[jenne1017]

I really, REALLY want to join a gym. Problem is, no cash! ...for the moment anyway.

My questions are: How many of you belong to a gym? And which one? How much does it really cost and any hints at getting a cheaper membership cost??? Anyone belong to the new CURVES gym?

And is the $$$ you spend worth it? I feel like it's my only real solution right now since nothing I am trying outside a gym is sticking. I loved going early in the AM in college and think that if I am spending money I don't really have, I will go.

Thanks

[tonic]

Jenne - Well I work for a University and I am also a graduate student. So I pay for a membership at the University gym. Its about 230 for the whole year... which is pretty cheap. I am guessing thats probably not an option for you.

A friend of mine's mother owns a Curves. So I am a bit biased, but I would recommend it if you want lots of support and like group activities.

As for getting discounts on gym memberships, you could always bounce from gym to gym and take their trial offers or big discounts for new members.

Another idea is to see if you have a YMCA.. I have heard good things about them.. but it probably depend on where you live.

As for if its worth it? Well if you use the membership a lot it will be Perhaps it will be a motivator.. cause if you don't use it.. its a waste of money.

[treefrogtoes]

I joined CURVES 1 month ago on a year membership, I just had my one month 'weigh in' and am very proud to say that i have lost 10 pounds, 8 1/2 inches, and converted 9 1/2 pounds of fat to muscle! on a check draft for a year it's only $30 per month or there is an option of paying month-to-month at $40. I think that that the price can differ depending on where you live (I'm in WI). It's a very small price to pay for the amount of motivation you receive! I definately recomend it, two girls in my office joined in the month that I've been there... good luck to you!

[jenne1017]

THanks TreeFrogToes!

There isn't one near me, unfortunately. But I am going to joint he local Y. Going to check it out Sat.

Thanks!

[JennPGH]

i would say check out your local Y, like the suggestion before. I think they have cheaper memberships and they are month-to-month.

i have a gym, it is $49/month, month-to-month. it is definitely worth it! the fact they i know they are taking that $49 out of my checking acct each month is enough motivation for me to go!

what you could do (i did this) is call a bunch of different gyms and ask them if/when they have membership specials. for ex. when i joined my gym, i got to join w/no joining fee, which saved me about $100 or 2 months worth! they run specials like that twice a year. so i would call around and ask. the worst that could happen is that they would say no.

also, check with your insurance (health insurance-if you have it) my health insurance has deals w/clubs to give members the absolute lowest price. some gyms also give a % off per month, you just have to ask and show them your card.


good luck!

[trixiepup]

My friend is a trainer at 24hr fitness, and he said that he gauges people based on what they wear and how they dress. Wear generic stuff, no flashy watches or rings, etc.

Another person in my class said they charge higher rates to people who are hardcore athletes and lower rates to the gym newbies or the out of shape because they tend not to come very often.

In my area, the YMCA is about equivalent in price to other gyms. I would also check out the gym when you would normally work out there. The 24hr gym my friend works at is always packed, even at 2am. It's crazy.