Along with not having enough time, one of the top reasons people cite for not exercising is that they can’t afford a pricey gym membership or personal trainer. While we’ll be the first to tell you that you can exercise for free using your body weight and the great outdoors, we also understand that sometimes people equate a gym membership with motivation and accountability.
And when you’re ready to commit to changing your life through fitness, motivation and accountability are huge. But it’s also possible that the price tag of a great gym just isn’t as big as you think. It turns out there are plenty of ways to afford a gym membership if you’re serious.
Why Do You Want It?
As you’ll notice with much of the content on this blog, the first step in making any meaningful change is finding your why. So when you think about committing to making fitness part of your life, why do you want it? Ask yourself why you want a gym membership and why you want to join that gym or work with that specific trainer.
Is the answer that you need to lose weight to reduce health complications for which you’re genetically predestined? Do you want to be strong enough to keep up with the kids without getting unbearably sweaty and winded after a short playtime?
If your “why” is strong enough, it’s going to encourage you to find a way to pay for the gym membership or trainer you want. But before you open up your wallet, it’s important to make sure you’re choosing the most appropriate gym for your situation.
How to Assess a Gym
Your home gym needs to check several boxes. So ask yourself the following questions to see if the price of the gym is worth the value.
- Is it convenient?
- Do the class times fit with your schedule?
- Is the gym near where you live or on your existing commute route?
- Will it meet social needs and your desire for connection and accountability?
- Will it offer you education and the opportunity to progress beyond what you already know?
- Is the facility clean?
- Are staff and other members approachable and friendly?
- Will it bring you results?
The more boxes it checks, the more likely you are to find the means by which to pay for it.
4 Ways to Afford a Gym Membership or Personal Trainer
Before you dump out your piggy bank to join the most expensive gym in town, take these steps to be smart about spending.
1. Try it out
Many gyms offer a free trial, whether that’s a class or an entire week. So reach out to the gym you’re interested in and see if they’ll let you come in for free.
At Foundation FIT, we offer a free introductory session with a personal trainer with no commitment! This allows our clients to see our facility and experience what it would be like to work with our trainers one on one, without the pressure of signing a contract!
2. Look at your budget
Finances can be a touchy subject and highly personal for some. But the truth is, if you want to make going to the gym part of your identity, you’re going to need to find a way to make it work financially.
Look at where you’re spending your money. Could you cut back on clothes, entertainment, or eating out? Could you take on an extra side job? Is there an opportunity to make yourself an asset at the gym you want to join? Sometimes, simply pulling a little extra each month from another category where you may be overspending is enough to cover what you need.
3. Refer friends
Many gyms, Foundation FIT included, offer referral perks to members. For example, a gym may offer to cut one month’s dues in half for bringing in a friend who becomes a member! So simply sharing your favorite exercise class with friends could dramatically decrease what you owe.
4. Get it gifted
As we get older, doesn’t it seem like it’s impossible to figure out what to ask for on holidays? Maybe this year, for your birthday, Christmas, or whatever holidays you celebrate, you can ask for money toward your gym membership.
Receiving gift cards or money toward your membership is a great way to get several months covered. And by putting it out there to family and friends, you may find others who want to join you! That could mean more referral rewards and even more money in your pocket!
The Last Word About How to Afford a Gym Membership
The way you spend your money and your time is a reflection of who you are. So by allocating time and money toward fitness, that becomes part of your identity. If you want it bad enough, you’ll be willing to make small sacrifices to make it happen.
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