Save Money on a Gym Membership: Researching Your Options Pays Off in the End

The whole point of going to the gym is to get a great workout and, hopefully, shed a few pounds. For many people who consider joining a gym, breaking a sweat is good, but breaking the bank in order to do it may not be realistic. Who wouldn't want to have a personal trainer for some serious one on one training, or unlimited access to workout facilities and classes? There are many different kinds of gyms for all different types of people and there is one sure to fit your budget. Here are some tips that will help you seek out prospective gyms and membership plans.

Before you can pick out a gym, you have to question what it is you expect to get out of the experience. Do you want to train one on one, get involved in classes like yoga, or focus on a specific area of training like strength or cardio? Once you have decided what type of workout you hope to get involved in you can start looking for gyms. If you are interested in aquatics make sure there is a pool, if you want to focus on running check out the gym to see if there is a track or treadmills, and so on. Whatever it is you are looking for, the gym you hope to join should offer it within reason.

Make a list of the gyms you are thinking of joining and consider the pro's and con's of each gym. Visit each gym to get a personal perspective and decide if it's a place you would like to work out. Your visits should coincide with the times you will actually work out. If you like to work out in the morning or afternoon, swing by the gym and see how crowded it is. If you are paying for a membership you will want to be able to use the equipment and space at your convenience. Crowding means you won't get a chance to use the facilities and equipment as often or as long as you would like, or even at all.

Other than how busy the gym is, you should find out what your membership options are. Some gyms only sign contracts, which for the most part are lengthy and hard to break. Membership contracts can also be restricting not allowing you facility or equipment access at certain times of day, or not allowing entry into certain areas or classes. Completely read any gym membership contract you may be considering and make sure you understand what you are getting. If you signed a gym contract without reading the fine print, you may find later you are only allowed to use the facility and equipment at certain times of day, some programs are extra beyond membership fees, and missing a payment or making a late payment may mean you are assessed high interest or late charges.

At the other end of the spectrum there are many gyms that offer a month-to-month-based membership. Unlike expensive contracts that lock you in a certain price, for a specified period of time a month to month membership offers much more flexibility. Often you will be able to pay for only the services and areas of the facility that you actually use, saving money compared to a contract that locks you in at a set price each month. If you are looking to save a little bit more money try using locally owned gyms and facilities such as hospitals, medical centers, spas, non-profits, churches, or even Joe's local gym. Corporate gym memberships always cost more money and the facilities tend to be overcrowded.

Although corporate gyms tend to be more expensive you can usually get discounts to offset the price of membership. If you are member of a union, a student, or senior citizen you are likely to get a discounted rate at most workout facilities. Check with your employer to see if there are any discounts offered at local or corporate gyms before signing up to save the most money. You may also be able to get a trial membership that last 7-14 days or a free evaluation with a trainer. A trial membership is a great way to "get to know" the gym you are thinking of joining and will allow you the time to make an educated decision.

If you are considering working with a personal trainer make sure they have the proper credentials before doing anything they tell you to. Personal trainers should have a degree in physiology and/or physical training. Many gyms hire employees to assist the patrons while working out, but often they do not have an educational background in physical training. Many of them are there simply there to be of a helping hand, answer the phone, and wipe down equipment. Check references and make sure they actually attended the school they say they did. Working with an unqualified personal trainer may lead to injury of muscles and joints so be sure to check them out before signing up.

As with most purchases these days, you should use a credit card to pay for your gym membership. Never allow the gym to directly debit your checking or savings account. Once you have given this permission it is likely to be abused so you are better off paying up front each month with a credit card. Paying by credit card (not debit) is a great way to protect your hard earned cash and you can file a claim for charge back if the services you received were not exactly as described in your contract. You have up to 3 months to file a charge back with most credit card companies which gives you some added flexibility when it comes to purchasing a gym membership. Also, never give a large deposit up front in order to sign a contract. You should be able to get a gym membership at most places by only signing and paying later.

Getting a gym membership is a great way to get in shape, slim down, or tone and firm. By being smart, reading the fine print, and shopping around you can save a lot of money on your gym membership.