The foundation for all of our planned improvements is established by the start of a new year (hello, waking up earlier and digital detoxing). Going to the gym more is undoubtedly one of the most common resolutions made nationwide, which is why it will be impossible to get a treadmill come January.
Is now an affordable time to sign up if you’re one of the many other latecomers hoping to work out more frequently than you did the previous year? Do gyms raise their prices to take advantage of resolution-makers? For some simple strategies to reduce the cost of your gym membership, continue reading.
1. Join at the End of the Month
According to Keightley, “you get a better deal in December going into early January,” Since gyms make more money in January, they are more likely to have members commit by January 1 and pay a reduced monthly price during the slow period of the New Year. However, because December is already over, many gyms are still vying for the most members in the upcoming year, so they will probably give discounts on access to amenities, free months, or reduced enrollment.
But this also depends on your preferred gym and is situational. For instance, according to Magazine, “Blink Fitness has low membership rates throughout the year, not just after the New Year.”
2. Look for Summer Markdowns
What about people who intend to prepare for summer? The summer is a perfect time to join a gym whose costs change. According to Keightley, “you get a good deal in the summer,” The daily grind at the gym begins to slow down as more people flock to the beach for the summer, particularly on the east coast, and kids return home from school nationally.
Wait until late spring (usually around May) to join up, when there are fewer people and you won’t have to compete for a bike, as traffic is typically heavy in the early spring (March is the busiest month, according to the magazine).
3. Find Out if There are Individualized Discounts
Are you a senior, a student, or a member of the armed forces? If so, look for any discounts that many gyms provide to people who fit those descriptions. If you don’t see it publicly promoted, don’t be afraid to inquire.
For people on a tight budget, some gyms, such as Blink Fitness, might instead provide various price tiers. “Gym membership prices vary considerably—as do the benefits you receive for the price of a gym membership,” Magazine stated. “At Blink, we offer several levels of membership, with prices designed for any budget and starting at just $10 per month and an annual maintenance fee for a 12-month commitment.”
4. Check for Health Insurance Coverage
Beyond the times you see your doctor, having health insurance might be helpful. A lot of health insurance companies work with gyms to pay for all or part of the membership fees. Regular exercisers can lower their chance of developing chronic illnesses including diabetes, heart disease, and some types of cancer, according to the CDC.One Thus, providing a gym membership incentive may end up saving the insurance companies money over time.
“We have connections with three major healthcare partners: Tivity (Silver Sneakers & Prime), ASH (Silver & Fit, Active & Fit), and Renew Active,” says Magazine. “While I cannot speak for other gyms, we are proud to have connections with these networks to give our communities more opportunities to live active, healthy lifestyles.”
5. Try the Free Trial
Try before you purchase, basically. “For those interested in becoming members at Blink, we offer a free trial providing a 1-day pass that can be used anytime within 30 days,” says Magazine. This allows you to try out the equipment and see the atmosphere before making a complete commitment to a gym. You’re more likely to use the membership and save your hard-earned money if you enjoy it!
6. Commit Long-Term
When it comes to package type, Magazine advises following your gut since, let’s face it, going to the gym is frequently easier said than done.What you’re ready for will determine which bundle is ideal for you.If you require flexibility, you might want to look for Blink’s Gray membership, which allows single-club access to any location of your choosing and requires a month-to-month commitment. Making an incentive for your personal discipline might be the finest course of action if you’re attempting to construct a new routine and integrate exercise into your lifestyle. Making a longer-term commitment could motivate you to continue.
An additional benefit of signing a lengthier term is that your monthly charge will frequently be reduced. However, you risk incurring cancellation fees or, worse, paying monthly fees even though you haven’t been using the gym if you don’t think it’s feasible to commit.
7. Split With a Friend
Additionally, you can search for memberships that include complimentary guest entry (they do exist!), so call a friend who is willing to go halfsies with you. According to the magazine, “Every Green and Blue Blink Fitness membership comes with unlimited guest privileges, so you can always bring a friend at no extra cost.” In theory, you could have a gym partner and split the expense with a friend. Win-win!
8. Freeze Your Membership When You’re Away
Why continue to spend money on something you’re not utilizing when you wouldn’t just throw it away? Many fitness centers will allow you to take a break if you’re traveling or won’t be going for a while. “Following the challenges of 2020, we wanted to make the road to fitness was simple and frictionless,” Magazine states. “With this in mind, we recently launched Worry-Free Benefits, a program allowing members the ease of requesting to freeze, unfreeze, or cancel their membership online or in-gym.”
9. Keep Your Eyes Peeled for Promotions
Being aware of the gym’s specials will help you get more value for your money. Perhaps there is a new class you can check out for free, or a new personal trainer is taking on gym patrons for a brief period of time. In any case, using promotions offers you a little bit more than what is included in your regular membership.
According to Blink Fitness Magazine, “new members are offered a free 30-minute startup session with our certified personal trainers after joining to help them in the start of their fitness journey.” Join us for that complimentary offer!
10. The Takeaway
The main lesson is that, while many gyms do have sales throughout the year, you should do your homework to ensure that the package you choose meets your unique needs. You should also be honest about your schedule and level of desire to work out.
