How to Save Money On a Gym Membership

Gym memberships can be costly but there are ways to save on your gym bill. Don't let the cost keep you from exercising and staying healthy.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Shop around. Don't blindly sign-up for a membership at the first fitness facility you hear of or see. Do a walk-though of each gym facility in your area to find out which gym fits your personality the best and which will give you the workout you are seeking. You may want to try an all male or female gym. Places like Girlfriends and Curves are workout facilities that allow only women to join. If you like a facility with more workout option the YMCA may be your gym of choice.

2. Before signing up, check with member services at the gym to find out if they will be having a promotional day where membership fees will be waived. Some gyms have a steep joining fee for the initial sign-up and avoiding this cost could save you quite a bit of money. These are sometimes done on or around holidays.

3. Another option to keep your gym cost to a minimum is to fill out an application for a membership based on your income. Not everyone will qualify for this option, but it's worth a try to see if you can shave a few dollars off your gym fees. The member services desk should have these applications available. You may need a copy of your W2 form or recent pay stubs when filling out the information on the application.

4. Check the options at the gym for paying monthly versus yearly for your gym membership. It may be more cost effective to pay for an entire year. This option may only save within a range of 10-20 dollars per year but it is still money in your pocket. If there is a possibility you may not use your membership for a full year this would not be a good option.

5. If your gym is hiring for front desk help, daycare workers or fitness instructors (and you have your fitness instructor certification), you can eliminate gym costs at most facilities if you are hired as an employee. Some gyms offer a discount for employees but others, such as the YMCA usually offer a free membership with employment.

6. Be selective about choosing a family membership or member and spouse membership if you don't think your family will be working out regularly. If only one person in a couple uses the membership regularly then get a single membership and pay the single entry fee when other family members use the gym if it is more cost effective. Some single entry fees are costly so this also may not be the best option.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep in mind that some smaller gyms and workout facilities don't offer showers or extras, such as saunas and personal trainers. Check out all aspects of a gym before spending money on a membership.
• Always read the fine print when you sign up for a gym membership. Make sure there are no hidden fees for paying monthly instead of yearly or extra charges for fitness classes.

[Nephilian]

on 7/7/2009 Good tips on saving money gettnig a gym membership. My fiance did tips 2 and 4 and reduced what it would have cost her by more than 40% for the year.

[Vanillatte]

on 2/17/2009 Excellent ideas for saving money on gym membership! 5*