Hark! I heard Chris Braun <braun_chris@mindspring.com> say:

What an excellent way to figure out your actual calorie needs! I'm
going to save your post for future referrence, Chris... :-)

It may be harder if you have lots to choose from...

One thing to consider is either closeness to work or home, depending
on when you like to exercise. A gym that is a long drive to get to may
discourage you from getting there. Especially if gas prices increase.

Money is a consideration, but you have to weigh it against your
feelings of how much you like a place. It's worth while asking if
there are orientation sessions with weights or even classes. And
whether there are any trainers available. A cheap gym that you don't
like going to probably won't work out in the end, whereas a gym you
pay a bit more for, but really enjoy attending, will do you good.

Check to see if the equipment looks in decent shape. And clean.
Likewise for locker rooms, showers, spas and the like.

You may also wish to see if there are other activities besides
weights... such as aerobic machines/classes, walking track, pool,
courts for games, etc...

Where I live, there are basically 4 choices. Curves, a weight gym, a
family oriented, city sponsored gym and what is known as the Mercy
Wellness Center, a hospital sponsored gym.

Curves wouldn't quite do, because I wanted a membership for my husband
too. The weight gym was just that, pretty much weights only and maybe
a couple exercise bikes. Not enough variety for me, and no
instruction, which was important for both of us. My husband definitely
needed some kind of year round aerobic activity as well, so the weight
gym was out.

I investigated the city family fitness center, but there were few
aerobics machines, the weight room was OK... walking was around the
basketball gym. The hours were really variable and they close up a lot
earlier in summer. No spas... and no instruction. It was cheaper, but
also confusing to find one's way around in.

We finally opted for the Mercy Wellness Center. It's not ideal, no
pool, but does have a walking track, which is great for winter when
everything is covered with slippery ice and snow and it's below 0 out!
It costs more, but we each have our own rented lockers, and are using
it regularly. It's also a quick walk from here!

My husband, who is a total novice to weights and working out, really
seems to like it. He's proud of improving on the machines, where they
have started both of us out. The center does also have a free weights
room when we progress more. I do some machines... and some dumbbells,
where I am too weak in my arms to do machines. Progress is slow with
my arms, since it's so easy to injure them or hurt nerves in my
shoulders. But there IS progress happening.

Cynthia