Cheap Gym Memberships That Are A Great Deal And Fit Every Budget

Finding a gym membership that fits your fitness goals and your budget can be challenging. In recent years, the rise of budget-friendly gyms has made staying fit more accessible to a wider audience. These gyms typically offer memberships starting as low as $10 to $11 per month, providing a cost-effective solution for those looking to exercise without a hefty price tag. While these affordable options might have certain limitations regarding equipment and amenities, they still offer the essential facilities needed for a comprehensive workout.

Cheap Gym Memberships That Are A Great Deal And Fit Every Budget

Budget gyms such as Blink Fitness, Planet Fitness, and others have gained popularity due to their low-cost memberships, appealing to a diverse range of fitness enthusiasts. On the other hand, boutique gyms, which often focus on specialized areas like CrossFit or indoor cycling, offer a different experience at a higher price point.

The average gym membership costs around $50 per month, but this can vary widely depending on the gym’s location, the amenities offered, and the type of membership plan.

When considering affordable gym memberships, it’s essential to factor in additional costs like enrollment fees, annual fees, and any charges for classes or personal training. With a range of options available, from budget gyms to more exclusive boutique studios, there’s likely a gym membership that meets both your physical and financial needs

Cheap Gym Memberships That Are A Great Deal

Gold’s Gym: Known for bodybuilding and extensive equipment, memberships start at $25 per month. They also offer a free pass to try out the facilities.
Anytime Fitness: Offers 24-hour access, personal training sessions, and wellness programs, with memberships starting at $41 per month.
YMCA: Provides tiered memberships starting from $49 per month, offering facilities like basketball courts, swimming pools, and racquetball courts.
YouFit Gyms: A budget-friendly option with memberships starting at $10 per month, offering amenities like saunas, Olympic weightlifting, and free childcare in around 80 locations.
Crunch Fitness: Offers a variety of equipment, classes, and amenities with a slightly higher monthly fee. It’s considered a great value for a more upscale gym experience.
24 Hour Fitness: Known for a wide range of equipment and classes, they provide a convenient and affordable option with special offers available on their website.
Equinox: A luxury gym experience with top-of-the-line equipment and amenities, but at a higher price point.
Blink Fitness: Known for its affordable monthly fees, it offers a range of equipment and amenities, providing solid value for those on a tight budget.
VASA Fitness: With a starting price of $9.99/month, it’s suited for experienced gym-goers and offers a range of equipment including a cardio deck, free weights, and a fitness cinema.
Planet Fitness: Known for their budget-friendly options, they offer memberships starting from $10 per month.
LA Fitness: Offers a range of memberships starting from $39.99 per month, with a wide array of equipment and fitness classes.

The prices and availability of these memberships can vary based on location, and additional fees such as enrollment or annual fees might apply. It’s also important to consider the amenities, equipment, and contract terms when choosing a gym to ensure it meets your fitness needs and budget.

What does a typical gym basic membership include?

A typical basic gym membership usually includes access to the main gym facilities and equipment. The specific offerings can vary depending on the gym, but generally, a basic membership covers the following:

Access to Gym Equipment: This includes the use of cardio machines (like treadmills, elliptical trainers, and stationary bikes), strength training equipment (such as free weights, weight machines, and resistance bands), and other general fitness equipment.
Locker Room Facilities: Most gyms provide locker room access where you can store your belongings while working out. These areas often include showers and restrooms.
Open Gym Time: A basic membership typically allows you to use the gym facilities during its operating hours without restrictions, except for special areas or classes that might require an upgraded membership or additional fees.
Basic Fitness Assessment: Some gyms offer an initial fitness assessment as part of the basic membership. This assessment can help you understand your current fitness level and suggest ways to achieve your goals.
Self-Guided Workouts: Unlike premium memberships, which may include personal training sessions, a basic membership generally allows for self-guided workouts without the assistance of a trainer.

Additional services like group fitness classes, personal training, access to special amenities (like swimming pools, saunas, or sports courts), and participation in certain gym events or programs usually require an upgraded membership or may incur additional fees.

Are online classes usually included in your gym membership?

Whether online classes are included in your gym membership largely depends on the specific gym and the type of membership you have. In recent years, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic, many gyms have started to offer online classes as part of their membership packages, but this is not universal. Here are some general observations:

Larger Gym Chains: Big gym chains are more likely to include online classes as part of their membership. These classes can range from on-demand workout videos to live-streamed group classes.
Specialized Gyms and Studios: Some specialized fitness studios or gyms, especially those focused on activities like yoga, Pilates, or spin, may offer online classes as part of their membership or for an additional fee.
Local or Smaller Gyms: Smaller or local gyms might not have the resources to offer extensive online class libraries. However, some might have started offering them as an added value service.
Membership Tiers: In some cases, online classes might be included in premium or higher-tier memberships. Basic memberships might not include these classes or may offer them at an additional cost.
Promotional Offers: Sometimes, gyms include online classes for a limited time as a promotional offer, particularly to attract new members or retain existing ones during periods when in-person attendance is lower.

To determine if online classes are included in your gym membership, it’s best to check directly with the gym. They can provide the most accurate and up-to-date information about their offerings and any membership tier requirements.

Standard Gym Fees To Anticipate

When signing up for a gym membership, there are several fees that you might encounter, and it’s important to be aware of them to avoid any surprises. Here’s a breakdown of common gym fees:

Initiation Fee or Enrollment Fee: This is a one-time fee charged when you first sign up. It’s often used to cover administrative costs associated with setting up a new membership. Some gyms waive this fee during special promotions.
Monthly Membership Fee: This is the ongoing cost you pay for using the gym’s facilities. The amount can vary greatly depending on the gym’s location, amenities, and the type of membership plan you choose.
Annual Fee: Some gyms charge an annual fee in addition to the monthly membership fee. This could be for maintenance of the facilities or for upgrades.
Cancellation Fee: If you decide to cancel your membership before the end of your contract term, there might be a cancellation fee. This fee compensates the gym for the early termination of the contract.
Late Payment Fee: If you fail to pay your membership dues on time, the gym might charge a late payment fee.
Guest Fees: If you want to bring a friend or family member to the gym, there may be a guest fee per visit.
Class or Program Fees: While some gyms include group classes in their membership, others might charge extra for certain classes or special programs.
Personal Training Fees: Personal training sessions are typically not included in the basic membership fee and are charged separately.
Locker Rental Fees: Some gyms offer locker rentals for an additional fee.
Towel Service Fee: If your gym offers a towel service, this might be an additional fee or included in a premium membership.
Fee for Additional Amenities: Access to special amenities like a swimming pool, sauna, or spa might require an additional fee, depending on your membership type.

It’s important to read the fine print of the contract thoroughly and ask questions about any fees you don’t understand before signing up. Promotional offers or negotiations can sometimes reduce or waive certain fees. Gym membership prices will also vary per location and at the turn of the New Year.

health insurance pay back for gym memberships

What health insurance companies partially pay for gym memberships?

Several health insurance companies offer benefits or reimbursements for the monthly dues of gym memberships and health clubs as part of their plans. These programs are designed to encourage policyholders to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Here are some insurance companies that provide such benefits in the United States:

Aetna: Offers a gym membership reimbursement program for their group products and Medicare Advantage plan, as well as the Silver Sneakers Program for those enrolled in their Medicare Advantage plan.
Amerihealth: Provides gym reimbursements up to $150 annually through their Healthy Lifestyles program.
Blue Cross Blue Shield: Offers Fitness Your Way by Tivity Health, which includes a $29 enrollment and $29 monthly fee for access to over 10,000 fitness centers across the country.
Cigna: Their healthy rewards program can offer up to 40% back on gym membership reimbursements.
Oscar: Provides up to $400 annually in gym reimbursement for the client and an additional $200 allowance for their spouse.
Horizon BCBS: Their Bfit program will reimburse up to $20 per month for gym memberships.

Additionally, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), and Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) may also be used to cover gym memberships, provided you have a note from a doctor stating that exercise is medically necessary.

It’s important to note that the availability of these benefits can depend on your specific insurance plan and location. Always check with your health insurance provider to confirm what gym membership benefits are available under your plan.

What can I expect from my first free personal training session?

Popular gym chains usually offer a free personal training session during the first month of membership. A new member should absolutely take advantage of this perk as it is included in your membership rate. During your first free personal training session at a gym, you can generally expect the following:

Introduction and Goal Setting: The session will likely start with an introduction where you meet your trainer and discuss your fitness goals, health history, and any specific needs or preferences you have. This helps the trainer tailor the session to your needs.
Fitness Assessment: Your trainer may conduct a basic fitness assessment. This can include tests to gauge your strength, flexibility, cardiovascular fitness, and body composition. The assessment helps in setting a baseline to measure progress against.
Discussion of Workout Plan: The trainer might discuss a workout plan based on your goals and fitness assessment. This plan will outline the types of exercises, frequency, and intensity suitable for you. They will help curate fitness programs that work best for your physical activity level.
Demonstration and Instruction: The trainer will demonstrate exercises and equipment and guide you through them. This part of the session is hands-on and focuses on teaching proper technique to maximize effectiveness and minimize the risk of injury.
Nutritional Guidance: Some trainers also provide basic nutritional advice or tips that complement your fitness routine.
Q&A and Feedback: You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback. It’s a good time to discuss any concerns or preferences you have regarding your fitness journey.
Discussion of Future Sessions: If the gym offers continued personal training services, the trainer might discuss the structure and pricing of future sessions.

Remember, this is a chance for both you and the trainer to see if it’s a good fit. It’s important to feel comfortable with your trainer and confident in their ability to help you achieve your goals. If you have any specific concerns or needs, don’t hesitate to bring them up during this session.

What are the average gym membership costs?

As of 2024, the cost of gym memberships varies significantly based on the type of gym, location, and amenities offered. Here’s an overview of what you can expect:

Budget Gyms / Affordable Gyms: For budget-friendly options like Blink Fitness, Work Out World, Crunch, Youfit, Planet Fitness, and Cardinal Fitness, memberships can start as low as $10-$11 per month. However, these gyms may have limitations in terms of equipment and amenities, and they often charge additional annual fees.
Boutique Gyms: These are smaller gyms focusing on specific fitness areas such as CrossFit, Rumble, or F45. They often provide a community aspect and specialize in certain types of workouts. Prices at boutique gyms are generally higher, and many offer the option to buy a pack of sessions instead of a monthly membership. The exact cost can vary significantly and may not be included in general gym membership cost research due to higher fees.
Examples of Membership Prices at Well-Known Brands:
- Planet Fitness: Offers a basic membership at $10/month and a PF Black Card membership at $22.99/month, which provides access to any Planet Fitness club and additional facilities and discounts.
- 24-Hour Fitness: Monthly memberships range from $51.99 to $56.99, with different access levels to their clubs.
- Orangetheory Fitness: Offers memberships ranging from $59 to $159 per month, with varying levels of class access per month, as well as class bundles and drop-in rates.
- F45 Training: Prices vary, but at a New York location, for example, it can be around $179/month for an ongoing contract with unlimited class access, with other options available as well.

Overall, the average cost of a gym membership is around $50.03 per month, but this can vary widely depending on the gym’s location, amenities, and the type of membership plan you choose. Remember to consider additional costs like enrollment fees, annual fees, and the cost of classes or personal training when budgeting for a gym membership and membership fees.

So, if you’re watching your wallet but still want to keep in shape, there’s good news. You’ve got plenty of budget-friendly options, with some gyms offering memberships as cheap as $10-11 a month.

Sure, they’re basic, but they have what you need to get moving. On the flip side, if you’re up for spending a bit more for a specialized workout vibe, boutique gyms could be your jam, though they’re a tad pricier.

The average gym membership hovers around 50 bucks monthly, but this can swing up or down based on where you’re at and what you’re looking for. Just a heads-up, keep an eye out for those extra fees like sign-up or annual charges. Whether you’re a gym newbie or a workout warrior, there’s probably a perfect gym plan out there that won’t break your bank.