Many people are looking to health and fitness centers for their work-outs. Unfortunately, some fail to match their needs to what the health and fitness centers are offering. They quickly become discouraged and abandon their memberships. Here are some tips on choosing health and fitness centers.Visit the health and fitness centers you are considering at the time of day you will be going to work out. Look to see if they are overcrowded, with long waits for machines and other amenities. Check the members present to make sure you will fit in comfortably; some women prefer to not work out with a lot of male members present and vice versa.Most centers are subject to inspection by the local board of health. Violations are to be posted in a conspicuous place, so see if you notice any and determine why they were issued. Bacteria in the sauna or hot tub, improper food handling at the snack bar, or failure to disinfect machines are the type of violations that might be justification to check out other health and fitness centers.Do your own visual inspection of the cleanliness of any health and fitness centers you are considering. Inspect the showers to see if they look and smell clean. Notice whether machines are being wiped down between use, or if the equipment to do so is kept handy so members can clean them if they desire. Make sure that trash is in the can where it belongs and not left scattered throughout the premises.Check the security arrangements in the parking lots and actual facility for all centers you visit. Parking lots should be well lit and patrolled or at least monitored by cameras. You should be able to park close to the door, as well. Some health and fitness centers will provide an escort to your car if you request one. Also, someone should be on duty at a front desk or near the door to screen people as they enter, making sure they are members or there on legitimate business. You should be able to secure your personal belongings in a locked receptacle, either a basket or a locker.If you are uncertain about working out somewhere other than home, see if the health and fitness centers you are considering offer trial memberships. This allows you to visit during the hours you need to work out and sample all the amenities before committing to a one or two year membership. If you find it is not for you, you have lost little money and can continue to review other health and fitness centers until you find the one you want.There are many different types of centers, so whether you want to watch television while you are on the treadmill or visit a juice bar afterwards, there is one to suit your preferences. There is no single center which is best for everyone, so take your time, visit several health centers, and select the one that best suits your needs.