I'm out in the country, not near any big towns. At first, the only "gyms" I knew of were in hotels or guest houses -- locals can buy memberships at discount rates. However, there isn't any staff available to help, and in the summer months it's so mobbed that there's no room to go.
But I kept looking and found a wonderful little private gym. It's all women, which eliminates any of the meat-market feeling we all hate. The staff is always there and always asking if you need help, if you're going OK, etc. The women there are at all levels of fitness -- from very buff women who look like they've been exercising regluarly all their lives, to people like me, to very heavy women who only manage a few minutes on the treadmill at low speeds. It's a nice mix and everyone is really friendly.
The best part is that you get assessed as soon as you join up -- weight, fat content, fitness, health goals, etc. Then the staff develop a program for you to follow for six weeks. It's mostly goals you have to reach and feel comfortable with by the time your six weeks are up. Then you get assessed again and get a whole new program. It's good 'cause this way I don't get too bored with what I'm doing as I know it'll change before too long. But if that's not your bag, you can just go and do your own thing.
The place also has a lovely shower and changing area with free coffee & tea, hairdryers and straighteners for use, etc. And ... two days a week you can book facials, massages, etc. at an extra charge! That's a definite bonus! I pay £18/month, which I think is incredibly reasonable. It entitles me to as many visits I want, plus two aerobics classes per week.
It's definitely better than any gym I belonged to in the US.
