New Year, New Me: Gyms and health clubs in Exmouth

Should I take the plunge again and invest some of my hard-earned cash in a gym membership at a health and fitness club in Exmouth? So far I've never managed to get past the induction and fitness plan... so why throw more money away? Is it madness or is there genuine hope?

What I need from a health and leisure club in Exmouth is quite specific - but we all have our preferences. I want an incentive for all the hard work - so a pool or sauna and steam room is ideal. Preferably a whirlpool, too.

Being a mum, creche facilities certainly hold appeal - if it is well run and safe. And obviously cost and what you get for your money is also something to consider - along with the option to freeze your membership if necessary.

Exmouth has a number of gyms and sports clubs that seem to come recommended by local friends and acquaintances. Cranford Sports Club is a non-profit making enterprise and membership includes classes such as Body Pump, Body Combat, Body Balance, RPM and Circuit Training.

Ali Boyne, 26, a youth soccer coach, says "My partner and I go to Circuit Training together, once a week, and because we do it together, neither of us can decide to give it a miss one week, as we'd be letting the other one down. Exercising regularly with a friend or partner can be a great incentive."

Curves, on Liverton Business Park, is a franchised gym solely for women. So no need to worry about embarrassing yourself. They currently offer £59 for 8 weeks winter workout and have a personalised coaching system 'CurvesSmart' and a workout that covers cardio and strength training in just 30 minutes, with the potential to burn up to 500 calories and work every major muscle group!

Can anyone recommend Lifestyle Health & Fitness Club on Douglas Avenue - or does anyone even know if you can join The Devoncourt Hotel leisure club? For something different, a more holistic form of exercise, there is the Yoga Studio.

Woodbury Park Hotel & Golf Club is just out of Exmouth but it makes a happy escape! The good thing is that once you've paid the joining fee, you just sign up to a direct debit - so there's no annual sting. Rosie, 40, says: "The gym has just been extended and the staff are really motivating and encouraging. I do a workout while my little boy has a swimming lesson, then I join him and we have a splash about together for fun. Membership also gives me 10% off beauty treatments and hair cuts/colours."

If you think you've stumbled on a great deal, know of a gym that has creche facilities, or know that your regular gym is offering incentives to newcomers in the new year, please do tell! Likewise, any that are a rip-off!