7 Ways to cut the cost of gym membership

In the days when my schedule allowed for three gym visits a week, the fitness landscape felt a lot simpler and cheaper and I chose to use a local, independent gym with reasonable fees. 

Fast forward to today, and the gym scene has evolved into a mix of corporate giants dominating, facilities nestled within leisure centres, and the occasional independent. 

As life responsibilities grow, the desire to stay fit and eat healthily remains constant, but the financial burden of modern gym memberships can be a deterrent.

In this blog post, I’ll look at several ways to navigate the ever-changing world of gym membership fees. 

Whether you prefer your gym to be part of a corporate chain, located within a bustling leisure centre, or an old-school independent gem, my aim here is to give you the tools to pursue your health goals without burning a hole in your pocket.

What are ways to save money on your gym membership?

There are several ways that you might be able to save money on your gym membership, including:

• Negotiate the membership fee
• Look for special promotions
• Student or corporate discounts
• Trial memberships
• Group memberships or family plans
• Off-peak memberships
• Annual payments

Negotiate the membership fee

While many gyms advertise their price, some might be open to negotiation, possibly because you are willing to commit to a longer-term contract or forgo certain benefits.

If you don’t ask you don’t get, so try your luck and ask for a lower monthly rate, you never know, you might just get it.

Look for special promotions

Some gyms will often run promotions or discounts depending on the time of the year. If there is a specific gym that you want to become a member of, take a visit and ask their reception if and when they will be running their promotions if they aren’t already advertised elsewhere.

Student or corporate discounts

You might be able to get a discounted gym membership if you are a student or your employer has agreed to partnerships with a gym as part of their employee benefits package.

Trial memberships

Becoming a member of a gym can be a big financial commitment, so before signing up inquire whether they offer trial memberships. 

Some gyms might also offer short-term memberships or trial periods at a lower cost.

Group memberships or family plans

Does the gym offer group memberships or family plans at a discounted rate? Having friends and family members who are looking to join a gym at the same time could result in discounted plans for all of you.

Off-peak memberships

There are going to be times of the day when the gym experiences lower demand and this is often in off-peak hours, though what a gym classes as off-peak will vary.

Therefore if you are someone who works a shift, is retired or is a student you might be able to benefit from the hours when demand at the gym is lower

Upfront annual payments

If you’re someone who is committed to your health and know that you will be using the gym regularly you could benefit from paying for your membership in full rather than monthly.

Why is gym membership so expensive?

If you’ve recently enquired about the fees charged by your local gym you’ll know that they can be relatively expensive, and this is due to a combination of factors. While the specific reasons can vary based on the gym’s size, location, and amenities, here are several common factors contributing to the cost of gym memberships:

Equipment and facilities

High-quality fitness equipment and state-of-the-art facilities come with a significant price tag. Maintaining and upgrading equipment, providing spacious workout areas, and offering amenities such as pools and saunas contribute to the overall cost.

Staffing costs

Employing skilled fitness trainers, front desk staff, maintenance personnel, and other support staff adds to the operational expenses of a gym. 

Knowledgeable and experienced staff enhance the overall member experience of its members but also increase labour costs.

Utilities and maintenance

As a member of the gym, you want to know that you are experiencing the best available service on offer for the fee that you’re paying every month.

Gyms require constant heating, cooling, lighting, and maintenance. 

Large spaces with extensive equipment and amenities demand higher utility bills and ongoing maintenance expenses to ensure a clean, safe, and comfortable environment for you as a member.

Insurance and liability costs

Gyms need insurance coverage to protect against potential accidents, injuries, or property damage.

This insurance, coupled with liability concerns, contributes to the overall cost of running the facility.

Operating hours

Many gyms strive to offer extended operating hours, sometimes 24/7 access. 

This requires additional staff, security measures, and increased utility usage, all of which contribute to higher operational costs.

Marketing and branding

You’ve more than likely seen or heard an advert for your local corporate-run gym at some point.

Advertising and marketing are essential for attracting and retaining their members. From promotional campaigns to maintaining an appealing online presence, these marketing expenses are factored into the overall cost of running a gym.

Technology and software

Modern gyms often invest in technology and software solutions for membership management, scheduling, and security systems. 

These tools will enhance the member experience but also add to the operational expenses of the gym.

Location

Gyms situated in prime locations or urban centres where property costs are high often have to pass those expenses on to members. 

The cost of leasing or owning property in desirable areas significantly impacts membership fees.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a regular gym goer or someone who is planning to get fitter and has never been to a gym, finding one that aligns with both your health goals and budget can be an impossible task.

In this post I looked at several ways in which you could reduce the cost of your gym membership, whether that be negotiating their fees, capitalising on special promotions or exploring student and corporate discounts.

Achieving your health and fitness goals doesn’t mean breaking the bank and if you find the cost is beyond your budget right now, you might be able to achieve the same results at home, while at the same time saving up to pay for an annual membership.