Whether you’re looking to join a nationwide commercial gym or a local specialty gym packed with high-end equipment, getting a good deal on your membership is always worth the effort. After all, you’re typically going to be locked into some sort of contract, and there’s nothing worse than joining a gym only to see memberships go on sale several weeks later.
In this guide, I’m going to share the best time to join a gym if you want to get the best possible rates. Before you make an impulse decision and sign up at the first facility you visit, be sure to read this guide to learn how you can secure the most affordable membership the gym offers.
Key Takeaways
- The typical gym membership cost is about $58 per month1, which is about $696 per year, so choosing the optimal time to buy a membership can add up.
- 12% of gym memberships are sold in January2, the highest month of the year.
- Established gyms generally offer special discounts in December and January, at the end of months or on certain days of the month, and around holidays.
- Not all gyms follow the same promotion patterns, so it’s a good idea to monitor prices for a month or two before purchasing.
- If a new gym is opening near you, they will often advertise an introductory rate discount, which can also be a good time to save.
- Aside from choosing the right time of year, be sure to ask your gym about special discounts available for members in certain career fields, such as military personnel, teachers, and healthcare workers.
The Best Time to Join a Gym
Gym memberships can fluctuate throughout the year, so it’s best to do some research and shop around. Many gyms are continually looking for new members and may offer incentives to join throughout the year. This can happen during slower months when gyms want new business or in January when those beginning a fitness journey are considering gyms.
RELATED: Home Gym vs Gym Membership
There’s no single best time that guarantees a discount, especially as all gyms operate differently and use different seasonal sales. However, we’re going to share the most popular times to find a discount, and you can use this guide to research the various gyms in your area.
Most gyms offer some type of discount throughout the year, such as a waived enrollment fee, discounted monthly fee, a free month when you commit to a year-long membership, and more.
The Garage Gym Reviews team includes certified personal trainers, gym owners, and fitness enthusiasts, many of whom worked in gyms over the years. Just like we always track the best home gym equipment pricing trends, our team also follows the best gym membership deals, and we’re here to help.
Starting Your Gym Membership at the End of the Month
If you’re looking to join a gym, the first thing to do is look for any end-of-the-month sales. If you’re reading this early in the month and don’t have time to wait, that’s understandable, but many gyms offer discounts at the end of the month.
Depending on how your gym is structured, there may be an entire membership sales department with monthly quotas to meet. Even if it’s not offered, arranging a tour of the gym with a sales representative is always a good idea toward the end of the month. They often have the power to waive enrollment fees if you’re on the fence about joining.
Black Friday Gym Discounts
Black Friday is another fantastic time to join a gym. As a day that revolves around discounts, gyms often don’t want to feel left out by not offering some sort of deal, so be sure to check out the local gyms in your area.
RELATED: Black Friday Fitness Equipment Deals
You may find no enrollment fees, free months, or other savings and offers that are only available around Black Friday.
Beginning of the Year Savings on a Gym Membership
The beginning of the new year is traditionally the busiest time of year for gyms, as this is the time when many Americans are setting New Year’s resolutions and planning to hit the gym. It may not seem like a time when gyms need to offer a discount, but if you live in a busy area, there may be multiple gyms hoping for your business, which you can use to your advantage.
If your New Year’s resolution involves focusing on your fitness goals, and you’re not ready (or able) to start collecting home gym equipment to set up a garage gym, this is one of the best times of the year to join a new gym.
RELATED: New Year’s Fitness Sales
Summertime Gym Discounts
The summer months are often a slow time for the fitness industry. As someone who’s worked as both a personal trainer and gym membership sales representative, I can attest to the fact that warmer months, outdoor activities, and summer vacations often keep people away from the gym.
Because of this, many gyms offer discounts during the summer months, especially around the three major holidays: the 4th of July, Memorial Day, and Labor Day.
RELATED: July 4th Fitness Equipment Sales
Other Ways to Save on a Gym Membership
Now, if you’re not anywhere near January, a summer holiday, or the end of the month, here are a few other tips you can use to help you find a great deal at any time of the year.
A New Gym Opening in Your Community
If a new facility opens in your area, there’s a good chance it will offer a “founder’s discount” to people who join in the initial weeks. These limited membership rates are meant to grow the gym as quickly as possible and often allow you to lock in a special rate for the duration of your fitness club membership.
Newer gyms may also offer discounts if they’re celebrating an anniversary, especially local, non-chain gyms. For example, I’m a member of a local bodybuilding gym that recently celebrated its third anniversary. During the open house party they had, the $99 initiation fee was lowered to $1 for all new members who joined that day.
New gyms may also offer free passes to fitness classes or other sign-up perks, so be sure to speak to the salesperson about any bonuses they may be able to offer.
Career-Related Gym Discounts
Depending on your profession, you may be able to secure a discounted rate with a valid ID. This includes discounts for teachers, students, healthcare professionals, and those in law enforcement or the military. Depending on where you work, your employer may also offer to reimburse your monthly membership fees to promote employee wellness.
RELATED: Military Discounts on Home Gym Equipment
These discounts aren’t always advertised on the website but may be offered throughout the year, so it’s worth giving the gym a call to ask about any profession-based discounts and what you need to prove your eligibility.
Gym Discounts Through Insurance Companies
Health insurance companies may also offer discounted gym memberships or reimbursements for self-care expenses. You may need to do some digging to find out what sort of benefits your plan offers, but savings are often available.
Here are a few examples of companies that offer gym membership discounts and reimbursements:
- AmeriHealth offers $150 in membership reimbursements
- Aetna offers SilverSneakers memberships
- Cigna offers up to 40% in fitness fee reimbursements
Some plans may also offer a health and wellness membership that provides access to a variety of gyms and group fitness facilities, including places like Gold’s Gym, Anytime Fitness, and more.
Conclusion
While you can join a gym anytime you want, shopping around for the best discount can save you hundreds of dollars each year.
Waived enrollment fees, discounted months, or even free months are often available, especially toward the end of the month, the beginning of the year, and around certain holidays. You may also receive discounts through your health insurance plan or industry discounts, depending on your profession.
It may take a little extra time to shop around and find a great deal, but the savings are often well worth the effort.
Best Time to Join a Gym: FAQs
Can I use my FSA/HSA to pay for a gym membership?
Long story short, no. However, if you get a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from your doctor stating that exercise is necessary to treat a specific medical condition, then your membership may become FSA eligible3.
Can I join a gym for free?
Most gyms are going to have a monthly cost. However, many offer free trial memberships or complimentary day passes if you’ve never been. This can be a great way to check out different gyms in your area to see which you prefer without having to pay unnecessary fees.
What gym has the cheapest gym membership?
We can’t speak for any local gyms in your area that may have cheap memberships, but as far as national gym chains, the cheapest we’ve seen is Planet Fitness, which allows users to enroll for $1 down and pay $15 per month for a membership.
What time of the year are gym memberships cheapest?
Gym memberships are often the cheapest at the beginning of the year or during the summer when gyms may offer holiday discounts to attract new members. Some gyms offer a discount if you pay for the whole year upfront, regardless of when you join.
How to lower gym membership fees?
Once you’ve signed a contract, it’s going to be tough, if not impossible, to get any sort of discount on your monthly fees. However, if you’re not in a contract, or it’s expired, you may be able to secure a discounted rate from a staff member, especially if you tell them you plan to leave the gym. Many gyms would prefer to offer a discount versus cancellation of your membership.
What is the right time to join the gym?
The best time to join a gym is whenever you feel ready to begin a new exercise habit. For the best deals, we recommend joining toward the end of the month if you can wait, or around the holidays, when many gyms offer special discounts and sign-up offers.
What is the slowest month for gyms?
Every gym is different, but most are the slowest at the end of the year, especially November through December and during the peak summer months when many members are exercising outdoors or going on vacation.
References
- Andre, L. (2024b, September 24). 87 gym membership statistics you must learn: 2024 cost, demographics, and market share. Financesonline.com. https://financesonline.com/gym-membership-statistics/
- Schmaltz, J. (2018, January 18). How to keep resolutionists from busting your gym’s bottom line. Health & Fitness Association. https://www.ihrsa.org/improve-your-club/how-to-keep-resolution-busters-from-busting-your-gyms-bottom-line/
- (n.d.). Fitness Expenses and Your Flexible Spending Account. FSA Store. Retrieved October 23, 24, from https://fsastore.com/articles/learn-fitness-expenses-fsa-eligible
