Gym memberships can be a pain in the ass.
But many first-timers get suckered into paying a lot more money than they should.
Heres how you’re free to avoid overpaying for a gym membership.
Despite the a healthier you slogans and other fluff, gyms are big businesses.
The Quest For Your One True Gym
Joining justanygym wont do.
Smaller gyms tend to have a more community-oriented atmosphere, where instructors and trainers can be more attentive.
So,do your homework.
Gym memberships can be a hefty monthly investment, so know the flexibility of your budget.
Be Wary Of the Sales Pitch
The sales pitch begins the moment you walk through the door.
It can all be very hypnotic, but like a magic show, you cant trust your eyes.
That includes the sales reps with the innocent-looking glasses and perfectly ironed polo shirts.
Theyre nice folks that are doing their job…which is to meet a monthly new membership quota.
From the get-go, theyre aiming to make you say yes to their fitness.
During this, theyll ask you aboutintentions to join, your goals, any restrictions, and so on.
Most sales reps want to help you out by figuring out where to place you on their membership strata.
Even if you cant wait to get started, keep a poker face and cooperate.
Effectively, this plants a vivid picture in your mind of seeing yourself using this facility.
The enrollment fee cant always be completely waived, but make it a goal to haggle down the fee.
The sales chain doesnt just begin and stop at the sales rep youre talking to, either.
Try going into gyms during your lunch break as opposed to after working hours or on weekends.
Wait for the best deals:Everyone knows January and September are prime time for new membership sign-ups.
Keep asking, What can you do for us if so and so joins, too?
Have your best weapon ready:Be ready to walk away.
And I meanactuallywalk away.
If your negotiations are going nowhere, attempt to leave andexcuse the clichethread the freakin needle.
Request their best price again.
If they hesitate, stand up and head for the door.
Dont worry, they wont let you walk out that door.
Take their best price and head to the next health club on your list.
Now you have leverage for the next gym.
Dont be afraid to bring upsomethingand see if theres some sort of discountyounever know unless you ask!
Ask for a trial period:Most gyms offer a trial pass ranging from 3 to 7 consecutive days.
In some cases, you could be automatically enrolled and billed by the end of the trial period.
During the trial period, dont just assess how much you like the clean towels.
Essentially, you want the most accurate simulation of the gym conditions for when you actually become a member.
Things wont always go as well as youd like, or may even go better than youd hoped.
Im sure you understand.
If not, walk it out.
They completely ignore your best interests, fraught with clauses that may spring unpleasant surprises onto you.
Is there an auto-renewal after the contract period?
If so, how can it be cancelled?
What are the exact steps to get out of the membership if need be?
Whats the cancellation fee?
What happens if the gym closes down or changes ownership?
(This happens a lot more than you think!)
Is there a yearly upgrade/maintenance/rate increase fee?
Most contracts vary between one to three-year commitments.
Breaking the contract is not as easy as shredding the paper and flipping the bird.
Generally speaking, the longer the contract term, the lower the monthly membership cost.
Under month-to-month terms, gyms are even allowed to hike up your monthly rate.
On the plus side, you have the flexibility to leave the gym without penalty fees up the wazoo.
Ive Already Signed a Contract!
Gym companies always ramp up their marketing efforts throughout the year with special deals.
Call your employer or insurance company andask about getting reimbursed.
Illustration by Sam Woolley.
Stephanie Lee is a nomadic writer with a Sriracha problem.
Visit her blog athttp://fitngeeky.tv/for her lighter takes on fitness and her shenanigans.
you’re free to also follow her onTwitterandFacebook.
