include price, location, staff, atmosphere, image even, but above all are the fitness centre facilities. If a fitness centre doesn't have the facilities you need to do the workouts you want, then it will never be able to meet your needs.

There are a number of key elements to consider when reviewing the facilities - only you will know which are important to you:

• Gyms :
  
  Gyms vary widely from one club to another. The crucial areas to look at are going to be the cardio equipment, the free weights, and the exercise machines. Look at both the variety of equipment and the quantity - will you have to wait for the equipment you need at busy times?
  
  
• Swimming :
  
  Many clubs have pools, but again, they vary widely. If you want to swim laps, you need a lap pool of at least 25 meters. If you have kids, then look for a shallow teaching pool.
  
  
• Children's activities :
  
  If you want your kids to be a part of your workout times, then it's crucial that the fitness centre you choose has equipment and activities designed for children.
  
  
• Classes :
  
  There are hundreds of classes available - look for a club that has a good variety offered at various times throughout the week.
  
  
• Personal Training :
  
  If this is important to you, be sure the club has trained, qualified staff at a price you can afford.
  
  
• Leisure activities :
  
  If you want more than simply a good workout, check out the other options - sports and activity clubs for example.