Are you tired of overpriced gym memberships that don’t live up to their promises? Fret not!
Even people living a frugal lifestyle can afford to get to the gym and get in shape.
I’ve got you covered with a comprehensive list of the 9 cheapest gym membership options and alternative fitness solutions to help you get the best value for your money.
Say hello to a fitter, healthier, and happier you without breaking the bank!
Key Takeaways
- Unlock affordable fitness with these top 9 budget-friendly gym memberships.
- Consider factors like equipment availability, locker room amenities, and group classes when comparing cost to value.
- Memberships can be inexpensive- but you need to consider initiation and annual fees as they add to the cost.
- Get paid to work out whether at the gym or at home with HealthyWager.
- Explore alternative options such as virtual classes, home gyms, & outdoor activities for personalized workouts without a membership!
Top 9 Budget-Friendly Gym Memberships
1. Crunch Fitness
Crunch Fitness offers:
- Around 400 regular gyms are available in 34 states, Canada, Australia, and other countries
- 28 Signature gyms that offer more classes, upgraded amenities, and more
- Access to modern cardio machines, free weights, squat racks, and even a free personal training session.
- Join group exercise classes to get a squad feel at the gym
Their membership prices vary by location and tiers, but range from $9.95 – $29.99 between their three memberships.
Plus, if you want an inexpensive option for at home workouts, Crunch+ online workout library is available for just $1.99 a month with a basic membership.
This means you can enjoy a comprehensive workout and access online video workouts without heavy spending.
They mention a $2.25 processing fee per month and an annual fee but don’t explicitly say how much that costs.
Want to give it a try? Get a free trial visit and see if you like their facility.
2. Planet Fitness
If you’re looking for a judgment-free workout environment with lots of equipment, Planet Fitness is the perfect gym for you.
Starting at only $10 per month, you’ll use their cardio and weight training equipment without excessive expenditure.
Planet Fitness offers:
- Over 2,400 locations in all states plus other countries
- Facilities are open 24/7
- PF Black ($24.99 per month) lets you bring a guest with you, plus you can visit any Planet Fitness wherever you go
- $59 start-up fee; $49 annual fee (gym maintenance)
3. LA Fitness
LA Fitness is an affordable gym chain that offers a broad range of exercise equipment and classes, plus facilities to cater to your fitness needs.
With a basic membership, you gain access to:
- State-of-the-art equipment
- Cardio areas
- Group fitness classes
- Indoor heated pools
- Whirlpool spas
- Saunas
Some locations even have kids’ clubs, juice bars, and basketball and racquetball courts, providing more amenities and variety than other budget-friendly gyms.
Their start membership starts at $39.99 per month, but does have a $75 per year initiation feed- you can pay $49.99 instead with a $49 annual fee.
4. Blink Fitness
Blink Fitness offers a fantastic deal with affordable gym memberships starting at $17 per month, giving you access to cardio, strength equipment, and virtual classes.
They’re available in 9 states, with 103 locations, so their top 2 memberships give you unlimited access to all of them.
With membership plans ranging from $17 to $41 a month, you can experience personalized fitness without worrying about your budget.
Plus, the Blink App provides access to over 500 virtual classes and workouts, catering to various fitness goals and preferences.
5. 24 Hour Fitness
Are you a night owl or an early bird? 24 Hour Fitness has got you covered with memberships starting at $9.99 per month, providing access to:
- Equipment
- Classes
- Pools
- Digital workouts
- In-house child care
- Personal training
Anytime you want, enjoy unlimited access with multiple membership tiers, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your needs and budget.
Keep in mind that each membership type, including the basic monthly membership, comes with its own initiation fee and an annual fee of $49.99, so factor that into your overall cost.
6. Gold’s Gym
If bodybuilding is your passion, Gold’s Gym is the place for you.
With gym membership prices starting at $25 per month, you can access extensive equipment and varied services tailored to your fitness goals.
However, be prepared to pay an enrollment fee when you sign up, as gym membership prices vary with local gyms and promotions available.
You can get a free pass to give it a try first, too, so visit a facility and see how you like it!
7. Anytime Fitness
Anytime Fitness provides 24-hour access to gym facilities and wellness programs, with monthly membership starting at $41.
Anytime Fitness offers:
- Over 5000 fitness centers
- Free personal training sessions
- Facilities open 24/7
- Weight and strength training
- Workout classes
- Wellness programs
While the cost might be slightly higher than other budget-friendly options, the convenience of round-the-clock access and comprehensive wellness programs could be worth the investment.
8. YMCA
YMCA offers tiered memberships with rates depending on age and location, starting from just $49 per month.
With access to more facilities than other affordable gyms, such as basketball courts, swimming pools, and racquetball courts, the YMCA provides excellent value for money.
Not only this, but they have child care, activities for the kiddos, and lessons for the whole family to get involved and stay active.
However, be prepared for possible enrollment fees and varying membership costs depending on your local YMCA.
9. YouFit
YouFit Gyms offers a budget-friendly fitness solution with memberships starting at $10 per month.
YouFit Gyms provides:
- OAround 80 locations in 10 states
- State-of-the-art equipment and facilities
- A wide range of group fitness classes
- Personal training services
- 24/7 access to select locations
- Saunas, Olympic weightlifting, indoor pickleball courts, indoor turf, and more
- Free childcare
- Workout videos and on-demand membership are $4.99 per month
However, do note that there might be additional fees, such as initiation and annual fees, which can vary by location.
Gym Cost Vs. Value
Are gyms worth the price? Well, it depends on if you use the membership and all the amenities that come with it.
To get the most value out of your membership, it’s advisable to examine factors like:
- Equipment availability
- Locker room amenities
- Group fitness classes
- Contract length
- Free trial offers
This will help you avoid excessive costs and ensure you get your money’s worth as an average gym member.
Equipment Offerings
A key consideration when selecting a gym is the availability of necessary equipment for your personal goals and enough equipment to prevent waiting times.
The presence of cardio and strength equipment can greatly enhance the effectiveness and convenience of your workouts.
I would research exercise routines between leg days, cardio, and whatever else, and see what equipment can help you do those exercises.
If the gym you’re thinking about doesn’t have those basics to start a good workout routine, you must try other options to meet those goals.
Looker Room Amenities & Showers
The quality and cleanliness of locker rooms and showers should not be ignored when selecting a gym.
A well-kept locker room can enhance your gym experience, making it more comfortable and enjoyable. Plus, you want to know the showers are clean if you’re using public, shared facilities!
Before signing up for a gym membership, take the time to inspect the locker rooms and showers to ensure they meet your standards of cleanliness and quality.
Group Fitness Classes
The variety and quality of group fitness classes the gym offers can significantly impact your overall satisfaction with the membership.
Attending group classes can motivate you and help you achieve your fitness goals.
Before committing to a gym membership, explore the range of group fitness classes available and consider whether they align with your interests and workout preferences.
Contract Length and Cancellation Policy
It’s important to understand the terms of the gym membership contract and cancellation policy to avoid penalties for early termination.
Know what the annual fee, initiation fee, and monthly fee will be- add them up and see if you’re happy with the cost of using the gym a few times per month.
Before signing up for a gym membership, review the terms and conditions carefully and inquire about the cancellation process.
This way, you’ll be prepared if you ever need to cancel your membership and avoid any unexpected fees.
Free Trial Offers
Before committing to a long-term contract, consider using free trial memberships to experience gym facilities and services.
Many gyms offer free trials ranging from a few days to a couple of weeks, allowing you to experience the gym environment and evaluate its offerings.
By utilizing free trial offers, you can decide whether the gym is the right fit for your fitness goals and budget.
Alternative Fitness Options
Virtual Fitness Classes- YouTube Videos
You can get fit without the need for an expensive membership. YouTube provides a range of free fitness videos, including tutorials and workouts that don’t require equipment.
You can access a wide range of instructors with workouts and tutorials by following YouTube fitness channels such as Fitness Blender, POPSUGAR Fitness, and Kayla Itsines.
Virtual Fitness Classes- Twitch Subscriptions
Twitch is another excellent platform for live fitness classes and workout sessions from various trainers and influencers.
With a Tier 1 subscription for $4.99 a month, you can access a range of live classes and workout streams to help you get fit and motivated even in the comfort of your home.
Home Gym Setup
While setting up a home gym requires an initial investment, it might prove more cost-effective in the long run compared to ongoing monthly gym membership fees.
By investing in essential equipment such as:
- Dumbbells
- An exercise mat
- A training bench
- A barbell set
Just plan your home gym setup carefully, considering your budget and available space.
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor activities such as walking, swimming, or participating in free classes in local parks present another excellent gym alternative that doesn’t require an expensive membership.
By mixing outdoor activities into your fitness routine, you can enjoy the sun, clouds, fresh air, and your natural environment while staying fit and healthy.
Exercise Apps
For a small monthly fee, fitness apps like Apple Fitness+ offer free or low-cost workouts, personalized health and nutrition options, or personal trainer services.
You can also use apps like HealthyWager that pay you to walk and exercise and lose wieght- if you want some added motivation to get moving!
Exercise apps enable you to access personalized fitness programs, monitor your progress, and receive expert advice, all without a gym membership.
Individual Fitness Classes
Partaking in individual fitness classes at local studios or community centers is a flexible fitness option that allows you to:
- Experiment with various workouts and exercise styles
- Find the perfect balance between cost and value
- Ensure you get the most out of your fitness journey
FAQs
What places offer the cheapest gym memberships?
- Planet Fitness
- 24 Hour Fitness
- Crunch Fitness
- YouFit Gyms
- YMCA
These gyms are known for offering cheap gym memberships as affordable and budget-friendly options; even an inexpensive gym can provide great value.
How can I save money on the best gym memberships?
To save money on gym memberships, consider:
- Try the free trials first
- Taking advantage of discounts available for seniors, students, medical professionals, and military personnel
- Looking into group or family gym memberships
- Trying to negotiate a lower price for your gym membership
Is Planet Fitness cheap?
Yes, Planet Fitness is known for its affordable gym memberships.
A basic membership starting at only $10 per month is a great option for budget-conscious fitness enthusiasts.
Is Crunch a cheap membership?
Crunch Fitness offers budget-friendly gym memberships with prices starting at just $9.99 per month.
However, the cost may vary depending on the location and membership tier, and there are annual fees for members.
How much does it cost to get exercise equipment at home?
Setting up a home gym typically ranges from around $1,000 to $2,000, depending on the equipment and quality.
You can also get used or free equipment using Facebook Marketplace and groups to make yours more budget-friendly.
Final Thoughts
So, are you ready to become a gym rat in a thrifty way?
Finding an affordable and valuable gym membership like Planet Fitness or Crunch Fitness makes it possible to reach your personal goals.
Plus, alternative fitness options like virtual classes, home gyms, and outdoor activities are other options for more cost-effective exercises.
So, don’t let the cost of gyms hold you back – get out there and start working towards a healthier, happier you!
