Articles written by Devin Sherrington about health, wellness and fitness in regular column called Fit to Be Tried in the Daily News:

The Daily News - Fit to Be Tried by Devin Sherrington

It's Boxing Day. You've eaten all the junk food you can handle and are just waiting for the Boxing Week deals. Somewhere in the back of your mind you're already making that New Years Resolution to join a gym.

But what gym should you join?

Joining a gym, and joining the right gym, is the difference between getting fit and wasting your money. If you join a gym that doesn't serve your needs, you're likely to quit.

I won't tell you to pick a certain gym because everyone has different tastes. But I'll give you five basic questions to ask yourself when you walk in the door to see if it is right for you.

First, is it clean? I know it doesn't sound important but when you're working out you want a clean gym. Not only will you get your hands filthy in a dirty gym, you'll ruin your clothes. And there are a lot of germs on equipment that isn't properly cleaned.

Look around the exercise machines. There should be little to no dust build up or sweat marks. If the equipment isn't cleaned on a daily basis by the staff, think twice.

Also check the bathrooms, especially the showers. With so many people in and out, the gym bathroom is the perfect place for germs. Look for a bathroom checklist on the wall to ensure it's being cleaned.

Second, are the trainers on staff there to help you? I mean are they friendly, talkative and interested in you? There is nothing worse than spending your money at a gym and having the staff be disinterested in you and you're fitness goals. They're paid to help you. It's important they make you feel at home. If they aren't interested, look for another gym.

Third, are the trainers knowledgeable? Ask the trainers what they can do for you. It's good if they have some athletic interest but be careful of bragging. It's easy to be impressed by a bodybuilder or a tri-athlete.

Ignore that. You want to be impressed with what they can do for you, not what they have done for themselves. Look to make sure progress charts are available to monitor your workouts. A knowledgeable trainer should show you how to track your workouts to get the most out of your training.

Last, does the equipment look as if it's in good working order? Most gyms check equipment at least once a week to ensure it's working safely. Accidents can happen but you don't want to be the person they happen to.

Walk around and try out the equipment before you join. Don't ever join if the equipment makes strange noises, is sticking, or feels like something is loose. It may be fine but you don't want to find out the hard way.

Ask these five questions of every gym before you sign over your money. Buy a day pass and try the gym before you go for a full membership. Finding the right gym can be the push you need to reach all your fitness goals.