5 Things You Should Know Before You Join A Gym by Sarah West

1.        Timing is everything

Gym membership sales hit three peaks every year:  right after New Year’s, right before summer, and start of the school season/colder fall weather.  Plan to buy your gym membership on one of the off-peak times, and you’ll be in a much better position to negotiate a good deal.  If nothing else, join at the end of the month to take advantage of the pressure to meet membership quotas.

2.       Check out the competition

You might have found your “perfect” gym.  You know, the one right around the corner from your place, with cycling classes around the clock, and fluffy towels in the locker room.  But go to other gyms in the area before you sign a contract.  What are the going membership rates in the area?  Do other gyms rely on yearly contracts or month-to-month memberships?  Is there a bonus, such as a free massage or personal training session, when you sign up?  You might be able to get initiation fees waived or a free training session if you remind them what the competition is offering.

3.        Go for a test drive

Ask for a visitor’s pass before you sign a membership contract.  Most gyms will allow you to test drive the gym before making a decision to join.  Go at the time you would normally work out to see what it would be like to be a member there.  Is the gym crowded?  Are you able to get on equipment easily?  What classes are offered at that time?  Is the gym clean and well-maintained at that time?  Don’t rely on what gym employees tell you; judge for yourself.

4.        Negotiate for non-monetary perks

The sales representative might not have the ability to offer discounted rates or waive initiation fees.  But that doesn’t mean that you should have to walk away with nothing.  Negotiate for something that won’t cost the gym money up front.  You might be able to get a couple sessions with a personal trainer or a free locker rental.

5.       Consider other options

There are a number of national and local fitness networks across the country.  Companies such as Globalfit and National Fitness Network accept memberships through your insurance company, employer,  or independent application.  Instead of joining a gym, when you join a fitness network, your monthly membership fee is paid directly to the network.  You then have access to affiliate gyms in the area or across the country.  This might be a better option for people who either can’t decide between gyms, as long as those gyms are network affiliates, or for those who travel often and would like access to gyms in other locations.