After six years at Men’s Health, here’s what I know: get competing quotes so you can haggle for a better deal (eg, no joining fee, shorter contract). Don’t sign until the end of January when the commission-based reps are desperate to hit targets. Look around at lunchtime to see how busy it is. Never sign there and then — wait for them to call you with a better deal. Make sure the contract does not auto-renew and lock you in for another year. I go to a pay-as-you-go gym (£20 a month, no contract). Because the most painful reps are always the direct debits on an unused membership.
