Score the Best Gym Membership

rebeca  Sunday, January 3, 2010

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If you’re anything like me, your pants are getting a bit snug from all the holiday treats and the New Year has served up a perfect opportunity to turn things around. This usually means healthier eating and some form of exercise. Before plunking down your hard-earned cash for a new gym membership, check out these tips and deals to make sure you get the best bang for your buck. According to MSN Money, “everything’s negotiable,” especially when it comes to comes to shopping for a gym membership. Deals will be even better this year because gyms are looking to boost sales to make up for a lackluster 2009. However, the heavy sales push will still be strong on all fronts, so you’ll want to be prepared. Check out MSN.com’s It’s time to get a deal on a gym membership to learn tips for picking the best gym membership. You can also check out the New York Times piece, Resolution: Get a Deal on a Gym Membership for even more helpful information.

For now, here are some options you can check out:

Churches and Community Centers tend to offer the most economical option for members, however you can sometimes sacrifice some ammentis as a result. For example, my local community center offers a one-year family membership for just $125.00. A few other local churches offer similar deals as well. Typically, the facility is very clean and the equipment is great, but they lack extra perks such as flexible childcare (which is a necessity for my family).

The YMCA network is one of the nation’s largest providers of health and well-being programs. You can find a YMCA center in just about any town and the amount of services varies by location. My local Y offers a family membership for $73 a month or an individual membership for $50. Membership includes free child care, a variety of free classes and discounts on specialty classes such as CPR/First Aid, swimming lessons and gymnastics.

24 Hour Fitness has over 400 locations nationwide and offers group exercise classes, personal training, mind body fitness and much more. They are currently running a discount as well. Sign up online with code CPY1KASU53 and pay just $179.99 for a one-year membership. You can also get a three-year membership with three free personal training sessions for $549.99 via code AMTBB3EAV4 or take advantage of no initiation fee on monthly memberships. Restrictions apply, so check out their website for details.

Gold’s Gym is currently waiving enrollment fees, which are normally $149. With more than 500 locations across the country, Gold’s Gym strives to help people realize their goals and find their inner strength. You’ll find all of the latest cardio and strength training equipment along with classes like yoga, group cycling, mixed martial arts, muscle endurance training and pilates.

Curves was created specifically for women, offering a 30-minute workout that uses strength training, cardio and stretching to exercise every major muscle group and burns up to 500 calories. In addition, club promotions and events encourage women to support charitable causes, learn about health-related issues and forge lasting friendships as part of the global Curves community. If you join now, you’ll get one month FREE.

LA Fitness has a mission to help as many people as possible achieve the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. By doing this, they offer a wide range of amenities to accommodate just about everybody’s needs and wants. You can find state-of-the-art equipment, a variety of group exercise classes, a heated lap pool, Jacuzzi and saunas, racquetball, tennis and basketball courts (with tournament and league availability at some locations), personal trainers and a top-notch kids club for babysitting.

Bally Total Fitness — In addition to offering a ton of high-tech equipment, a variety of group classes and well-trained, experienced personal trainers, Bally Total fitness offers a collection of affordable membership plans to fit anyone’s budget. You can pay as you go to avoid long term commitments, pay a year’s dues all at once for maximum savings, or find a payment plan somewhere in the middle. Bally Total Fitness is a pioneer in designing and building world-class health clubs, so each of its 300 nationwide facilities is the result of decades of fitness experience.