Getting a gym membership

I want to shop around for a new gym, but I am not looking forward to the sales spiels that I will undoubtedly receive. I always end up feeling overwhelmed by the numerous payment options, and often feel like I am being somehow manipulated by the sales staff. ("If you don't sign up right this instant, then you'll lose this great deal I'm giving you!!") I don't easily say no or argue for better deals under pressure. Can anyone relate? Any tips on getting a good deal and/or handling myself better in the salesroom? Thanks!

Fri. Dec 30, 11:57am

I would say visit the gyms in your area and tell the person who gives you the tour that you're not interested in hearing anything about the membership options that day. 24 hour fitness has a free 10 day membership on it's website and most gyms will give you a one week pass if you ask for it, so try them out. Pick the 3 gyms you like best and go back and hear what they have to offer, telling each you still need to talk to the others before making up your mind. Take the best deal to the gym you like best and see if they'll match it. But yeah, it is like a car dealership...don't be afraid to walk. Go in knowing that whatever they offer you're not taking it until you know what you want. Good Luck!

Friday, December 30, 2005, 12:11 PM

Think of it as buying a an used car, know what is out there, but don't go in to the gym but call them and get their best price, and call everyone of them, write down the price. When my hubby wanted to start going to the gym, we looked into it, and near his work he was able to join a gym for no start up and $20 a month, with contract but it was not really that convenient, so we went into the gym that I go to, and said "this is what your competitor will do, but I would rather go here, and what can you do for me" We ended up getting him a better gym, more options, and locations, for $34 dollars a month and no start up fees, or contract.
keep in mind the contracts, can be a bear to get out of

Friday, December 30, 2005, 12:34 PM

Gold's Gym

Does anyone know if Gold's Gym requires a start up fee? I am totally opposed to start up fees, it's such a scam. I think the local Gold's gym charges $60/month, and I think that is too high. I have access to free small gym, but I want to attend Gold's classes. I wish I could get a aerobics pass only.

Friday, December 30, 2005, 1:49 PM

This time of year, all gyms (and Weight Watcher, lol) waive or drastically reduce the initiation fee or whatever they choose to call it. They do that sort of thing maybe 3 times a year, and usually advertise it. If they won't waive it completely, see if you can get an extra month or two added onto your contract - that option works pretty well.

I've avoided joining a gym for years because of this haggling crap...not my style. I only joined one because an acquaintance of mine is a membership director at a gym nearby and totally hooked me up.

Friday, December 30, 2005, 2:20 PM

Sales people can be very pushy and will lie to your face. Years ago I purchased a life-time membership at Bally's. It now costs me about $18 a month to maintaint. There are a lot of people out there who buy these memberships but do not use them. They list with web sites such as Ebay and Craig's List or even the classified section of the local newspaper. As soon as you decide what you want, shop around the membership "resale" market.

Friday, December 30, 2005, 2:35 PM

This is an example of what yu can get. I think it is well worth the price if you are serious.

Link

Friday, December 30, 2005, 2:59 PM

Definitely agree with previous posters about the used car analogy. They are horribly pushy. I was fortunate in that a friend had recently done alot of research and got a great deal with a new club, very close to my house, that was just opening. They were no longer offering anywhere close to the deal they gave her, but after I told them that she referred me to them and I wanted the same deal they gave it me as well.

In addition to talking to other clubs, talk to the people you know and co-workers and ask what deals they get. If something sounds particularly good go to the club and ask for it. And definitely make sure you try them all out to see which ones you like best. You really can't tell just from walking through. In my case that wasn't possible since the club was just opening but I had a 30 day full refund clause in my contract entitling me to every single penny back if I was not 100% satisfied. That was acceptable to me.

Also if you work for a large company they may have a negotiated rate with 1 or more clubs for their employees. Just another thought.... My company subsidizes memberships to this incredibly swank club, but the one down the street from my house is actually cheaper even without the subsidy and I feel more comfortable there. So. even if they do, it doesn't mean it's automatically better than what you can find yourself, but it's nice to know your options.

Friday, December 30, 2005, 6:20 PM

I actually think January is a horrible time to join a gym, because they will be uncomfortably packed! Join if you really want to, but for me, I'd rather wait.

Friday, December 30, 2005, 7:42 PM

the Gold's near me charges a $99 start-up fee, to answer a poster's question.

Friday, December 30, 2005, 7:50 PM

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