Motivation key reason why many join fitness studios

"Athletic therapist Mike Elchuk says when looking for a gym it's important to make sure there is a range of equipment with plenty of choices for both weight and cardio. He adds the first thing a member should receive when joining a gym is a demonstration of how the equipment works.

Too often, Elchuk adds, he's seen incorrect use of machines, which means members are not getting the full benefit of the exercise or they're putting themselves at risk for injury.

To help avoid injury, before starting a new fitness program it's a good idea to get check up from your doctor, says Elchuk. Most gyms also have a physical activity readiness questionnaire (PAR-Q), which prospective members are encouraged to fill out to help trainers gauge possible risks.

In order to get the most out of their membership people need a plan, and this often comes in the form of a personal trainer. Elchuk says many people try to do too much too fast with no plan of attack, which often leads to burn out and they give up after the first few weeks.

"It's a matter of getting direction, going to someone who's qualified.

All gyms have at least some kind of trainer that can do that. They don't have to work out with those trainers continuously, it's just a matter of getting guidance and pacing yourself," he says."

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