Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared on The Penny Hoarder.
Getting in shape requires making a decision and a commitment to putting in the work. It also takes an investment in time and often in money.
Choosing a gym can be a very personal decision. The location might be important to you. You may want a gym you pass on your normal commute so you aren’t forced to travel out of the way.
You might want a large gym where you’re one of many, and the attention isn’t on you. Conversely, you might thrive in a smaller setting where you can form relationships with the trainers and other members.
Whatever your preferences are, cost is also an important piece of figuring out which is the best gym membership for you.
To help make your decision a bit easier, we compiled information from national workout chains with cheap gym memberships so you can compare availability, costs and features.
What Is the Average Cost of a Gym Membership?
The average gym membership costs about $50 to $60 per month, depending on the gym and the amenities included.
Although a cheap gym membership costs between $10 and $25 per month, keep in mind that gyms with more amenities like swimming pools and basketball courts might cost a little extra.
6 Gym Chains Offering a Cheap Gym Subscription
Gym
# of Locations
Basic Gym Memberships
Annual Fee
Special Perks
24 Hour Fitness
300 in 11 states
$9.99
$59.99
Pools, free virtual classes w/app
YouFit Gyms
80 in 10 states
$9.99
$49.99
Indoor pickleball courts
Planet Fitness
2,500 in 50 states
$15
$49
Free tanning, massage chairs w/PF Black Card
Crunch Fitness
490+ in 41 states
$19.99
$89
Hydromassage
LA Fitness
550 in 27 states
$29.99
$69
Indoor heated pools, locations in Canada
Anytime Fitness
5,700 worldwide
$53 on average
$49.99
24/7 access, free personalized fitness plan
5 Things to Look for When Choosing an Inexpensive Gym Membership
Belonging to a gym is an ongoing financial commitment. You may be able to sign up during a promotional period that promises no initiation fee or your first month free, but you’ll have to budget for costs throughout the duration of your membership.
1. Watch Out for an Annual Fee or an Enrollment Fee
It’s not uncommon to see monthly gym membership fees that cost $50 or more, though we’ve tried to highlight more affordable gym memberships below. In addition, many gyms charge an annual fee and an initiation fee.
2. Read the Fine Print on What Your Monthly Membership Covers
Depending on what’s included in your membership, you may have to pay for added perks beyond access to basic exercise equipment, like certain group fitness classes, time with a personal trainer, massages or tanning bed sessions.
3. Check the Duration of Your Contract
Before signing a contract, check to see if your membership locks you down for a certain number of months. If you choose to end your membership before the agreed-upon duration, you’ll likely be charged a penalty fee or have to pay the remainder of the contract in full.
4. Don’t Skip the Free Trial
Many gyms provide free trials, so be sure to take advantage of those offers to get a better feel for the facilities before signing up. Or, if you know someone who is already a member, they may be able to get a guest pass for you.
5. Ask About Employer Wellness Programs and Insurance Discounts
Some workplaces and health insurance companies offer benefits that make cheap gym memberships even more affordable. These programs can turn a gym membership into something cheap through insurance reimbursement, employer wellness perks, or student, senior and military discounts.
Asking about these savings upfront can help you pick a membership plan that supports your fitness journey without stretching your budget.
6 National Chains With Cheap Gym Memberships
Editor’s note: Membership costs are subject to change. Rates may vary based on location and current promotions.
1. 24 Hour Fitness
Where: 24 Hour Fitness has over 300 locations in 11 states — California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Colorado, Texas, Hawaii, Florida, Virginia, New York and New Jersey.
How Much: Monthly fees vary based on location, starting as low as $9.99 for a Silver membership, $24.99 for a Gold membership and $39.99 for a Platinum membership. Depending on the location, prices may be as high as $64.99 a month, but you will need to check with your local 24 Hour Fitness to confirm its rates. Members pay a $59.99 annual fee and may also be subject to a one-time initiation fee.
What’s Included: Gyms include cardio and strength equipment along with studio and cycle classes. Many facilities offer pools, personal training and in-house child care. Members can also get access to digital workouts to complete at home, as well as touch-free check-in and personal fitness plans in the 24GO Fitness App.
Try It: Use this three-day free pass.
Best For: People who want lots of amenities and flexible membership options that make it easier to stay committed to weight loss goals.
2. YouFit Gyms
Where: YouFit Gyms has about 80 locations in 10 states: Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas and Virginia.
How Much: The basic membership fee is $9.99 a month. The Premium tier (which includes group exercise classes and unlimited guest privileges) costs $24.99 a month, and the Premium+ membership (which includes a nutrition app) is $39.99 a month. YouFit Health Clubs has reduced family rates if you want to bring your children or spouse. Initiation charges and annual fees vary depending on the membership package, promotions and gym location.
What’s Included: Depending on location, these clubs offer top-of-the-line equipment, free weights, group fitness sessions, personal trainers, cycle classes, indoor pickleball courts and saunas. Premium and Premium+ members can also bring a free guest with them anytime, visit any YouFit location and get unlimited access to group classes at select locations, as well as other exclusive offerings.
Try It: Get a free guest pass for three days.
Best For: Anyone looking for a low-cost gym membership with group classes and wellness perks that create a supportive workout routine.
3. Planet Fitness
Where: Planet Fitness has 2,500+ locations, with gyms in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and Canada.
How Much: Monthly dues are $15 for just one location or $24.99 for a PF Black Card membership, which gives you access to any location. Annual membership fees are $49.
What’s Included: These gyms include cardio and weight training equipment, plus fitness training programs for all members. Many locations are open 24 hours a day. PF Black Card membership allows you to bring a guest with you anytime and get free use of massage chairs and tanning services.
Try It: Find the location nearest you.
Best For: Beginners who want the best-deal gym membership with simple access and fewer restrictions.
4. Crunch Fitness
Where: Crunch Fitness has more than 490 locations of its regular gyms and 28+ locations of its Signature gyms (which include more classes, upgraded amenities and more). Its gyms are located in 41 states, as well as Washington, D.C., Canada, Australia, Spain, Portugal and Costa Rica.
How Much: Monthly prices vary by location but can range from $9.99 to $19.99 for a Base membership, $10 to $20 more for a Peak membership and as much as $50 for a Peak Results membership. Enrollment fees and annual fees also vary depending on location, membership level and special promos.
What’s Included: Depending on what type of membership you choose, you can take advantage of multiple perks, including a training orientation with a fitness expert, group fitness classes, online video workouts, tanning and HydroMassage.
Try It: Try a free one-day trial.
Best For: People who want classes, upgraded amenities, and the freedom to consult trainers while exploring different membership options.
5. LA Fitness
Where: LA Fitness has over 550 locations in 27 states and Canada.
How Much: The monthly fees vary based on the service level you choose and the club you go to. They range from $29.99 to $39.99. The annual fee is $69. Prices may be higher at Signature Club and Premier or Premier Plus locations.
What’s Included: Gyms include state-of-the-art equipment and cardio areas, group fitness classes, indoor heated pools, whirlpool spas and saunas. Some have kids clubs, juice bars and basketball and racquetball courts.
Try It: Try a free three-day trial.
Best For: Exercisers who want full-service facilities with pools, courts, and space to focus on weight loss goals.
6. Anytime Fitness
Where: Anytime Fitness has more than 5,700 locations worldwide, including gyms on five continents.
How Much: Membership prices vary depending on location and current promotions, but according to Anytime Fitness’ FAQs, the average U.S. membership is $53 a month, so rates can be lower. Members also pay one-time initiation and key activation fees, which vary by location.
What’s Included: Members have access to cardio machines, weights and strength training equipment, as well as classes and wellness programs. Some locations offer tanning and personal training. They are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Try It: You can get a free seven-day pass.
Best For: Anyone who needs 24/7 access and global coverage that keeps your routine moving even when your time is in high demand.
Other Affordable Fitness Options
You don’t have to join a gym to get fit. Consider more creative options like the ones below to tone up and get healthy.
Take Virtual Classes
Bodi by Beachbody starts at $179 billed annually (which breaks down to about $0.50 a day) and is the most popular of the virtual fitness options, but you can download free fitness apps for every kind of class, from yoga to boxing. You can also explore free virtual workouts on YouTube and Facebook Live.
Work Out at Home
If none of these chain gyms suits your fancy, you could always join your local YMCA or set up a home gym to get your workouts in. You could even make your own fitness gear out of items you have at home — like by filling up empty water bottles to use as hand weights.
Head Outdoors
Incorporate fitness into your daily routine by simply walking or running outside. Make use of outdoor fitness equipment at public parks. If you have a pool, get in some laps as cardio when the weather’s nice.
Find Free Classes
You don’t have to pay for a gym membership to find fitness classes. Here are surprising places you can discover free yoga classes, from churches to colleges.
Read the full article here
