The start of the year is a busy time as health clubs take on new members determined to fulfil their New Year's resolutions.

However, once you feel motivated enough to get out of the armchair and check out the gyms in your area, you could find the task might not be so simple.

Everyone has different requirements, concerns and priorities. While for some location, parking or price are most important issues, others want to feel comfortable, not intimidated.

For parents, creche facilities or a pool may be the deciding factors. But lets not forget, the company itself will want to tell you why you should join their gym above all others.

So, if you contact clubs to find out whether the prices suit your budget you may find you are about to hit a brick wall as many clubs will decline to give prices over the phone. Instead, they try to persuade you to visit their facilities so you can see what you will get for your money.

For example, a call to David Lloyd in Brighton Marina for left one potential customer flustered after she asked for membership prices only to be continually fobbed off with vague figures.

She said: "I felt like a detective. They kept answering my questions with more questions and even when I asked them straight, 'how much is your cheapest and most expensive membership?' the woman kept on saying between £40 and £50.

"She just wouldn't give me an exact figure. She did eventually give me the prices, but it was hard work."

General manager at David Lloyd, Jason Atkins, said: "Staff are reluctant to give out membership prices because they are not a true reflection of what the club has to offer.

"We'd rather people look at the facilities and make their decision based on that."

David Lloyd is not the only club that does not like to give out prices over the phone.

Many gyms insist price is not at the top of people's check lists. They believe customers are more concerned with other factors such as hygiene, service, location and whether they feel comfortable or intimidated in the club's atmosphere.

Mr Atkins said: "I don't think people are particularly guided by price any more. Until somebody has been to the club here nobody understands what they are getting."

Most clubs and gyms run offers throughout January and many are still running offers in February. Nearly all of those offers involve reducing or dropping the joining fee, a tactic market analyst Mintel said is used by one in three clubs across the country.

But if this seems a good deal to customers, one of the main purposes of a joining fee is as a negotiating or promotional tool.

Carolynne Bull-Edwards, spokeswoman for LA Heath and Fitness, which has a club in North Road, Brighton, said: "Across the board, joining fees have come down over the space of five years.

"The original reason for introducing them was to cover the office costs of setting up memberships. It is something we have to charge to cover the cost of administration and it is used as a promotional tool."

Once you have made your choice and are about to sign the contract, check the small print. Many clubs require members to be committed to paying for a set period of time, such as three, six or twelve months and you may not be able to cancel and may not be entitled to a refund.

Those who want access to facilities but do not want to commit themselves or cannot afford larger health club fees have a choice of smaller, private gyms and local authority-run fitness facilities, where some allow you to pay-as-you-go.

Research by Mintel last year discovered the British are becoming more interested in their health and fitness. Today, more people belong to gyms and health clubs compared to ten years ago, which means there are now even more gyms fighting for your money.

There are currently at least 14 private and local authority-run gyms, health clubs and centres in Brighton and Hove, not including health suites in hotels.

Some offer a full range of facilities, including a gym, studio, pool and wet areas, therapies, physiotherapy, creche, and bar and cafe area. They are self-contained social centres where members can work out, swim, eat and drink, enjoy a massage and socialise in the evenings.

Smaller gyms, which offer a basic range of facilities such as a gym, studio classes and maybe some therapies, may appeal to those on smaller budgets or those who just want to keep fit.

To help you as you embark on your search for the right gym we have compiled a list of just 14 health clubs, gyms and centres in Brighton and Hove with an indication of prices and facilities on offer.

For full details drop in to the venue or call it direct. For a comprehensive list of gyms and clubs consult the yellow pages.

A leaflet explaining more about health club membership terms called Are they fit to join? is available from the Office of Fair Trading by logging on to their web site at www.oft.gov.uk and typing health clubs into the quick search box.

The Fitness Industry Association is the trade body for the health and fitness sector.

Its 2004 code of practice, which defines the minimum performance criteria for health clubs and the leisure industry, is available on its web site at www.fia.org.uk