If you're like virtually every other American who ends the holidays feeling like a stuffed bird, you've probably resolved to exercise and lose weight this year. If you're shopping around for a gym membership to help you achieve those goals, make sure you get your money's worth from your investment of time and money.

The first and most obvious point: You have to use the gym to make your membership dues worthwhile. There's a reason that many personal-finance advice columns urge you to cancel your gym membership if you're not using it. Copy and paste the attached link in your URL to view the rest of this article.  http://www.fool.com/personal-finance/shopping/2007/01/05/work-on-your-waist-without-waste.aspx?source=mppromo