Thinking about a gym membership? Here’s what to know before you sign up

New gym memberships are always popular around the holidays, but do folks really know what they’re getting into?

Signing a health-club contract, like signing any other contract, requires some due diligence. As this Orlando Sentinel story says: “Americans often sign health-club contracts at this time of year, readying for a big New Year’s resolution. But a number of health clubs went out of business in the past year, leaving consumers in a bind.” This story also provides a check-list of things to do before you sign on the dotted line.

How do you choose a club that’s right for you? Livestrong.com offers these gym-hunting tips. And really, there are many clubs and gyms to choose from. The International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Assn. reports that 29,750 health clubs in the United States had 45.3 million members in 2009.

So weigh your options and make a smart choice – and then make sure you go.