TULSA, Okla. — Many of us are committed to getting fit in the new year. Here’s what you need to know before you sign up for a gym membership.

The Better Business Bureau says evaluate what might make you stay committed to fitness, are you looking for a gym that’s conveniently located? Are extended hours important? Or do you want a variety of equipment and classes to stay motivated? Determine your priorities, then start shopping around.

Maybe getting in shape is your New Year’s resolution, but you want to make sure you don’t get stuck in a long or expensive gym membership.

Amie Mitchell from the BBB said to pay close attention to what you sign up for, a lot of times you’ll get a low membership for the first few months but then rates shoot up.

“In the past we’ve received a lot of complaints about after the introductory period those rates going up pretty significantly and you also want to make sure you understand how long your membership is, because life can change a lot in a year or two,” she said.

“The reality is if you sign a contract for three years you’re locked into it for three years,” Mitchell also said.

Mitchell said to check bbb.org, read what previous customers say and how the gyms respond to complaints. This can narrow the list of gyms you want to tour in-person.

You should also ask questions about a free trial as many gyms offer a one-week free pass for potential new members. That’s a great way to see if it’s a good fit for you.

You can also visit at different times to get a feel for how crowded it is.

Don’t feel coerced. Don’t give in to high pressure sales tactics. A good gym will give you enough time to tour, try things out, read the contract and feel good about your decision.

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