I have done that before and that is why I won't join one anymore. It's a waste of money if I am not going to use it. I bought a treadmill instead. I use it a lot more than I ever used a health club membership.
I joined in April and I go three days a week. I signed up with a friend, who agreed that we would work out together from time to time, but I've never seen him there. He claims to have gone about 5 times, but I doubt if it's even been that much. Can't believe how much money he's wasted.
I used to go pretty regularly, but I just couldn't take the "meat market" atmosphere anymore, so I dropped it. I bought my own treadmill and weights and work out at home. It's much nicer.
I joined the Y last November and didn't go until January. It was great in theary that I wanted to join a gym but did actually convince myself that I needed it until January. I now go 5 times a week and alternate between cardio, strength training and Yoga.
I took 3 days off this week and today in Yoga, I couldn't keep up. It amazing how that 3 days set me back.
It is amazing! I had to take 5 off and I had a hard time today. I went at 4am and then again in the evening. I am just going to do that for the next 3 days to get back on track!