The Real Cost of Gym Memberships

May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. If you type in the word gym, it returns over 630 million search results. This shows that many people are concerned about health and physical fitness. According to research from International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association and Bureau of Labor Statistics the average person goes to the gym twice a week. The average cost of a gym membership is $58 per month but prices can range from $10 to $100 per month. Approximately 58 million people go to a gyms or health clubs. 

How to Select a Gym/Health Club

1. Read the agreement. Some gyms offer extra services that are included in your membership, take advantage of them.
2. Pass. Ask for a guest pass to try out the facilities before joining.
3. Comparison shop. Look for deals for memberships online and use coupons from Groupon or Living Social.

How to Negotiate Prices

1.       Set a price you want to pay and offer 10% - 20% less than that amount.

2.       Quote competitor prices to get a better deal.

3.       Ask that the initiation fee and other fees be waived.

4.       Refer friends and family to the gym to get credits on bonuses on your membership.

5.       Ask for the Sales Manager and negotiate. The front desk clerk may not have authority to negotiate.

6.       Negotiate when your contract is about to expire.

7.       Do not accept the first or second offer.

How to Save Money on Fees

1. Some gyms will offer three to six month memberships.
2. If you pay by the year you can save anywhere from 20% – 40%.
3. Some gyms let you sign contracts for a few years in advance.
4. Find pay-as-you-go facilities.
5. Look for deals on memberships online and use coupons from Groupon or Living Social.
6. You may be able to get fees waived or reduced if you pay cash.
7. Avoid buying extra membership services most are never used.