Gym membership cost cutting

[MSE Lawrence]

This discussion relates to the

Gym Membership cost cutting article (http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/cgi-bin/viewnews.cgi?newsid1168265411,91437,)

To discuss this, click reply

For specific discussion about the £400 loophole

click here (http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?p=3894947#post3894947)

[aferguson]

I've joined 3 gyms in the last 10 years or so and I've always refused to pay the joining fee. If you like the gym, after your tour or free trial, tell them that you really like the facilities,atmosphere etc (butter them right up!). Then tell them that you want to sign up straight away but you won't pay the joining fee. It has worked every time for me, so give it go.
The £200 fee is, quite frankly, ridiculous given that they are guaranteed your £80,or whatever, every month for a year!

[stuart hamilton]

It is usually far cheaper to join an independant gym. You probably won't be hassled by salesmen all the time trying to sell you add ons and you are likely to get instructors who are actually enthusiastic about exercise.

I run this totally unpaid for, non profit, website www.therealgym.com which has a list of independant gyms all over the country. We were recently recommended in Mens Health magazine.

[Scarlett]

When trying to sign up for a free trial over the phone with a large chain, I was put under massive pressure by the advisor. She let slip that the last few days of the month were a good time to try and get deals from them, as all the operatives were trying to meet their targets...

Unfortunately I can't remember which blimmin' chain it was, but I'm sure it probably applies across the board for the large companies.

[ChipPan]

Joining fees are just a way for sales advisors to earn their commission - they say it covers the cost of admin but surely all the membership fees would cover that part as well?

I have used many methods to cut the cost of going to the gym, here's a quick list:-

1. Free Trials - really useful if you want to check out the gym or if money's tight, you can try several gyms one after another and so for example, you can keep this going for a month or more sometimes. Very useful also if you are going to be in a place for a short time or moving about and don't want to pay the exorbitant £10-15 per visit they charge nowadays.

2. Pretend you're a student - this has worked for me to negotiate my yearly fee from £360 to under £300 for the last few yrs. If they ask you for an ID card, blag it by emptying your bag full of textbooks.

3. Join at the end of the month - salespeople are keen to hit their monthly targets and may have a better offer if you speak to them directly.

4. Once you've joined, use it as much as possible! - this is a moneysaving tip because the more you use it, because you have paid already then it is more cost-efficient! I go to the gym 5-6 times a week and sometimes twice a day during breaks.

[filthyrich]

http://www.bupa.co.uk/promotions/0137/
Thats right a whole year! So you dont have to worry about the phone call after 6 months cancelling your contract, yay!

[avondale]

Solutions in croydon are currently doing a promotion where there's no joining fee and also no 12 month contract. Basically it's £35 a month and might be an option for people who decide on a fitness campaign in the new year but normally end up shedding out money every month just for the privilege of a membership card that sits proudly in there wallet whilst they never go to the gym after the 1st few weeks!!

[WillyP]

AXA have extended their offer of 6 months free membership at LA Fitness. I signed up with them last month purely for the gym bit and am only paying £15/month.

Link to the offer at http://www.lafitness.co.uk/ (bottom of page)

W

[kavinah]

Free trials

A lady was refused free trial by David Lloyd recently. She was told they are looking for people to join not to try the gym.

Another friend who had recommended a friend was refused any gift as they claimed there was no offer of gift for that month--same gym. Supposedly one of the best but sales tactics appalling. Would hope they are subject to one of the consumer programmes on TV so that they clean up their act. Not a good advert for the Whitbread group to which it belongs.

[ulster_exile]

Does anybody know of anywhere that lists the various membership fees and types for the main gym chains?

Surprisingly enough, the gyms themselves don't advertise their prices, and I'd prefer to do a bit of online research before having to go through the rigmarole of dealing with their sales people :rolleyes:

Also is there anywhere that specialises in no annual contracts?

[Alliei80]

AXA have extended their offer of 6 months free membership at LA Fitness. I signed up with them last month purely for the gym bit and am only paying £15/month.

Link to the offer at http://www.lafitness.co.uk/ (bottom of page)

W

Has anyone used this offer that can tell me more about it? Do you have to pay the annual whack for the AXA insurance or can you still do a monthly direct debit? Also what happens after the six month trial? Do you end up paying both the insurance and the gyms monthly fee?

[Boudica]

Hi All

How about your local authority leisure centres instead of private gyms? I don't know if this is available countrywide but this is how I do it.

As I have long term health problems I can get a referral from the GP to go to a council run gym for 12 weeks. I pay £7.50 for induction and I go twice a week and can do the gym, swim and sauna for free. After the 12 weeks is up I go back to my GP with a letter from the instructor saying that my movement has improved and recommend my continuing with the programme. I then get another 12 weeks and pay another £7.50. So far, 6 months gym costing me £14 in total.

I also have a concessions card because i'm on CTC so pay £3.50 once a week for the same thing.

[ulster_exile]

Good point and one that I'd considered personally. The major downside to council gyms is that they're chocca at the times you really want to go and you're fighting for the equipment and/or attention of the instructors.

If you're not someone who works the standard 9-5 day, then great, use these and save yourselves a fortune (in most cases). But otherwise...:rolleyes:

[ulster_exile]

EDIT: Double post

[ulster_exile]

EDIT: Double, Double post! :rolleyes:

[friedfrog]

the magazine promotion says that you get one months free at LA fitness. I stopped going to the gymn after the kids but now wanted to see if I can hack it. Does anyone know if this works? It asks me for direct debit details.

[tapilicious]

I don't bother with private gym's anymore.My local Leisure Centre has all the facilities I need and more .It costs me less £20/mth.

[pavlovs_dog]

ive been using our local council gyms facilities since the start of the year and am having a whale of a time. the annual student card cost me £15, which gets me half price entry for the rest of the year. each activity ow costs around £1.50, which is more than half of what the univeristy gym costs :money:

[Geebsie]

Council gym in Edinburgh is £40 a month or £6.60 a visit - a scandal!

[NiceGirl]

the magazine promotion says that you get one months free at LA fitness. I stopped going to the gymn after the kids but now wanted to see if I can hack it. Does anyone know if this works? It asks me for direct debit details.

Yes I did it in January. You do have to give your direct debit details and await a confirmation email once you get that email cancel the direct debit immediately so that you do not forget (because if you don;t cancel by a certain date you are bound to a years contract after the 1 month offer.)

You then take the voucher to the chosen gym, in my case it was Edgware, LA fitness and they take down your personal details, show you around the gym, then free access for a month. Completely trouble free.

The website www.thegymwebsite.co.uk is the main link for this promotion. It may be worth your while waiting for march as february is nearly over.

[rachyroo]

To anyone thinking of joining LA fitness my advice is just DON'T!!! I have just finished paying £360 in fees for a gym i couldn't use as i moved town and where i moved to the LA fitness required me to walk at night in a multi storey car park and down an alley which as a single female i wasn't prepared to do.

There was no negotiation, no get out no nothing - just a 12 month contract which i was sold under the impression i could 'freeze' the membership (by this so i understood it to mean i could suspend payments as long as i fulfilled 12 months worth of membership but actually meant I could pay now, use later not a great deal of use!!)

This is not the first time i have been stung by the LA chain and I know so many people who have had problems. They are also very very rude!!

[jyonda]

Bupa are offering a years free gym membership when you take out their health insurance. Sounds similar to the 6 months offer from pru but, er..... double. Not sure how competitive their insurance is though.

http://www.bupa.co.uk/promotions/0137/

[povall]

I've just done a trial with LA Fitness for a month, through this discount company i get stuff from every month, after the trial i can join for free saving £75. Could be worth a look
www.discountclub.co.uk

[manofthemoment]

Council gym in Edinburgh is £40 a month or £6.60 a visit - a scandal!

The Centre for Sport and Exercise (Edinburgh Uni) at the Pleasance is absolutely unbeatable value, much much cheaper than the council with better instructors, classes and equipment. For students and community members (no, I don't work there, I just use it!).

[PM]

I joined fitness first as its outside my house! I dont have a contract as I signed for 3 months but they charge me £40 which is a ripoff. Just phoned Bupa and I could get my cover (select 3) for £40 which would mean i get 2 for price of 1.

Anyone know a cheaper way of going fitness first. I am a student but all they want is me to sign 12 month contract which I dont want!

[rodman]

i have been member at fitness first for 2 years and still pay £40 per month

[PM]

i have been member at fitness first for 2 years and still pay £40 per month

if you sign a 12 month contract that should go down to £30. I would threatern to leave and then they start offering good deal. even after you have left they send you offers to come back without any joining fee.

[johnlangley]

I have just been looking into joining fitness first gyms as a student. I live in Chiswick, London but go to the University of Leeds so wanted to be able to use the Hammersmith branch and the one in Kirkstall, Leeds. I phoned the Hammersmith branch and was quoted the 12 month contract student deal which allowed me to use all fitness first gyms for £39.95 a month with a joining fee of £45. I phoned the Leeds branch, asked for exactly the same deal and was quoted £26.95 a month and there was no mention of a joining fee. So joining a branch outside of London seems to be cheaper and you are still entitled to use all of the London gyms, after all, its in the contract!. I may well phone round to try and find the cheapest one and join through that one, you can do it all over the phone anyway. I imagine this price discrimination is applicable to non student deals as well, as far as I can see it is the London effect that increases the price.

[xenomatt]

I did quite a bit of research before picking a gym, both online and face to face. Chain prices are not uniform accross the country, nor are they uniform accross London (where I live).

Nor are prices written in stone, Fitness First, Cannon and Virgin will negotiate for example. I got a bad vibe from FF however, felt like they were trying to slip a cost past me, one month the banner ad outside the gym read 'no joining fee' but on enquiry there was a massive admin fee, next month the banner would read 'no admin fee' but an equal joining fee had appeared! They wouldn't dispense with the fee, when I asked what it was for all I got was 'a charge for entering you into the system' - that's one expensive swipe card and minute of data entry! They also chase you with sales calls after your visit - eventually I didnt feel bad giving a fake number (apparently essential when you visit for price info) to avoid this!

Council gyms are the business, in London at least they come in area groups, so if you join one you can usaully use a few in the area. I live in Shepherds Bush for example - one location has a poor gym but a pool, one has an awesome gym and squash courts etc, both included in my membership.

From experience, go pay-as-you-go (very efficient if you buy a £30 semi-member card thing) until a good offer crops up. Each gym trip cost me £4.00 (peak) I think under this. Last September I jumped onto an offer for peak membership for £190 upfront for the year. Averages to £16 a month, I get no hassle to upgrade anything from a council gym and free yoga / spinning etc classes if you are into that!

Final point, the chain is a Social Enterprise, not for profit, doing charitable work and reinvesting any surplas back into the gym.

Can I post links? here's an attempt:
http://www.gll.org/about.asp

[Sarahsaver]

ANyone know any cheaper routes for fitness First for Women gyms? I go to one because it is the most convenient location for me, and I save money because it is walking distance, local authority ones are a way off by bus:(
Don't forget to use the gym to iron your clothes, blow dry your hair, have a coffee (we get free drinks) get a newspaper and use the free dvd rentals, also the sauna :)
DOes any insurance co. include these gyms? They share the Fitness First name but otherwise anrn't the same, there's a mixed FF gym in town over the other side but FF For women members can't use their cards there.
I pay £32 pcm and use the gym about 3 times a week.

[RosWright]

My company has a Bupa scheme and the Bupa site has a Fitness First offer - 'Reduced rate membership'. Unfortunately in Manchester - this means a grand reduction of 32 to 29 for full membership - not what I would call amazing.

I didn't join FF - There was a notice on the turnstiles that members forgetting their passes must pay £1, which seemd unfriendly as a first impression, the sales guy I talked to first didn't know about the BUPA offer and said they would ring me in the evening - they didn't - I rang them after 9pm and they still knew nothing about it. The following day I spoke to another sales guy who found out about the £29 price. By then they had left me with such a bad impression that I couldn't wait to get to a friendly gym.

Martins article has been updated for Virgin Active/ Cannons/ LA Fitness with Pruhealth http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/health/gym-discounts

[iwanttosave]

I use my council gym and apart from an hour at around 6pm I have never had any problem getting on equipment or getting help from an instructor. Its costs £28 a month and for that I can use the gym as much as I like, swim, do the studio classes (don't even have to pay extra for spinning class) the squash/badmintion/football courts, sun beds, sauna ect.

Saves me a fortune, esp when I take the little one, 60p for 90 mins entertainment, can't be that.

[stevee.c]

I have joined the banana fitness club , with the corporate rate scheme ,which many firms have joined it costs £280 a year. Nothing stopping you asking your boss to sign up to the scheme , 50 to 60 pieces of equipment. I have found that they are mainly in leisure centers. this is great because they have the sauna and steam room and of course a decent size pool included in the price. Maybe not as fancy as some of these very expensive clubs , but be honest your there to work out, not look at pretty walls and the like.On top of that they are all over the country and you can use any banana fitness center you can find, great if you get about alot, as far as i am aware that is.You only need to ask if this is right. Happy beastings everyone.:rotfl:

[thriftynotmean]

Virgin gym fees can be paid using Tesco vouchers.
I use a Tesco credit card as it gives me cashback in the form of vouchers. I then use them to pay my gym bill.
I joined Virgin in April, got the remainder of the month and May for free, and then paid for June, July and August using £53 of vouchers.
Seemed like a good deal to me, and the gym is really nice with lots of facilities, classes etc and it's clean (unlike the local council-run gyms).
I opted for the more expensive type of membership which means that I can leave with 14 days notice if my initial enthusiasm isn't maintained. If you go for a 12 month contract, it is a bit cheaper each month. Also, you can use a mixture of vouchers and cash to pay. :j

[*sandymogs*]

I have just joined a gym/health club at a local hotel for a special offer of £100 for the year. They had 50 places available and I was lucky to get one. There were no catches, I get to use the gym, the pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. The only thing I would have to pay for extra if I wanted it, is the solarium and beauty treatments.

[hypnotina]

For cheap workouts check out this online gym. £5 a month and you can take part in a number of classes with new classes added every week. Breakdance, aerobics etc
www.wobics.com

[$am1965]

Virgin gym fees can be paid using Tesco vouchers.
I use a Tesco credit card as it gives me cashback in the form of vouchers. I then use them to pay my gym bill.
I joined Virgin in April, got the remainder of the month and May for free, and then paid for June, July and August using £53 of vouchers.
Seemed like a good deal to me, and the gym is really nice with lots of facilities, classes etc and it's clean (unlike the local council-run gyms).
I opted for the more expensive type of membership which means that I can leave with 14 days notice if my initial enthusiasm isn't maintained. If you go for a 12 month contract, it is a bit cheaper each month. Also, you can use a mixture of vouchers and cash to pay. :j
You need to check on the link fron the Tesco Clubcard Deals website, there is a lsit of gyms EXCLUDED, mine, Northampton is one of them

[Kyss]

I notice that exercise on referral has already been mentioned, but I thought I'd add a little more. It seems that if you have certain medical conditions, in my area there is a scheme whereby you can get a prescription from a GP, and not only will that allow the gym to take you on (they can be reluctant to take people with certain conditions), but you pay a special rate for twelve weeks - only paying a small amount for the sessions you attend. Not only that, but you're given what is essentially a 'personal trainer' who assesses you throughout the twelve weeks - quite different to the usual induction and then get on with it. Not only that, but it seems you then qualify for reduced gym membership at the end of the course.

Of course, I'm not suggesting everybody floods their GPs with requests for prescriptions. These schemes seem to be locally run, and not all GPs are signed up to it. It seems to be mainly for things like coronary heart disease, diabetes, depression, etc. One scheme mentioned that it was suitable for anyone who might benefit from exercise - so that's 99.9% of us! Personally, I'd say it's particularly good for
- people who have medical problems which affect how they should exercise, because I think it must be safer working one to one with a trainer, with a tailored programme, than doing it on your own.
- people who are unfit and have a condition which is known to improve with exercise - you might want something tailored to your condition.
- people with medical problems on uncertain incomes, etc.

Financially, I think it's good to be able to pay as you go - most gyms seem to want you to sign up for a year, and it's a lot to commit to. In my case, a session will be cheaper than a session in my local swimming pool, but for that money I'll have my trainer as well as the use of swimming pool and gym. There's also the flexibility of not having to pay during holidays, sickness, etc.

On the downside, financially, it's not necesarily cheaper than joining a gym. In my case if I go to at least two sessions a week, as a I plan to, I'll be paying as much as if I'd joined my cheapest local gym. (However, joining the cheapest gym isn't an option as they won't have me due to my medical conditions!). I think it's important to continue the exercise after the programme finishes, but I'm going to be struggling with that - even the reduced membership is substantially more than the cheapest gym.

For me, though, what's particularly important is that I'm getting a tailored programme and supervision which takes into account my medical conditions - and I'm sure it would cost a lot more to pay privately for those sessions with a personal trainer. Just thought I'd make sure people who qualify are aware of this.

I think there is a lot of local variation in these schemes - Boudicca mentioned an induction and a £7.50 fee which is different, and I think in some areas it may even be free. In my case, I'm going to a private gym rather than a council-run gym - the council-run one is pretty expensive anyway.

[hgbels]

Hi,

I have also got an exercise referal from my GP - just for being fat. I'm not sure what he exact weight criteria is, but my GP was very happy to sign me up (she also signed me up to a weight loss course as well!!:eek: ).

But my deal does not sound as good as others, basically I get the local gym membership for £20 not £35 - a good saving for me, but no personal training etc

Were we are it seems to be a local authority thing, and is advertised on the council web site.

hels

[abbyj]

You need to check on the link fron the Tesco Clubcard Deals website, there is a lsit of gyms EXCLUDED, mine, Northampton is one of them
My local Virgin Gym is also on the excluded list but is there anything stopping me from joining another one and using my local one as a guest? The package I pay for now means I get access to all clubs. Has anybody tried it? Sounds too good to be true - could save me £1000.

[nuclearjames]

Hi Everyone,

I am a member of Bannatynes gym in Manchester. I pay for a couples membership and my girlfriend has lost her card. They want her to pay a £10 replacement fee even though I am paying a substantial amount every month for our membership :mad: .

Are they allowed to charge you to replace these cards? I want to cancel but they told me I need to give them a months notice before from the next payment date 1st January. So suddenly my months notice is one and a half months notice.

Has this happened to anyone else? Is there anything I can do? :confused:

Cheers

[PM]

if you have diabeties, blood pressure, or obesity (dont know about other medical conditions.) you can get the prescription thing talked about.

This means the gym is then cheaper depending on your area. I asked my Doc and he said its called fitness for life and then went in saw the nurse who filed in form in 2mins with my name, address, etc and thats it. Now I have to wait for them to contact me!

[JoeyEmma]

ALL the clubs do one calendar months notice to quit, so you have to put your notice in around 1st of month.

Also, Fitness First charge £5 for a lost card. Their cards also lock the lockers, which mean you don't have to faff around with £1 coins.

When this article is redone can they put in that Fitness First will give you discount if you work for the NHS? It saves me £5 a month and makes it much cheaper than taking out separate insurance

[Sola]

I'm currently with Virgin Active in the City (Moorgate). Paid £40 to join and now £83/month on a rolling membership (not a 12 month contract which would be £77/month). It's quite a lot of money, but it's a superb gym with a 25m pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steamroom, boxing ring, whole rows of cardio machines, 2 weights and machines sections, huge range of classes, free towels and toiletries, and as I'm going 6 days a week it works out to £3.33/session. Open 6.30am - 10.30pm Mon-Fri and 9am-6pm Sat/Sun. I tried the local council gym which was just horrible and also an independent one called Slim Jim's which was pretty manky too.

Men's Health magazine currently has a card inside for a 3-day trial of LA Fitness but I didn't look to see if there were any restrictions.

[spannie1000]

The attached link offers some deals you can't get through clubs themselves, such as weekend membership at Dragons (LA Fitness) for only £18.99 per month. I used this as a negotiating tool at my local LA Fitness to downgrade my membership and got a weekend deal direct with them, but they took some pushing as they at first said they wouldn't offer this deal, until I pointed out to them that I would give notice and buy online, giving them less commission direct as the site is sure to take a cut.... They buckled in the end!

There may be some other deals local to others hidden in here.

http://www.thegymwebsite.co.uk/news/index.asp

Anna

[bluefroguk]

Bupa is currently doing a promotion where if you join them they will give you off-peak Fitness First membership free.

This is only available though the refer a friend scheme, so if you're interested send me a private message (as I'm currently a Bupa member).

All you need to do is ram the excesses up to reduce the premiums to get cheap membership.

Last year - I got my Bupa/Fitness First membership for £14 from Bupa (compared to £35 from Fitness First directly) It then cost £10 extra a month to upgrade to peak FF membership. So £24 compared to £35 from Fitness First diretly - bargain!

Note: The deal with Bupa is if i refer someone to Bupa then both of us will get off-peak FF membership each

[Droid]

I quit David Lloyd in October after they decided to abandon all their corporate discounts and up the prices (note their notice period is 3 months + partial month). They didn't seem interested in trying to keep me as a regular (6-year) member.

By chance I went to look round the local JJB when they had a special deal on - no joining fee, and a free bike if you paid a year in advance.
I know that paying upfront isn't for everyone but it suited me. So the cost is now £36 instead of £50+ and I have a shiny new bike.

[catstar]

Hope this is the right way to post an offer to share. i just signed up at www.thegymwebsite.co.uk/health (http://www.thegymwebsite.co.uk/health) and got a free months trial, the search for gyms is rubbish, i put in my town and it said it had nothing but i found it in the list which you can scroll down through. You have to put a credit card so hopefully its ok... (I put a credit card that i ve cancelled anyway and it didnt seem to notice) it gives you a voucher to print off. Saw it in Dare Mag which is the freebie from Superdrug i think.

[Agent 99]

I joined David Lloyd (Bristol) a couple of days ago and I didn't realise until I got home that the joining fee was £15.00!
The monthly membership is £52.50 (off peak) - so looks like I managed to get a bargain without even noticing :rotfl:

[Tracy E A]

£52.50 a month :eek: Wow thats a lot. I work in a small gym and we dont charge joining fees and dont do long term contracts and the lowest rate we do is £25 for oaps.

[Agent 99]

£52.50 a month :eek: Wow thats a lot. I work in a small gym and we dont charge joining fees and dont do long term contracts and the lowest rate we do is £25 for oaps.

:D I knew David Lloyd isn't cheap, but i'm really pleased with the joining fee - it's usually way more!

[loadedlaura]

It seems AXA are offering a gym deal with JJB but not with LA fitness anymore, I spoke to them and this deal was a year ago. Just to let those out there know! :p

[bekki0405]

Have heard of a good deal on offer for David Lloyd gym membership. If you go to the NCT website (www.nct.co.uk (http://www.nct.co.uk) ), you can print off a voucher and take it to David Lloyd to join for £35 per month off peak.
Not sure what hours this is, but sounds like a good deal to me. It is aimed a pregnant women, but their doesn't seem to be anything written which says this can't be used by anyone else.
I might give it as go!

[funky monkey]

I have heard of ROKO health clubs (gyms), has anyone used one of their gyms and had any trouble with them?:confused:

I would be rather interested to see what others have to say about them.

Thanks

[funky monkey]

I signed up to my local council run gym. worst mistake i ever made.

I was shown round the gym, had all the talk, was offered a free gift if i joined (i got 2 actually, weighing scales and a gym bag and water bottle).

After I signed up and started using the gym, thats when the problems started.

The staff in the gym were moody, never said hello to anyone and just glared at people. And worst of all the showers didnt run hot, they were always freezing cold:mad: . They had complaint after complaint, and it was never repaired, and men were coming into the ladys changing area to fix it and never did....what a nightmare.

In the end I gave up and went home to shower, but, there is nothing like having a hot shower after your workout.

i handed in my notice after 2 months, and they let me go.

Never ever again would I touch the council gym with a gympole!!

[funky monkey]

Another plus side to the PTL deal is that if i don't go to the gym i don't lose any money either :D

What does PTL deal mean?

[funky monkey]

mmmmmmmmmm...hot water...........................!

[kelsea]

Has anyone any ideas how I can reduce my L A Fitness monthly payment. I have looked at the pru insurance scheme but as I am over 50 it actually costs me more than my membership. I use the facilities as much as I can on average 4 times per week but may have to cancel as I can't afford the fees. Shame as I am trying hard to keep healthy. Thanks.

[funky monkey]

I started at my new gym today, its the opening day.
i pay 47.00 per month inclusive, no joining fee (would be 30.00), gym, classes, pool, jacuzzi, steam, dry steam room etc, very nice indeed. They have gone to the effort of adding little extras that my previous gyms didnt include like FREE SUN SHOWER USE (yes thats correct!!) PowerPlate, and unlimited free use of Molton Brown products from hand cream to hair conditioner. Free health checks. Staff are extreemly polite and courteous.

If you look at my previous posts about 70% of members left there and joined this one lol!!!!!

I think this is quite a good deal. Certainly beats cold showers.:rotfl:

[LizD]

Does anybody know of anywhere that lists the various membership fees and types for the main gym chains?

Surprisingly enough, the gyms themselves don't advertise their prices, and I'd prefer to do a bit of online research before having to go through the rigmarole of dealing with their sales people :rolleyes:

Also is there anywhere that specialises in no annual contracts?

For the ladies, no contract or joining fee:

http://www.lfw30.com/

There are other similar programmes such Curves and Women's Workout.

[colmax]

Hi all,

Just a warning if you have the LA fitness weekend membership through Grazia magazine. I have been going since last July (07) on a Friday and Sunday without any problems.

Suddenly I got a call last week asking why I went into the gym at 6:45pm on the previous Sunday. I said "because that's in my membership." The sales rep said that I wasn't allowed to go in to the gym after 4pm on Saturday or Sunday, and she said I had to provide written proof that my membership was from 5pm Friday till close on Sunday. Otherwise I would have to follow the restrictions on my account. I.e. 5pm till close on friday and open till 4pm Sat and Sun.

Fortunatly I have a copy of the voucher I was given last year which states the restrictions clearly "5pm Friday till Close Sunday" but if I didn't have that voucher they would have effectivly stolen 8 hours of gym time per week from me. Very Naughty!!!!

[gymbumm]

I'd like to add to the gym memberships thread if I may :j

I belong to a club called Ist Health in Bournemouth. It is a small gym but with highly thought of with very attentive, knowledgeable trainers, one being and ex-para, one who works for an airline company as cabin crew but he is leaving to devote more time to "his baby" - of course I mean his Gym:rotfl:and last but not least a young man who is training to be a Personal Trainer but has obviously vast knowledge and is very popular ;)

I suffer depression and agoraphobia and have actually managed to attend this gym for the last year purely as I live close and because they are extremely understanding.
There are a few other members who also have some personal problems but we are always listened to and helped and it's never too much trouble! :T
The nice thing is, is that there is no competition unless you want there to be ie; if a trainer is working with a group of people and they're doing a specific workout, then yes because that's part and parcel ;)

There is no sign up fee. :eek:
The tariff is £30 per month but they request that you have at least 1 Personal Training session in that month on that tariff.
There is a PAYG tariff, just pay £6 each time you come in.
The last tariff is you can pay for PT only @ £30 per session and there is a nice big discount should you block book.
Or you can simply book a trainer as and when you wish and then do your own thing the rest of the time......you are always kept an eye on and there is always at least 1 trainer there with a maximum of about 10 members in the gym at one time;)
Even though these tariffs are in effect, the trainers there [3 of them] will train you personally each time you come in and until you feel confident enough to go it alone and you're never required or obliged to pay for that.
They also have NO CONTRACT to tie you to the gym so you are free to come and go as you wish. Quite how long that will be effective, we don't know.
There are about 70 members but it's not a 'busy' gym, it's also not 'noisy' which is a bonus but it is an easy, relaxed but professional gym.
I am lucky as it is just a half mile from me and I cannot praise it enough!
I'm not sure if I can leave a number here so if there is a way that I can, please let me know and I'll leave details :money:

** I need to add also that you are given the BMI test, an assessment and a medical questionnaire of which, you will have to submit a letter or whatever it is your doctor will do, to the gym owners to declare you fit to join and embark on physical exercise

[dearbarbie]

hi there - just wondering if anyone knows about deals at virgin active, particular corporate membership? does it depend on your employer?

[brightonman123]

why are these gyms so puchy? i thought most people sign up, then dont even go, so they get their money for less work..

[simon55]

Not sure I should post this here or on the tax forum...

...but if you are lucky enough to have an employer who provides a gym and it is not open to the public, the subscriptions you pay can come out of your pay before tax & NI deductions!!!

[Paparika]

I don't like gyms, i can never go when i want to, and i don't like the giggly super fit people there.

i bought a Wii fit instead, much more fun :D

[slewis1972]

Hi

has anyone seen any deals on David Lloyd/Cannons or even the local one to be - RiverBourne in chertsey, Surrey?.

Where I do have a Wiifit, I also need someone where I can do some more physical workouts. David Lloys look good as I see they also do family memberships and stuff for the kids, whcih could appeal as can then get the whole family involved.

Scott

[colmax]

Only thing I will say is, be verrrrrrrrrry careful with David Lloyd. The local one to us has a terrible reputation for being aloof and even rude. People have reported having big difficulties cancelling their contracts even after 12 months. Check your contract verrrrrry carfully, before you sign.

Colin

[RobUK]

Fitness First will give you discount if you work for the NHS? It saves me £5 a month and makes it much cheaper than taking out separate insurance

Does anyone know if this is till the case? (and is it still £5 you save?) Also, can you get a discount at any other gym if you work for the NHS?

Do you think it would be best to negotiate a deal first and then tell them you work for the NHS to get a further reduction? Or just tell them from the outset?

One final question, do you think I would get a better deal if I waited until January? Isn't that when most of the offers are on?

[DanCogz]

I joined the Holmes Place gym in Staines in approx November 2006. Virgin Active took them over last year sometime. My membership has been £65.00 per month since i started, however i found out the other day that £51.00 was the maximum membership fee you could get. I called Virgin Active explaining my confusion and anger and they infromed me that I was still on a Holmes Place contract and there was nothing they could do about it. Do you think I should write a letter to head office or does it seem too much of a shot in the dark?

[vmaxjude]

Hi all. I don't know if this is mentioned anywhere else on the site, but you can join LA Fitness by using Tesco Clubcard Deals vouchers. I joined my local branch in Purley, Surrey for a year (full membership) and it cost me less than £100 in CLubcard Deals vouchers. It's saved me nearly £40 a month on my old Fitness First membership. That said, FF was a much better gym. An inducement from LAF was that you get your joining fee back (£35) if you train at least twice a week for the first 8 weeks of your membership. I did this and I am still waiting for my cheque. You are paid if the gym computer shows you as swiped in the requisite number of times. However, if you pay using Cluncard vouchers this confuses the computer and it takes some weeks to recognise you as a member. I have contacted head office a number of times without success, and the branch manager has not responded to any of my phone calls or e-mails...