If you plan on shedding some pounds or bulking up for your New Year’s resolution then a gym membership might be the key to your success. The only problem is, gym memberships can cost you a pretty penny if you’re not quite certain what you’re looking for. There are a lot of ways to avoid the high costs of working out at a gym though, so don’t stress out just yet! With these ten tips you can easily find the membership you need to meet your goals while also keeping to your budget. So, don’t work out your piggy bank just to find a convenient way to meet your health goals, because these tips will have you on your way to success in no time at all.
1. Know When to Buy
If you’re looking to start on your resolution right away, one of the smartest things you can do is put the idea on hold. During the cold months more people flock to gyms and order memberships because it’s not convenient to work out outside. Due to the demand prices go way up which means you’re going to lose out if you’re looking to save money. The best time to get your membership is during the hotter months of summer. As winter passes people will want to get in shape in order to get their body’s looking good for the summer, so early spring isn’t exactly ideal either. With summer, people are outside moving around which means the gyms won’t see the same amount of business. Thus, it’s time for you to swoop in and buy your yearly pass before the prices spike back up for autumn. Don’t worry though as there’s plenty of ways to work out during the off-season months so you can prepare for your intense workout in the gym.
2. YMCA
There’s a lot of name brand gyms out there which will cost you quite a bit of money for a membership. You don’t have to go straight for these gyms though, even if they seem to offer you the best deals. Instead, you may want to check out your local YMCA or other community group. The YMCA has offers the community workout equipment, classes and in many cases a pool in order allow the community to keep fit and healthy. The best thing is, the YMCA doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, so you won’t have to worry about your budget being spent after one membership. You can always call and check around to see if a better deal is offered, but you may not be able to get as many services as the YMCA offers for a price as low they offer. The YMCA also offers a nice family environment, so you won’t have to worry about childcare or your older children getting bored while you work out.
3. Be Specific
A lot of gyms offer pretty generic packages which may not cater to your gym needs. It’s important to be specific as to what you’re looking for when it comes to purchasing a gym membership. Some companies won’t stray from their packages, so you may end up paying for items you never use or you may end up not getting what you want out of a package. Either way you won’t get your money’s worth out of your package. Try comparing different options in different gyms to see which will actually cost you less for exactly what you want. You may also consider asking if you can do a custom plan, so you can get the classes or gym time you need without paying for a generic package of items you may not be ready for. When you choose your plan you may also want to discuss your fitness level as this could also affect the price.
4. Alumni Status
If you’ve recently graduated or are still enrolled in a college or university then you may be able to get a great deal on a gym membership. Many schools will actually open up their gyms to the public in order to bring in more revenue, so make sure to call your school’s gym and see what the policy is. Often, students will be able to get into the gym at no cost, which is a huge benefit as many school gyms have just about anything you could possibly need to get in shape. If you’re an alumni then you should be entitled to a major discount, although some schools will still allow recent grads to take to the gym at no extra cost. On the other hand, many schools will also make deals with local gyms so students can get a large discount off the services. Make sure you present your student ID card whenever you check out a new gym as they may offer you a student membership or a discount that will save you big time.
5. Price Match
Many people have a preferred gym they’d like to go to, but sometimes the price just doesn’t meet the budget. If this is the case then do a little shopping around before you decide on paying the hefty price for the gym of your dreams. Sometimes, if you find a lower price on a similar deal a gym may actually match the price. You may have to bring in a sales ad or even a payment plan for the other gym in order to prove the price, but if the gym you love will honor the deal you’ll be able to get just what you need for the price that matched your budget. Of course, not all gyms will do this, so don’t be afraid to take the better deal to your second choice. Before you know it you’ll eventually strike gold which will help you work out for less many than advertised.
6. Read the Fine Print
Many gyms will tack on fees to services you won’t ever use. For instance, a childcare fee is one of the more common items you’ll find on your receipt. However, if you don’t have children you’re paying this for no reason at all! So, rather than sign away, take the time to talk to the gym about each little fee. You may be surprised as to how many you can take off of you bill so you won’t have to pay for items you’re never going to use. The key here is to comb through your contract though. If you don’t have time to do it while you’re at the gym then ask for a copy so you can read it on your own time. When you’re sure it’s the gym you want to work with then schedule a meeting and see if you can get some negotiations in. This will ensure you’re only paying for what you need rather than childcare, classes and spa services you might never touch.
7. Insurance/Employee Discounts
One key factor that a lot of people look over is their employee benefits as well as their insurance discounts. Both of these items can offer up a world of discounts that make your workouts go even further than you ever thought possible. Before you sign up for a gym talk to your boss or personnel office to see if there are any gyms they get deals with. Many employers will offer discounts on these items in order to keep their employees healthy. Some businesses may even provide passes for employees, which will save you time and money. You may also want to talk to your insurance company. Some companies will give you discount passes for gyms while others will lower your rates when you prove you’re a member in a gym. This will also help save money while helping you reach your goals with the money saving incentives.
8. Pay Upfront
When it comes to saving money on a gym one of your best bets may actually be to hand over the money upfront. Many gyms will offer bulk deals to customers which actually ends up saving quite a bit of money over time. Although low monthly rates may seem appealing, by paying the lump sum when you join the gym you could save over a hundred dollars. Sometimes, rates fluctuate which can cause you to have to pay more during prime months. Whereas, when you go ahead and get the payment in you actually reduce the price you pay each month, thus saving you big time. Many people don’t like doing this because there’s months in which they may not use the gym. In most cases, you can put a hold on your membership so if you plan on being out of town for a month, or become ill or have surgery then your membership will be paused so you can carry out the months when you can actually make it to the gym.
9. Online Access
Living in a digital world brings many benefits to anyone looking for an outstanding workout. If you’re not much of an equipment person than joining an online access program may be right up your alley. These websites charge you a low monthly fee, or one bulk price, and provide you with access to support groups, workout tools and online classes. Online access is perfect for anyone that loves to workout at home rather than a facility as well as anyone that likes to squeeze in a workout during lunch breaks at work, or whenever a free moment arises. The classes range from intense cardio and lifting to pilates, yoga and beginner courses. The best thing is you can experience a variety of workouts without having to follow a set schedule. You can even do the work outs over and over if you find one that suits your style. Of course, if you’re looking to save even more money then you may want try looking up free subscriptions as there are many websites dedicating to making others healthy. A lot of gyms will also offer free online downloads to give prospective customers a look at what they have to offer.
10. PassBook
If you don’t like to feel tied down with a contract or don’t always have time to spend at a gym then you may want to check into PassBook. This amazing product is presented to consumers by the American Health and Fitness Association so you’ll know you’re getting a good deal with it. The book is $75 per year, but if provides you with a large variety of free classes, workout time, passes to gyms and other health seminars that will help you get in shape and stay healthy. Each of the passes can be redeemed for 2 or more visits so if you like a gym you can always go back. The PassBook will also give you access to many places you may not have known about or might not have otherwise visited. You might find that after a year of the PassBook you’ll have discovered new workouts and exercise habits that make you feel incredible. The best thing is, the PassBook holds so many amazing vouchers that you’ll probably be able to do something each day of the year without having to spend any extra money. The PassBook is designed for your city, so see if your area qualifies and enjoy a year of getting fit and trying new things.
Joining a gym doesn’t mean you should lose out on all of your spending money. There’s a wide variety of options out there to choose from, so you don’t have to lose every penny you have in the name of getting fit. With these ten tips you should find yourself loving your gym time while ensuring your New Year’s resolution will be accomplished!
