A fairly high percentage of individuals consistently make New’s Years Resolutions each and every year. In addition, the topics and resolutions themselves tend to be diverse and cover a broad range. However, if physical exercise, weight loss, and living an overall healthier lifestyle are components of your New Year’s Resolution, you’re probably trying to decide whether it’s better to work out at a fitness center or at home.

Although performing your exercise routines at home is certainly a viable option as it is convenient, private and totally viable for real fitness gains, many individuals enjoy the added motivation, support and equipment selection that come with a fitness center. However, not all health and fitness centers are created equally, and there are fitness center tips you should know if you’re considering becoming a member of one.

January: an Annual Gold Rush for Fitness Centers

Thanks to the tradition of New Year’s Resolutions, January is a month of booming business for gyms, sports clubs and general fitness centers across the country. Some fitness centers even see a 50% membership increase over the course of the month, temporarily crowding facilities.

In many cases, fitness centers respond to consumer demand by raising prices or offering temporary sales that reduce the price of membership, if only for a limited time. On the opposite end of the spectrum, some fitness centers utilize January as a time to offer truly generous sales, while providing many useful services beyond the available gym equipment.

Here are five fitness center tips for getting the best value from your fitness center membership:

1. Examine the Details Carefully

   Signing up for a fitness center membership is similar to signing up for a cell phone service – by default, there’s an auto-renewal. Although the fitness center certainly won’t advertise it as an attractive feature, a quick look at the fine print should reveal a clause stating that you’ll be automatically billed every month. Although this is unavoidable at most fitness centers, it’s still something you should be aware of.

   In addition, some gyms require a 30-day cancellation notice. If you’re planning to keep the membership for only a month in order to compare the fitness center to others, this could force you to pay for longer than you’re expecting.

   On the other hand, the fine print may reveal that the fitness center offers plenty of services beyond those advertised. Look for perks like child care, free family passes, online fitness tracking components, yoga and Pilates classes, personal training and more. Choose the fitness center whose services best match your lifestyle.

2. Opt for a Pay-Per-Visit Membership

   Some fitness centers allow you to pay on a per-visit basis as an alternative to an ongoing, auto-renewal membership. This can save you money depending on how often you plan to visit.

   Multiply the per-visit cost by the number of times you plan to visit each month. If this value is less than the monthly cost of membership, it may be better to pay separately each time you visit.

   You may think that you’ll be less motivated to attend frequently if you pay by the visit instead of by the month. A 2006 study published in American Economic Review showed that the average fitness center goer would save $200 per year by paying for each visit instead of monthly, given a $70 monthly fee and a $10 per-visit fee. Further, the same study showed that pay-per-visit members were 17% more likely to continue utilizing the gym after the first year.

3. Negotiate for a Lower Fee

   When you visit a fitness center you’re considering joining, ask to speak with a manager to discuss fees. In many cases, monthly fees and initial fees are negotiable. You might start by talking to friends who are already members of the same fitness center, and asking how much they pay per visit or per month. Mention your friend’s rate to the manager, and ask if you can receive the same deal.

   Many gyms also offer family discounts. If several members of your family are planning on joining the fitness center, this may be a great way to lower the per-person monthly fee.

4. Insist on a Free Trial Visit

   Most fitness centers should be more than willing to give you your very first visit free of charge, allowing you to explore the facilities, try the equipment and get a feel for the gym’s overall atmosphere. They’ll typically make a note of your name to prevent you from taking advantage of a subsequent “free trial.”

   If the gym doesn’t offer a free trial visit, they should still be willing to offer you a free tour of the facilities at the very minimum. Never pay for a fitness center membership before exploring what they have to offer in person. This will allow you to gauge the fitness center’s cleanliness, crowdedness, noise level and other aspects that won’t be apparent in the brochure.

5. Wait Until February

   Since demand is so high during the month of January, fitness centers don’t have much of an incentive to offer their best deals – they know they’ll get plenty of customers no matter what. As such, it may be smarter to wait a month, when demand drops and gyms are more motivated to fatten their membership rosters.

   In fact, it may be best to use January as a time to exhaust free trials at a variety of fitness centers in your area. This will allow you to get a good workout on a continual basis before ultimately deciding on the best gym for you at the end of the month. Try not to be alarmed by the crowds, as they’ll most likely dwindle as the winter wears on and some forget their New Year’s Resolutions.

Fitness Center Tips: The Bottom Line

January is an extremely busy time for fitness centers, as many New Year’s Resolutions include an exercise component. However, if you’re considering joining a fitness center in January, it’s important to carefully research the available fitness centers in your area. Membership fees vary, and you may get a better deal by waiting a month, paying per visit, opting for a family pass or negotiating a lower rate with a manager.