Not everyone sees working out at a health club as fun. But for those who do, an invigorating routine a few times a week can be just the ticket to refreshing their energies.

According to the International Health Racquet & Sport Association (IHRSA), about 33 million Americans belong to a health club, gym or sports club. There are clubs that cater to families, clubs for women only, clubs that specialize in service for seniors and clubs with studios devoted to classes such as yoga and tai chi.

“Health clubs and fitness centers serve people from all walks of life, so join a club where you feel that you best fit in,” says John McCarthy, IHRSA’s executive director. “Joining a health club is a personal decision. Take the time you need to find a place that makes you comfortable. That’s the only guarantee that you’ll want to return again and again.”

When choosing a health club or gym, the IHRSA recommends that you visit the facility at the time of day when you would most likely use it. It also offers this checklist you can use to help find the right health club:

• Is the location of the club convenient to where you live or work?

• s the club clean and well maintained?

• Is the staff helpful and friendly?

• Does the club provide new members with an orientation to equipment and classes?

• Does the club offer a sufficient variety of programs to keep you motivated?

• Do the fitness professionals have appropriate educational backgrounds and/or certifications?

“It does take some commitment and discipline when you start a fitness routine,” McCarthy concedes. “It’s the extra energy, the better health and the greater feeling of well-being that makes the small effort worth it all.”

Still, staying motivated can be a challenge. So McCarthy offers these tips to help you stay the course:

• Find something you like to do—spinning, swimming, kickboxing—and have fun!

• Exercise with a buddy. It’s easy to cancel your own workout, but harder to squelch on a friend.

• Schedule your workouts on your calendar. Treat the commitment as importantly as you would a client meeting or a project deadline.