If you’d like to exercise at a gym, but are scared off by hefty sign-up fees and lengthy contracts, throw on your workout clothes and exercise these tips.
Think Car Shopping
Just as you wouldn't think of paying sticker price for the car you buy, you shouldn't take a health club's advertised price at face value. Most health clubs are eager to sell memberships-and that gives you some bargaining power.
Shop Early in the Year
Club owners know that the combination of post-holiday guilt, new year's optimism, and low prices can send scores of exercisers their way. Many gym managers make sign-up as irresistible as possible in January, offering bargain rates and flexible terms.
Shop Around
Spending the time to compare costs at several clubs in your area will pay off in the long run. If you can tell one manager that the club across town will give you a better rate, he may try to match or beat that price.
Be Bold
Ask for the sign-up rate the club offered last summer or last month, even if it has expired. If they want your business, they may be happy to give you a discount.
Bargain
Offer them something. For example, if your schedule permits, promise you won't use the club during their peak hours (usually 6 to 8 A.M. and 4 to 8 P.M. weekdays).
Look for Flexible Terms
Most clubs make their money by locking you in with a large initiation fee or a long-term contract. This is highly profitable for the clubs because many people stop attending after the first couple of months-but the club still gets its money. Look for the flexibility of month-to-month contracts, the ability to transfer your membership if you move or lose interest, or refunds in case of moving or illness.
Don't Say Yes Too Quickly
Salespeople often pressure club shoppers to sign “now” to take advantage of a discount. Don't be fooled. Hold out for the terms you want (a one-year contract, rather than a three-year, for example) because you can probably get them.
Bring a Friend
Most clubs will reward a new member who refers a friend or give a special rate to friends who join at the same time. Ask about these specials.
Get a Group Rate
Many companies arrange for group fitness discounts for employees who join a specific gym. If your company doesn't, ask the gym what you could do to get a group organized.
