Negotiating Gym Price?

srecupid
srecupid Posts: 660 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I lost about 75 pounds and now I feel like my body is just a blank canvas. I want to get some actual muscles but, the only gym within walking distance of my house (no car) is anytime fitness which they say is $45 a month. I'm hoping to get $35 or less. Do gyms negotiate price? Maybe even have cash discounts?

Replies

  • Ready2Rock206
    Ready2Rock206 Posts: 9,487 Member
    Most gyms require auto pay so they can keep you a paying client forever because it is a hassle to quit and people are lazy so I doubt any would do a cash discount.
  • cmriverside
    cmriverside Posts: 34,419 Member
    Never hurts to ask. I dislike the auto-pay thing that most gyms use. If you try to get out of the contract, it's like asking them for their firstborn. I really think gyms shoot themselves in the foot with their policies being set like this. I guess it must work for them, but it just aggravates me.

    But then, I'm pretty easily aggravated. :lol:
  • Packerjohn
    Packerjohn Posts: 4,855 Member
    Gym memberships and initiation fees are negotiable. They don't have to know and you should not tell them they are the only possiblity in walking distance. Tell them you are pricing 4 or 5 gyms that fit your needs and want their best price.

    Congrats on the weight loss and good luck with your negotiations.
  • singingflutelady
    singingflutelady Posts: 8,736 Member
    I know the YMCA usually provides assistance for gym costs
  • VegasFit
    VegasFit Posts: 1,232 Member
    It never hurts to ask. Even walk away and say you need to think about it and they might follow up with you with a better offer. Three of my memberships are on autopay. I got burned back in the day by LA Fitness so I've had my guard up ever since. Cancelled before I even started and it was a nightmare. My habit since then is to have a separate account for those types of expenses so said business does not have access to your primary account.
  • CurlyCockney
    CurlyCockney Posts: 1,394 Member
    Have you looked for deals on Groupon?
  • musicfan68
    musicfan68 Posts: 1,143 Member
    Gyms I've belonged to gave 50%discounts on membership monthly fees if you work for certain companies. They also usually decrease the monthly fees if you do autopay.
  • sukho1
    sukho1 Posts: 1 Member
    edited June 2016
    I've received substantial discounts at my gyms by paying for 1-2 years in advance. The commission is very attractive for the salesperson and it never hurts to ask.
  • sgt1372
    sgt1372 Posts: 3,997 Member
    I use to belong to Anytime Fitness. Paid a year up front and got a 25% discount and no autopay/renewal required.

    Don't need to go to a gym anymore, since I set one up at home. Bought mostly used gear but my investment in gym equipment is well over $3k now. Money better spent IMO.
  • emhunter
    emhunter Posts: 1,212 Member
    They say they don't but speak to the head owner or manager and they will!! I did that at my gym and my auto draft is SIGNIFICANTLY lower than what everyone or most everyone else is paying.
  • jbee27
    jbee27 Posts: 356 Member
    Worth a shot, but my experience with Anytime was terrible at customizing any membership options. This was back in 2012, so things may have changed.

    A local gym gives a significant discount if you pay for 6 months, or a year in advance. $240 for a year, $150 for six months, or $30 month-to-month.
  • Packerjohn
    Packerjohn Posts: 4,855 Member
    Also check with your health insurance. Mine let's you sign up for "well on target" which for $25 a month gets you in 8000+ gyms in the US.
  • srecupid
    srecupid Posts: 660 Member
    Well I signed up for $37 which isn't horrible. Maybe I'll check if i can get a discount through work

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