This week keeping fit

1 Think short term: While short-term gym membership is more expensive than signing a year-long contract, it does have the advantage of allowing you to accurately assess your commitment before you shell out loads of cash.

2 Be prepared to haggle: During the boom years, joining fees were commonplace and gyms could name their price. Most gyms have now scrapped the sign-up fees and are willing to compromise on price to get you through the door.

3 Council is cheaper: Local authority gyms are cheaper and also allow a pay-as-you-go option. They may not be as flash as the privately-run gyms but they have the same basic equipment.

4 Go regularly or cancel: Unless you go three times a week every week, the membership fee is not worth it. If you go once a week or less, cancel it immediately and go running (or walking, at the very least) a couple of times a week. It won’t cost you anything.

5 Consider alternatives: The tag rugby season is just around the corner or check out one of the less than promisingly labelled “boot camps” – intensive courses which promise to get you up-and-running in a matter of weeks.