A. From what I have heard from others, these fitness centers are a big hit with those who use them.

Personally, I feel that there isn't a great deal of beneficial difference between the workouts and machines gender-wise. Men are usually more focused on building muscle (bulking up) and don't attend as many of the aerobic classes as women.

In my classes, however, I have both men and women and all feel that they get an equally beneficial workout, whether we are working on cardiovascular fitness or strength/endurance.

It is important to find a club/instructor(s) you enjoy and a program you will stick with, so if you are more comfortable with all women that is a plus - but the exercises shouldn't be that different.

Just remember to always work at your own pace while challenging yourself.