By: Jason Anderson, Certified Personal Trainer, 1/13/2009 Joining a gym is not a decision you should take lightly—especially since it affects your wallet. Fitness centers come in all shapes, sizes and price ranges, offering everything from basic workout equipment Don't throw in the (sweaty) towel just yet! I have some money-saving ideas that will help youcut your membership costs. As a trainer and wellness coordinator, I spent several years working in public and private fitness centers, so I know all the secrets! Also, opt for signing a shorter-term agreement, even if it costs a few dollars more. You may save money in the end by not being stuck paying for a gym you don't use. If you can't agree to their contract terms, ask to write in your own exit strategy. As with all things, make sure to get it in writing, get it signed by both parties, and keep a copy for yourself. Even though I have seen many of the above tips work firsthand, there are no magical spells that will make all of these suggestions work in your favor. Most importantly, honesty is the best policy when dealing with people—and that includes gym employees, managers and salespeople. If you can't afford the fees in the first place (or if you encounter financial hardship after signing on the dotted line), explain your situation. You may be surprised to find that many people are willing to try to help in some way. In the end, remember that you don't need a gym to get fit, but they do need your business, so find a compromise or deal that works for both of you!1. Shop during the Slow Season
When looking to purchase a membership, consider the time of year. Thanks to New Year's resolutions, gift certificates, and renewed resolve, the first few months of the year are the busiest—and best—times to be a membership director. Similarly, the colder months are also busier than warmer months because people can't exercise outside. Because they're selling so many memberships,gymsdon't need your money and they're less likely to cut you a deal. But the opposite is also true: Membership slides during the summer and toward the end of the year, so that is the best time to make your move. Look for specials and discounts at this time, and don't be afraid to ask for a better deal.2. Join at the End of the Month
Gyms and fitness centers typically have membership goals for each month. They want to gain new members and retain the ones they have. At the first of the month, these sales goals don't seem as daunting to employees as they 3. Check Out the Competition
In most cities, there is more than one game in town, so shop around to find out what each gym has to offer. Once you have narrowed the list down to the places you like, go to each gym and speak to the individual responsible for memberships. Explain what you want and what you've seen 4. Strip Off the Extras
Many facilities offer a one-price-for-all structure. For example, your monthly fee includes the use of the gym, locker rooms, childcare and group fitness classes. If you don't have children, you won’t have any use for the childcare. If group fitness classes are not your cup of tea, you don't want to pay for something you aren't going to use, right? Explain this when talking about the membership fee with a staff person and see if you can strike a better deal.5. Avoid the Contract Agreement
Many gyms require you to sign a contract (often called "an agreement") that may lock you into a long-term membership that lasts several months, one year, or longer. When you sign a contract, you are, in essence, agreeing to pay the monthly fee whether or not you're happy or using the gym at all. My first advice is to avoid the contract if possible. Once you sign a contract, it can be very difficult tocancel if you don’t like or use the facility, if you're unable to pay your fees, or even if you move 6. Get Out of Your Gym Contract
So maybe you didn't read my advice above until it was too late! Luckily, there are some stipulations that will typically allow you to exit most membership contracts. One option is moving outside your gym's contract-stipulated radius 7. Be Honest about Your Budget
Let’s say that you have found "the one". This is the gym for you—it has everything you need, where you need it. The only problem is that the fees are justbeyond your budget. Sit down with a staff person and explain your situation. Tell them what you can afford. You might be surprised to find out that they may help. The YMCA is great about this! They have financial assistance 8. Work With Your Employer
Employers today are facing increasing 9. Don't Fall for "Good Deals" on Extras
When you're on a budget, it seems like a no-brainer to say no to extra costs like personal training, apparel, supplements, laundry and tanning. But salespeople at gyms will do anything to make you think these extras aren't just necessary but are also a good value. If you are not careful, it is easy to drop a lot of money each month with a few dollars here and a few dollars there. Skip the super protein smoothie or energy bar after your workout and go for a high quality meal at home. Double-check your gym bag for your water bottle to forgo buying $2 bottles of waterat each visit. And before you sign a contract for personal training sessions, ask yourself, do I really need a personal trainer?10. Traveling? Put Your Membership on Hold
One thing I love about some gyms is that they will let you put your membership "on hold" for a short period. If you know that next month you will be out of town a lot and unable to go to the gym, ask if you can put it on hold for that month. Just remember to do this ahead of time, if possible. Don’t walk in after not using the gym for three months and ask for a refund or extension. Gyms are businesses too and a lack of motivation on your part does not necessitate a refund on their part.
FAQs
10 Ways to Save Money at the Gym? ›
Offer to Pay a Few Months Upfront
It never hurts to ask if they can give you any type of discount for pre-paying a few months in advance. Some gyms may consider cutting costs (like waiving an initiation fee) if you offer to pay the annual cost up front, versus breaking it into monthly payments.
Offer to Pay a Few Months Upfront
It never hurts to ask if they can give you any type of discount for pre-paying a few months in advance. Some gyms may consider cutting costs (like waiving an initiation fee) if you offer to pay the annual cost up front, versus breaking it into monthly payments.
Your gym should let you cancel your contract if you've had a change in circ*mstances that means you can't afford the monthly payments. It would have to be something significant, eg you've lost your job or suddenly found yourself in a lot of debt. You'll need evidence to prove this to your gym.
How can exercising save you money? ›Being Healthier Means Fewer Medical Expenses
One of the easiest ways to start saving money is by getting more exercise. Regular exercise has been shown to improve your cardiovascular health, and a healthy heart means fewer medical bills over time. In addition, regular workouts can help you lose weight.
How to save money at Anytime Fitness. Anytime Fitness gyms often run promotional offers, especially during certain times of the year. Keep an eye out for Anytime Fitness promo codes, discounts on initiation fees, reduced monthly rates for signing up during specific periods, or deals on longer-term memberships.
What is the 70 30 rule gym? ›Shifting stubborn fat comes down to the 70/30 rule: only 30% comes from exercise whereas 70% comes from making changes to what you eat. It is the most important factor in a shredding fat. Our nutritionist partner Lily Soutter has shortlisted 6 ways to shift fat using the 70/30 rule.
Is 50 dollars a month a lot for a gym membership? ›Gym memberships usually cost between $40 and $70 per month, but the price of premium gyms can be higher. Location, amenities, and membership benefits can affect the price. Traditional health insurance plans, Medicare, and Medigap may cover a portion or all of the costs related to gym membership.
What happens if you never pay the gym? ›Like all contracts, gym membership contracts create a binding agreement between you and the gym, which lasts until the contract ends. The gym might be able to sue you to collect its membership fees if you stop paying before you are legally allowed to.
Can a gym chase you for money? ›If you simply cancel a Direct Debit and refuse to pay fees owed, a gym can pursue you for unpaid fees and send your account to collections. These debt management firms take responsibility for recovering unpaid fees and will take Court action if necessary.
What happens if you dont pay your gym bill? ›Unpaid fees will get transferred to a collection agency. Even if the amount you owe is small, the impact on your credit could be big.
How much should I budget for the gym? ›
Gym memberships cost between $10 and $100 a month generally, with even some well-known names on the lower end of that range. But rates can get much higher, especially at luxury fitness clubs. Determining the true price you'll pay for a membership can be tricky because many gyms obscure the details.
What is the cheapest month to join a gym? ›That holds true in January or any month of the year, she says. Metcalf says fitness clubs may need to boost their sales to meet quotas toward the end of a month, so they will offer even lower rates to entice you to join. Another good time to lock in a good annual membership rate is during the summer.
Should I shower at the gym to save money? ›Does it save money to shower at a gym? Weighing up the cost of showering versus the cost of a gym membership would leave you in the red if you only used your leisure centre for the sake of the shower. Exercising at home or going for a run or bike ride would be the cheapest all-around solution.