Choose a club that makes you feel comfortable. If you are a no nonsense person who thinks make up or designer outfits with matching shorts and tops are less then necessary for a good work out, look out for the clubs where members look like they are going to a work out fashion show. Also look at the age of the population. If you are 50 something and the average age of those working out is 20 something, keep looking, unless you are still looking for something other than fitness. Price is an important factor for the majority of people which is why clubs have specials and advertise a lot.
Membership usually includes an initiation fee and then monthly payments.
You also need to look at private versus more public clubs, and free standing, versus clubs which are extensions of hospitals. Bottom line, make sure you get in writing, anyone can understand, what you get. Before we go on, make sure you ask about and check on any initial fitness evaluation, and a session with a fitness expert which should be part of your initiation, not extra. Check on payment options if you are uncertain about making a long term commitment. Some clubs will allow you to join on a monthly basis which may be more expensive than joining for a year, but less expensive than a yearly fee you are obliged to pay for a club you don t use.