17 Ways to Get a Cheap Gym Membership Near You (for Life!)

That’s why it’s a good idea to try out a gym before you make a long-term commitment.

Fortunately, many gyms offer free passes for a trial period.

Here are a few examples of gyms that offer free trials:

You can also use GymTicket.com to find free gym passes at participating gyms, health clubs, and fitness centers. The site offers a directory of more than 20,000 gyms and health clubs across the country.

2. Join a low-cost gym

Some gyms are super pricey, setting you back $70 or more a month.

So consider joining a cheaper gym. Cheap gyms tend to be no-frills, but they still have the equipment you need.

Some local gyms are cheap, so it’s a good idea to call around for prices.

Or you could check out one of these low-cost chains:

• Planet Fitness – Costs only around $10 a month for a basic membership or $23 a month for extra features.
• Anytime Fitness – Costs only around $36 a month.

3. Check Costco for cheap gym memberships

People swear by Costco membership discounts and deals and how much money they save by taking advantage of such money saving offers.

In the past, Costco has run offers on gym memberships, like one for 24 Hour Fitness. It doesn’t seem to be offering this membership anymore. But, it’s always worth having a look to see if there are any deals on gym memberships available.

4. Get a ClassPass & save at hundreds of studios

ClassPass is an option to consider if you prefer fitness classes to gym memberships. You pay a monthly amount and get access to a network of studios, without having to pay for expensive classes individually.

The cost of a ClassPass varies depending on where you live. There is a free trial available though, which again, varies in duration depending on where you live.

5. Compare prices online

When you’re trying to decide which gym to join, make sure you search online and compare prices. You can put together a list of gyms near you, along with the price of membership.

You should also use the internet to look for deals and discounts.

You may be able to find good discounts on sites like Groupon. And on a gym’s website, you may be able to find membership discounts or deals on classes.

So it’s always worth searching online for deals.

6. Negotiate on the price of the membership

Speak with a manager, rather than a salesperson and try to negotiate a deal. Managers are more likely to be able to negotiate a better price for you on a membership.

Or you could ask for some free bonuses, like a month’s membership for free or not having to pay the initiation fee. Negotiating won’t always work, but it’s always worth asking.

7. Join as part of a group

Some places will lower their monthly rates for large groups. In fact, many fitness clubs offer family or household discounts. So you and your spouse or roommate for example could get a discount if you sign up together.

You could even get a group of friends together and ask the gym manager if they’d be willing to offer a deal for the group.

8. See if your insurance benefits can get you a discount

Some insurance providers offer gym discounts to customers.

For example, with some Aetna plans, you get discounts on memberships to the YMCA and 24-Hour Fitness Clubs.

Eligible United Healthcare members can get reimbursed up to $200 in a six month period.

So, it’s definitely worth asking your insurance company whether you can get any gym benefits through your plan.

9. Read the contract

One of the biggest costs of the gym can be a cancellation fee. Like we said above, trying out a gym before signing a contract is best. But you may still have to cancel your gym membership in the future for whatever reason.

That’s why you should read the contract, so you don’t get stuck paying a huge cancellation fee or a penalty for a membership you don’t use anymore.

For example, one club might ask you to give them two months’ notice to end the contract.

So, always take time to read the fine print and keep a copy of any contract that you sign.