Getting Your Body and Finances Back into Shape: Ways to Save at the Gym

Joining a gym is a great way to get your body in shape. But for some people, a gym membership isn’t always affordable. Fortunately, there are ways to join a gym without breaking the bank. Below is a look at how you can lower, or even eliminate, your gym membership costs.

Shop around

Money is the ultimate decider of when, and how, you’ll spend your spring break. So, it’s wise to determine how much you can spend before planning your trip. Most college students are already low on funds, so don’t book a trip that will put you in financial straits. Your budget can also help you decide your spring break travel destination.

Determine your destination

Most communities have more than one gym, and each will likely charge different membership fees. That said, it’s wise to compare gym services and prices to ensure you’re getting the most bang for your buck. If you prefer one gym over another but its membership is more expensive, you can negotiate the cost with gym staff. You can also negotiate an initiation fee, a one-time payment for new members. If your preferred gym offers add-on services you won’t use, ask if they can remove them from your account for a lower membership cost. Above all, it’s important to workout at least once at your preferred gym before signing up for a membership.

Sign up during the slow season

The number of new gym memberships peaks at the beginning of the year. They’re also at their highest during the winter months, as fewer people want to exercise outdoors. That said, the best time to join a new gym is in the summer when memberships are at their lowest. This might give you wiggle room to negotiate a better gym membership price. If you’re dead set on joining a gym outside of the summer, try joining at the end of the month when gyms are trying to reach monthly membership goals. This, too, could give you the freedom to negotiate a better membership price.

Workout at home

If a gym isn’t an affordable option for you, there’s nothing wrong with working out at home! Exercises like push-ups, crunches, and burpees don’t require fancy gym equipment. You can also swap weights and kettlebells for everyday items, like rice bags, water bottles, and canned goods. If you’re seeking a workout regime, tons of online resources can help you find what you’re looking for. There are also many instructional exercise videos out there.

Gym memberships don’t always have to break the bank. It’s possible to simultaneously keep your body and wallet in shape. All you have to do is put in the effort, both physically and financially.

Avoid the contract

If you can, avoid signing any contracts when joining a new gym. Contracts can lock you into paying membership fees, even if you aren’t happy with a gym’s service. Instead, ask your gym if you can pay per visit. This could save you money, especially if you’re an infrequent gym user. Some gyms also allow you to pay membership fees in advance, which can help you save.

Put your membership on hold while traveling

If you haven’t prepaid your membership fees and are planning to be away for an extended period, ask your gym if you can place your membership on hold. This can save you a decent chunk of change – all you have to do is place your membership on hold before you leave town. Keep in mind that each gym has different stipulations about how long you can place your membership on hold.

Check your health insurance

Some health insurance providers offer discounts or reimbursements for gym memberships. That said, it’s wise to check with your insurance company or employer to see if such discounts are available. In some cases, employer-sponsored health savings accounts can also be used to cover gym membership costs. Again, check with your employer.

Hunter Morrison

About Hunter Morrison

Hunter has freelanced for various print and radio publications across Northwest Florida, including The Bay Beacon, Navarre Press, Inweekly, Crestview News Bulletin, and WUWF. He was also the Editor in Chief of the University of West Florida’s student newspaper, The Voyager. In 2023, Hunter moved to Kenai, Alaska to take up a news reporting position with KDLL Public Radio. For fun, Hunter enjoys cross-country skiing, hiking, photography, thrifting, traveling, and looking for the best Thai food around.