A common New Year’s Resolution is to lose weight and get in shape, and a popular way to accomplish this is by joining a gym or health club. Of course, a gym membership isn’t necessary to establish a fitness routine; there are many other at-home options for the self-motivated. But for those who need the accountability of a place and time, the motivation of being around others with similar goals, or the help of a personal trainer, a gym is the place to be. Since one of the biggest roadblocks to getting a gym membership is the expense (most gyms charge several hundred dollars a year), here are some ways to trim the cost so you can afford to trim your body.
Realize a gym membership is a commitment.
Many people make the mistake of joining a local gym and then losing interest or motivation after a few months, never to return again. If you do this, you’re either paying for a membership you’re not using, or faced with a steep cancellation fee. Treat the membership contract just as you would any other contract, and respect the terms. This is why it’s important to shop around before you commit to a gym. Most gyms allow prospective members to enjoy a week’s free pass before signing, so take the time to decide if you’re ready to commit. If there is more than one gym in your area, try them all to find the best fit for you.
Join at the right time.
Just as there is a prime buying season for other products and services, the beginning of the year and late spring are the busiest seasons for gyms. Gyms frequently advertise promotional pricing at these times to lure in the freshly motivated. Any time of year, it’s best to join near the end of the month, since clubs are trying to reach their membership sales quotas and may be more open to striking a deal.
Negotiate your fees.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate your membership fees. For instance, agreeing to pay up front for a full year may be cheaper than paying monthly. Comparison shop at other gyms and mention deals offered elsewhere. You can also ask for a limited membership restricted to certain days or times of day, or ask for a cheaper rate if you drop extra services included in the membership fee.
Joining with a group or referring other people may also save you money. It never hurts to ask.
Find deals online.
Gym membership deals are frequently featured on a gym’s social media page and service discount groups such as Groupon. Take advantage of any deals you can find before you sign for your membership; if you find a coupon after you sign, it can’t hurt to still ask for the discount.
Find out if your employer or college offers discounts.
Many employers are realizing the importance of physical fitness to their employees’ health and productivity, and encourage it by partnering with gyms to offer special rates and discounts. Don’t just assume your employer doesn’t offer a discount for gym memberships because you’ve never heard of it; ask your human resources department.
Larger universities are starting to offer free or reduced memberships to not only current but former alumni. If your Alma Mater is close by, this could be the perfect solution for you.
Take advantage of insurance discounts.
In addition to non-smoking discounts, most major insurance companies offer discounted gym memberships since fitness increases health and lowers the risk of its beneficiaries . In many cases, you can save $200-$300 a year by contacting your insurance company and asking about this perk.
Once you’ve found the gym you love at a price you can afford and decide to make a commitment, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your fitness goals this new year.
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