Gym Memberships

[Christy]

I couldn't find a thread about this in general...

Who here has joined a gym? Good? Bad? What to avoid? Monthly or yearly? Contract? No? I know that it's best to not get roped into a long contract, but I'd like to know your experiences, good and bad, with joining, renewing, cancelling, working out there, personal training, classes, etc.

I've looked into it half-heartedly in the past, but this time I think I need to do something. I just need some variety to motivate me mentally and physically. I looked into a brand new Gold's near my house (which moved from an older location) and got scared away by all of the horror stories I found online (though not about that specific location). I'm now looking into an independent gym near my house, as well as a martial arts center (for krav maga). It seems I can get a decent discount on the independent gym through my health insurance, but I still have to go check the place out.

Any insight would be appreciated.

[vggiegirl]

I joined a gym once through my local park district. $30/mo included weights, machines, sauna, pool, track, the works. Now making myself go was a different story, but if I ever get the cojones, I would join a park district gym again in a heartbeat :)

[pseudo_vegan]

I got a kick-a$$ deal through a friend with 24-Hour Fitness...

I'm not a big fan of really big gyms...I feel like a n00b when I go by myself, etc. but like you, I too needed SOMETHING so...eh. Plus the small weight-room at the university I used to attend closed during the summer.

Unless you know you're going to be in a certain place for a year or so, I wouldn't recommend contracts like that. Again, if you know you'll be staying in that place, and if it's an all-access pass (meaning you could go to the one near home or work or out in Montana some place), you could give yourself a price break by signing into the contract.

From my experience, I've come to discover that those gi-normous gyms have a lot of bargaining power just to get people in the door. There are plenty of people who can *afford* to just walk in, hand over a check, and start going...but when you're a working college student, etc. and you give even a slight "Well I don't know about that price..." most are willing to work with you because they can.

With mine, I got no enrollment, no processing (which are BS fees anyway), three months free, and after that $24.99/mo. all-access. Which is REALLY good. I would also suggest seeing if they have any special (i.e. no enrollment, etc.). They might this weekend in celebration of Memorial Day (it's random, but it's a marketing gimick nonetheless).

Just remember not to feel pressured into buying/signing anything THAT day. That's they're job to sucker you into things and trust me, they're GOOD at what they do :evil: Remember it's YOUR money after all :)

:nigel: Cheers!

[SeaSiren]

I'm a member of the gym. Location is a big factor, but also, do you need child care? if so is it available at the times you will work out? Gym hours? CLEANLINESS in both the work out area and changing area!!!? Amount of equipment available, especially during peak hours (before & after work)? How are you billed?

Be sure to get a few free passes to try the gym out during the time you woulkd normally work out. Ask if there are any specials running and be sure they wave your sign up fee. Good Luck!

[bethann]

I love the YMCA, where I belong. My membership for my husband and I costs $60 a month (which would cover children too if we had them), which is billed monthly, stopable on 10 days notice. It's clean, good facilities, etc., but the two things I really appreciate is the diversity of people in terms of age, fittness level, body types, etc. and the wide variety of classes offered free with my membership (I have a short attention span for doing the same thing all the time.)

I would think about:
--how do you like to work out, is a pool important, a good weight room, lots of classes?
--would you prefer a gym for all women, people who are mostly your age, people from a variety of types of lives?
--what can you afford, the Y offers financial assistance to those in need.
--what times of day, etc. would you want to work out, how busy is the gym at those times?
--what sort of motivation do you need to go? My Y does monthly fitness challenges that help me keep going, or would committing to a class help you, etc.
--what sort of training is available to help you use the equipment correctly, etc. Could you see a nutritionist or other professional if you wanted to?

Good luck to you and I hope you find a good gym.

[rabid_child]

I joined a gym near my house, not corporate owned, and paid $450 for a year's membership. Then this winter I renewed for another 6 mos for $200. Its been a good experience. The fact that I'd already paid for it made me keep going. Starting this summer I think I'm gonna just use the gym at school... if I can find it.

[April]

I belong to Bally's and I enjoy it. I've moved around a lot in the past few years, and I've always been able to find one close to me. If you move to a place where there isn't a Bally's within a 25 mile radius, (I believe it's 25) your contract is cancelled. Otherwise, it's a 3-year contract, though I've seen them advertise for other contract options recently. I've worked out in 5 different Bally clubs. They've all had tons of equipment, tons of classes, clean facilities and friendly staff.

[brownieB26]

There isn't a whole lot of selection around here, but I love the place I used to go. It had yearly contracts, but after you stayed a year it was more like give us a month or two as notice and you can cancel anytime. The place is beautiful for a gym, well kept, clean, and there's always towels and water when you need it. (they even add lemon to the water, oh la la.) It's a tad pricey, about $109 dollars a month, but it would go down signifcantly if there were two people (like if I had a spouse (:think:), it'd be $160 for both of us I think). Anyway, I love it because it isn't like a mass produced gym where they have rows upon rows of equipment. (not that they ren't as nice, but ti's totally not my thing. I tried that over winter and I NEVER went) Everyone had their own TV and DVD player, so you can watch what you want (It's kidn fo cool because if you want to run a LONG time, just bring a DVD and don't stop until it's over). They also had three bigger TVs, so if the game is on The entire room could watch it together. They have multiple rooms for all the cardio eqmt., which I like because it gives you a bit of privacy. Pool, tennis courts, spa, salon. I don't use the pool or tennis courts very frequently, but it's nice to have the option.

One thing I REALLY love abou my gym: If you're competetive like I am, the main room has about 50 machines, but they split them up and faced them oppostie to one another. I love it because while I'm on the elliptical I can face the people on the treadmills and be like, "oh yeah? ha, I may not have your running skillzz, but I can burn mroe calories!" and....yeah. I'll stop now. But its something to look in to!

[IamJen]

Another vote for the YMCA. It's generally less expensive than "mainstream" gyms (especially if you take any classes), and the staff are awesome. Nearly all have reciprocal arrangements with each other, so that you can use any Y in the country. Some have small ($1-$3) fees when visiting.

I think I've posted this before, but one of the things I like most about the Y is that "regular" people go there. Going to a place where only the beautiful, super-toned folk are = very intimidating for me. Being somewhere with people of all shapes/sizes, not to mention races and ages, is a big plus for me.

www.ymca.net

<<<going to her Y later today :D

[missleigh]

I looked into my local "Y" because I had heard it was less expensive, but it was actually more expensive than some gyms. It was something like $45 per month in addition to a sign up fee! That's just crazy.
Recently a place near my house opened up called "Move it!", and according to the website it was just some classes, with no machines or anything. I called to find out the price, and it was $30 per month in addition to a sign up fee. That's crazy for just some step classes!
I'm waiting for an affordable gym to open up. I was once a member at a place that was $19 per month with no contract, but they went out of business. :(

[RawVeganMom]

I got a GREAT deal with 24 hour Fitness! It has lots to offer like classes, weights, cardio, wet & dry saunas, pool & jacussi, I can go to any location even in another state, and I paid for a year & got something like 3 years free! I think, I forget now, but it was an awesome deal! I love that it's always open!