Not all gyms are alike. When you have finally decided to get your butt moving and burn those excess fats away, you have also placed upon yourself the responsibility to look for the best fitness center around. The "best" could mean many different things to different people, but if you're serious about making the gym your ally in winning the battle of the bulge, you might want to look for one with these qualities:

1. Size. Check to see if the facility has ample space. There should be room to walk (and breathe) amidst all the equipment and sweaty bodies there. There should be separate places for weight training and aerobic exercises. Look at membership size too and compare it with the available equipment. If you'll have to wait in line just to use the treadmills, then find another center.

2. Quality and Variety of Equipment. You're paying membership because you want to take advantage of a variety of fitness equipment that you normally cannot afford to buy on your own. Check for their supply of free weights, dumbbells, treadmills, ellipticals and benches. Equipment variety is important since you do not want to get tired or bored with your workout routine. More importantly, makes sure that these are in optimum condition, are well-maintained and have no signs of rust or breakage anywhere. Using dilapidated equipment potentially ruins your workout and can be dangerous.

3. Knowledge of Staff and Trainer Certification. Good fitness centers employ staff who are knowledgeable and can help you when you need it. The well-equipped ones have coaches to guide you and correct your mistakes as you do your workouts. Where trainers are concerned, ask for an ACE, NSCA or ACSM certification. Losing weight is no simple matter. You want to work with someone who knows what he's doing. Of course, the staff has to be courteous and friendly, too.

4. Clean and Hygienic. Sweat and other body fluids that come in contact with fitness equipment are great places for bacterial growth. Check to see that the gym regularly cleans and disinfects their equipment. Note if there are cleaners, paper towels or clean towels available for its members. Make sure that there are faucets with soap or sanitizers that are readily available for use.

5. Reasonable Price. Before signing up with any fitness center, check that their price is affordable or reasonable vis-à-vis the facilities and the kind of instruction and service they offer. Reputable gyms have aerobic, toning and other classes given free of charge with gym membership. Also, it's best to sign up for monthly memberships rather than longer contracts since the latter may cost you more in the long run should you decide to find another center for your needs.

6. Proximity. You'd want to find a fitness center closest to your home or your place of work. When you enroll in gyms that require you to drive for an hour before getting there, you're giving yourself the option to not train even with the most flimsy of excuses like heavy traffic or rain.

7. Facilities. Check that they have ample changing, locker and shower facilities. You don't want to have to wait until you get to the house to shower and change.