Gym membership cost cutting

Former_MSE_Lawrence · 8 January 2007 at 4:02PM

This discussion relates to the

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For specific discussion about the £400 loophole

aferguson · 10 January 2007 at 1:08PM

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_2 · 10 January 2007 at 4:11PM

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 https://www.therealgym.com which has a list of independant gyms all over the country. We were recently recommended in Mens Health magazine.

Scarlett · 10 January 2007 at 6:02PM

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_2 · 11 January 2007 at 2:21PM

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_2 · 13 January 2007 at 1:33AM

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 · 14 January 2007 at 4:18PM

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_2 · 17 January 2007 at 4:56PM

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 · 19 January 2007 at 3:36PM

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 · 20 January 2007 at 2:01PM

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 · 22 January 2007 at 2:32PM

WillyP wrote:

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?

Gym membership cost cutting

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