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Deal of the Day by Kelli B. Grant (Author Archive)
Cut-Weight Deals
Updated on December 20, 2006.
TAKE A GOOD LOOK at yourself, sitting there in your office, cube, living room — wherever. Ask yourself if you wouldn't look just a little bit better if you'd hit the gym a few more times this month.
What's that? You don't have a gym membership? Then it's time to get going!
Trouble is, gyms are expensive. The average monthly membership fee at a high-end gym is $55, according to the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), a trade group for the health club industry. Expect to pay more if you live in a metropolitan area or want lots of extras, like a personal trainer determined to whip that office body of yours into Hollywood shape.
The good news? You can avoid wallet strain and easily save 60% or more with a few simple exercises. Here's how to get a good deal.
1. Use your affiliations
The groups you belong to could be the key to saving on gym memberships. Check with:- Your employer. Many large companies offer corporate discounts with certain gyms or a general reimbursement for a portion of your membership expenses.
- Your union.
- Your insurance company. Look for discounts in your insurer's health and wellness programs. The Healthy Bonus programs at Oxford Health Plans, for example, include discounted rates for WellQuest, a network of fitness clubs and chains. You'll also get 10% to 15% off certain home fitness equipment.
- Your professional organization, fraternity or other club.
2. Take advantage of trial memberships
Work out for free for two weeks or more. Be sure to give that gym a real workout before you sign a contract. Make sure you visit the gym during the hours you plan on working out, so you can get an accurate feel for what you'll encounter as a member, says Brooke MacInnis Correia, spokeswoman for the IHRSA.
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