Can you join a fitness centre without busting your wallet? Some are making that possible.

While gym packages are often cheaper when you sign up for longer periods, most fitness clubs have recognised the need for flexibility.

Clark Hatch, for instance, has monthly membership schemes apart from annual memberships. Although these cost a little more, you will not need to pay for the months during which you do not hit the gym.

For even greater value, fitness centres are also now providing exercise classes like kick-boxing, step aerobics and hot yoga. Planet Fitness has 38 different classes with over 300 sessions a week.

Depending on the type of membership you sign up for, these classes are usually included in the membership fees.

Some gym memberships also come with discounts for other establishments in the form of health-care privileges.

But if you are a man, there are some memberships that money just can't buy.

Amore Fitness Centre and Contours Express cater only for women and have fitness programmes specially tailored for them.

Choosing the best fitness centre boils down to your specific needs.

Some centres weren't very keen to divulge much information, especially costs. But on the facing page is a sampling of the kind of workout you can get for your buck.

Where to workout

California Fitness

Where: Orchard Building, Republic Plaza II, Bugis Junction, Velocity Mall
Best package: Crazy Summer Sale Promotion
How much: Yearly membership starting from $165, from now till July 31. Administrative fees may apply.
What you get: Unlimited use of gym facilities and exercise classes.
Additional perks: Discounts from merchants such as The Body Shop, Coffee Club and Supercuts.

Clark Hatch

Where: Hotel Inter-Continental
Best package: Monthly Scheme
How much: $110 a month with a minimum of three months, a one-time entrance and administrative fee applies. During the Great Singapore Sale, there is a 50 per cent discount for the entrance fee.
What you get: Unlimited use of gym facilities, step aerobic classes and the swimming pool.
Additional perks: Discounted spa package.

Planet Fitness

Where: Suntec City, Parkway Parade, China Square Central, Chevron House, Great World City, VivoCity
Best package: Yearly Membership
How much: Starts from $65 a month which is inclusive of the joining and processing fee.
What you get: Unlimited use of gym facilities, exercise classes and rock-climbing walls. Use of swimming pool at Suntec City.
Additional perks:Shopping and dining privileges.

Powermoves Pilates and Dance Studio

Where: Paragon Medical Centre and Bishan Park II.
Best package: Unlimited Matwork Package
How much: $398
What you get: Attend unlimited Pilates lessons for a month on weekdays.
Additional perks: 20 per cent discount at the Organic Cafe and Outdoor Canopy restaurant located on its premises.

Sky Fitness

Where: Level 16, Harbourfront Tower 2
Best package: Sky Annual Membership
How much: $135 a month, with a one-time registration fee of $588.
What you get: Unlimited use of gym facilities and exercise classes.
Additional perks: 10-15 per cent discount at its Living in Clarity Cafe.

Wellness Infinity Health and Fitness
Where: Revenue House
Best package: Gold Membership
How much: $840 per year inclusive of administrative fee.
What you get: An additional two months free. Unlimited use of gym facilities and exercise classes.

YMCA Gym
Where: 1 Orchard Road
Best package: Y Fitness Plan
How much: $58 per month, YMCA membership fees apply.
What you get: Unlimited use of gym facilities, exercise classes and the swimming pool.
Additional perks: 10 per cent discount at Y Cafe located at YMCA.

WOMEN ONLY:

Amore Fitness

Where: Bugis Junction, Park Mall, East Point Mall, Heartland Mall, Woodlands Civic Centre, Jurong Point, Thomson Plaza
Best package: Three Months Once A Week Package
How much: $225, a one-time administrative fee applies.
What you get: Once a week use of gym and exercise classes.
Additional perks: Enjoy the Amore Rewards Programme that includes extended discounts with selected merchants.

Contours Express

Where: Tanjong Pagar Centre, Choa Chu Kang Centre
Best package: Monthly membership with a minimum of two months
How much: From $59 a month, inclusive of administrative fee.
What you get: Unlimited use of gym facilities and exercise classes.
Additional perks: Fitness and diet coaching at no extra charge.

This story was first published in Mind Your Body, The Straits Times, on June 11, 2008.