After Christmas indulgence, about half of us are contemplating taking out or renewing a gym membership, a survey conducted by TNS for Cannons health club reveals. According to Professor Craig Mahoney, a leading sports psychologist who worked on the survey, fitness phobia is the biggest barrier to exercise. But the best way to overcome it, he says, is to “find a health club that attracts like-minded people and where you feel comfortable”. So which gym suits you? Find out with our guide.

PETA BEE ESPORTA

What’s new Revolution, a “virtual reality” Spinning class, with wind machines and visual effects that make it feel as though you are cycling outside. Fitcrew, an ongoing fitness programme for children aged 8-16.
Small print There are 52 clubs in the chain and the average joining fee is £35. Subscription costs between £44 and £145 a month. All clubs insist on a 12-month initial contract. If you decide to leave after five months, you are required to pay the outstanding months.
Strengths Family-friendly.
Best suits Business class.
Contact www.esporta.com; 0870 7390039

CANNONS

What’s new A “no pressure” approach to fitness. Surveys of Cannons members found that setting goals and targets added extra stress, so next year the emphasis shifts to helping them to get the most out of their membership. New classes include Ski-fit in conjunction with the ski holiday operator Neilson, featuring specific exercises to best prepare for a skiing holiday.
Small print Cannons offers the most flexible joining options, which allow payment on a monthly basis, and members are free to leave giving just four weeks’ notice.
Costs range from £35 to £75 a month at the 52 gyms. Members pay a one-off joining fee of £25.
Strengths Facilities. All clubs have pools, studios and gyms. Some offer tumble dryers and ironing boards.
Best suits Business class.
Contact www.cannons.co.uk; 08707 808182

FITNESS FIRST

What’s new A joint venture with Slimming World, called Together, which includes a one-to-one induction, a personalised exercise programme and 24-hour online support. Personality assessments to find the most suitable personal trainer.
Small print The world’s largest gym chain with 166 clubs in the UK, 13 for women only. Joining fees start at £30, with a £35 subscription each month. Although membership can be frozen for up to 13 months, you are tied to a 12-month contract.
Strengths Freebies. New members get a free fitness assessment and fitness pack worth £60 (including rucksack, headphones and water bottle).
Best suits Frequent flyer.
Contact www.fitnessfirst.com; 01202 845000

LA FITNESS

What’s new Two-for-the-price-of-one memberships are likely to be available next month. Synergise is a new, dynamic mind/body class with elements of yoga and t’ai chi, while Swimtime, one-to-one swimming lessons for all levels, is also being launched at all 66 UK clubs in 2006.
Small print Joining fees vary from club to club. It has a range of membership options, including Gold, Silver and Student, from £30 to £65 a month. Be careful, though. You sign a 12-month contract, which can be cancelled with four weeks’ notice only after month 11. The chain agrees to refund fees if members see no improvements after an agreed time.
Strengths Innovative fitness classes, health and beauty salons.
Best suits Frequent flyer.
Contact www.lafitness.co.uk; 020-7366 8080

HOLMES PLACE

What’s new Most clubs are waiving the £100 joining fee and many offer a two-for-one membership (you join and a friend can join for free).
Small print Subscription varies from club to club but is about £50 a month. There are cheaper three-month trial offers. Members can terminate their arrangement after three months, with one month’s notice. Special starter options include Tone up and Push On (an introduction to personal training with three one-hour sessions) or Inchloss (nutrition advice).
Strengths Women-only facilities and crèche/childcare at most clubs. Beauty salons, spas and steam rooms are a staple.
Best suits High-flyer.
Contact www.holmesplace.com; 020-7786 7300

LEISURE CONNECTION/HARPERS

What’s new Fit for Love, a speed-dating Spinning class run in conjunction with the dating firm Chemistry, which involves up to ten men and ten women pedalling opposite each other and exchanging pleasantries for three minutes before moving on to the next potential partner. Next month, a scheme run with the Department of Health offers free fruit to members.
Small print There are 70 Harpers gyms around the country, some based at Sport England centres. Because they are run with local authorities, they offer a pay-as-you-go option for classes. Full membership costs £23-£38 a month.
Strengths Sporty rather than plush, so the equipment is top-notch. You are more likely to see an Olympic athlete on the next treadmill than a high-flying businessman.
Best suits Passer-by.
Contact www.leisureconnection.co.uk; 01132 844170

VIRGIN ACTIVE

What’s new V-classes (unique to Virgin), such as heart rate and interval training on a treadmill.
Small print Countrywide there are 25 Virgin Active gyms. They fall into two types: city clubs (without “wet” facilities), and Life Centres with swimming pools and vertical tanning booths. Subscription from £30 a month, or “pay-as-you-go” each month.
Strengths Caters for all ages; Club-V offers an extensive fitness programme for under-16s.
Best suits Passers-by.
Contact www.virginactive.co.uk; 0845 1304747

Times recommends

• Live fashion chat: How to stay warm and chic
• How I lost the gift of joy for a while
• The A-Z of winter style rules