Avoid Wasting Money on Unused Gym Memberships: Smart Tips
Join a gym this year? Here’s how to maintain your commitment without draining your wallet or neglecting your health.
When Morag Barrett first swam at her new gym, she had no clue those enjoyable laps would cost her $1,200.
Despite her determination to incorporate regular workouts into her life, six months passed before she returned to the gym, all while those monthly fees kept piling up. “I kept telling myself, ‘I’ll go next month when things calm down,’ but life kept getting in the way. Work travel, nights out with friends, binge-watching shows—sometimes, I just didn’t feel like going,” she recalled.
Fortunately, Barrett, a CEO at an executive coaching firm, managed to regain her fitness momentum after a while and now regularly visits her gym. However, her experience is all too common. In fact, 5.1 million Americans waste $1.8 billion annually on unused gym memberships, as reported by Finder.com.
As getting fit remains the top New Year’s resolution among Americans, many of us may be heading to gyms right now. But can we sustain this commitment? If we don’t stay dedicated, we could incur significant costs, both financially and physically.
Finding What Works
After recognizing her mistake, Barrett took action with a few strategic changes to boost her gym attendance and cut costs. First, she switched to a more affordable gym, making those off days less painful financially. Next, she found an “accountability partner”—not someone to work out with, but a friend who checks in weekly about her fitness progress. “Just knowing she’ll call me motivates me to hit the gym, which is way better than skipping,” she explained.
She shifted her mindset from needing to go to the gym daily to aiming for most days instead.
Perhaps most importantly, she reframed her expectations, opting to target most days instead of every day, which felt more achievable. This approach—focusing on what works best for your life—is indicative of how the fitness industry is adapting, notes Austin Cohen, founder and CEO of FlexIt, a platform that lets users access gyms nationwide and pay only for the time spent there.
Today’s consumers expect on-demand services, whether it’s binge-watching their favorite series or ordering food at the click of a button. Therefore, apps like ClassPass, Popin, and FlexIt cater to this desire for flexibility. “Pay-per-use isn’t new, but it’s top of mind for many,” Cohen explains. “A-la-carte options let users engage when they want, controlling their own experiences. Trying gyms and classes before committing helps consumers save money and discover what they enjoy.”
Exercising at Home
Online workouts allow you to exercise conveniently at home, saving time on travel.
While in-person classes are one option, many are now opting for virtual workouts to save time and money. Online classes are often significantly cheaper than traditional gyms. For instance, YogaGlo offers unlimited access to thousands of yoga sessions for just $18 per month. (I’d love to find a deal like that in New York City!) But affordability isn’t the only reason people are turning to online fitness. Jillian Bridgette Cohen, CEO & co-founder of Virtual Health Partners, explains that one of the biggest barriers to gym attendance is the inconvenience of getting there.
“To make a 6 a.m. class, you might need to get up at 5:15, dress, pack your gym bag, and drive to the studio,” she says. “When a one-hour class turns into an hour and forty-five minutes commitment, skipping the gym becomes tempting.” At-home workouts eliminate travel time and hassle, making it easier to stick to a routine.
Exploring Options
If you’re still looking for the ideal workout option, now is a great time to explore. Many gyms roll out special introductory rates in January and February that aren’t available later in the year, according to smart shopping expert Trae Bodge. If you’re hesitant about a long-term commitment, inquire about month-to-month plans. “You may pay a bit more each month, but you gain better control over your expenses,” Bodge suggests.
If classes are more your style, check local studios offering your preferred workouts and ask about free introductory sessions or trial weeks. Many places provide complimentary trials, allowing you to explore before making a financial commitment. When ready to buy, consider purchasing class packages. “Buying classes in bulk generally costs less than single sessions,” Bodge adds.
There are plenty of free options available. Running, stair-climbing, walking, and biking are all great alternatives.
Lastly, don’t forget that free options exist. Running, stair-climbing, walking, or biking can be excellent ways to stay active. YouTube also has countless free fitness videos. “Simply search for your preferred workout style, like Yoga or HIIT, or descriptions like ‘30-minute’ or ‘low-impact.’ You can subscribe to channels and get notifications when new content is available,” she advises.
While you may need to invest in some essentials—like a fitness mat, weights, or resistance bands—these costs are minimal compared to an annual gym membership.