You can get at least one, and possibly up to 8 training sessions with some clubs before joining EITHER the AMA or the club... Find a club that has the "Intro Pilot Program". Its an AMA program that has the club designate instructors who can then give initial training lessons before the beginner joins the club or the AMA and still have full AMA insurance coverage for the instructor, student and the club. (and the flying site owner.)

How many lessons any particular club will allow under the program is up to the club. The AMA limits you to 30 days coverage in the program.

Don't go bouncing from club to club under the program... they have to send in your name and anddress for the AMA's paperwork in the program. You'll end up with notices being sent from the AMA to the clubs in the program saying to not let you fly without an AMA card if you abuse it. Then the clubs my elect to not accept your application to join if/when you do want to join. (not a good idea to start out with a bad reputation even if they let you join...)