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? ›
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.
- Join with a Friend or Family Member. ...
- Request a Trial Membership. ...
- Join at the End of the Month. ...
- Ask for a Work Discount. ...
- Spy on Personal Training Sessions. ...
- Offer to Pay a Few Months Upfront. ...
- Ask for a Military, Teacher or Senior Citizen Discount. ...
- Ask for a Student Discount.
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.
- Ask for end-of-the-month deals or discounts.
- Reference outdated sales.
- Pay cash or in advance.
- Look at other options and compare prices.
- Ask about off-peak hours.
- Look for family, friend or corporate referrals.
How do cheap gyms make money? Cheap gyms, like budget-friendly fitness chains, make money through high volume. They attract a large number of members with low-cost memberships, banking on the fact that not all members will use the gym regularly.
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? ›Not if you belong to a gym. Paying for a gym or health club membership these days can take more weight off your wallet than it does off your waist. The average gym membership costs between $40 and $50 a month, but when you add the initiation fee, you're looking at as much as $800 a year.
How losing weight can save you money? ›Beyond the obvious health benefits of being in shape, losing weight can help you save as much as $5,000 per year in transportation, insurance, and health-related costs, not to mention the amount you could make by more frequent promotions at work.
What exercise makes you lose the most? ›- Walking. Walking can be a convenient way for many beginners to exercise without feeling overwhelmed or needing to purchase equipment. ...
- Jogging or running. ...
- Cycling. ...
- Weight training. ...
- Interval training. ...
- Swimming. ...
- Yoga. ...
- Pilates.
- Start an Online Fitness Studio. Online fitness studios are the best way for you to earn more money as a trainer. ...
- Launch a Fitness App. ...
- Live Stream Fitness Classes. ...
- Sell Downloadable Workout Plans. ...
- Sell Your Favorite Fitness Products. ...
- Sell Your Own Branded Fitness Products. ...
- Find Brand Sponsorships. ...
- Generate Advertising Revenue.
What to do if the gym is too expensive? ›
Facilities. The more facilities a gym has, the more it will cost each month. If you think your gym is too expensive, then it's worth looking at other options in the area. Cheaper gyms may offer exactly what you need to exercise effectively but at a fraction of the cost.
What is the cheapest month to join a gym? ›"You can often get the biggest discount on a gym membership later in the month," says Andrea Metcalf, a certified trainer and health coach in Chicago. That holds true in January or any month of the year, she says.
What is a reasonable amount to spend on gym? ›The answer to that question is "it depends." According to data from GoodRx Health, a typical gym membership costs between $40 and $70 per month. However, the amount you pay will depend on factors such as where the gym is located and the amenities offered.
Why gyms are so expensive? ›Gyms consume a significant amount of electricity, and maintaining a comfortable environment with heating and cooling systems comes with a price. Large spaces, well-lit areas, and the need for temperature control contribute to high utility bills, which are reflected in membership fees.
Does a home gym save money? ›The truth is, it depends. Upfront, a home gym setup will obviously cost you more, but if you regularly use your equipment over years then the cost could average out over time. A gym membership will usually win out over the short term, but you'll have to keep paying that membership fee as long as you continue to go.
How does 24 Hour Fitness make money? ›24 Hour Fitness makes money through multiple revenue streams, primarily anchored in membership fees. This approach is supplemented by personal training, group classes, and other health and wellness services, along with sales of merchandise and nutritional products.
Should I shower at the gym to save money? ›Exercising at home or going for a run or bike ride would be the cheapest all-around solution. However, if you are a committed gym-goer it would save money and time if you did use the facility's shower even from time to time.
What is the cheapest gym membership? ›So, what is the cheapest gym membership? At the end of the day, either Crunch Fitness's Basic membership or a Planet Fitness membership will cost you about $9.99 monthly, which is the cheapest you'll find among chain gyms.
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.
How often should you go to the gym to get your money's worth? ›If you are looking to improve your health and fitness regime this year, there are some key things to keep in mind. Based on our survey, aim to go to use your gym membership around 5 times per week to really get your moneys worth and to get into a routine.