The gym at which I work out is an anomaly. It's part of a national chain of gyms, it doesn't show any signs of closing its doors, and the monthly membership is extremely reasonable. On top of all that, there are never more than thirty people in it at any given time, so I hardly ever have to wait to use any equipment.

Consumer Reports recently surveyed a group of 3,400 people who had canceled their gym memberships in the past three years. The survey showed, among other things, that most people were dissatisfied with national gym chains, while private yoga, pilates, gyms, community centers, and YMCAs received the highest marks.

National chains were criticized for being exorbitantly priced, having long waits for gym equipment, problems with payment contracts, and demonstrating little care for cleanliness. Local gyms and health clubs, by contrast, fared much better in all regards.