The Average Cost of a Gym Membership — and 10 Ways to Save
Key takeaways:
Gym memberships usually cost between $40 and $70 per month, but the price of premium gyms can be higher. Location, amenities, and membership benefits can affect the price.
Traditional health insurance plans, Medicare, and Medigap may cover a portion or all of the costs related to gym membership.
You can ask about free trials, student discounts, and promotions to save money.
Many studies have shown the benefits of regular exercise, but CDC survey results show that less than a quarter of Americans get enough physical activity. If you’re considering joining a gym, you’ll want to think about location, amenities, and benefits that can motivate you to reach your health goals. You’ll also want to review the cost and think about ways to save money.
What does the average gym membership cost?
When you sign up for a gym membership, you usually have to pay a monthly (or annual) fee and a one-time initiation fee. Gym memberships usually cost somewhere between $40 and $70 per month, depending on the location and other factors. One report shows that the average monthly gym membership cost in 2019 was $52, or $624 per year. However, premium gym memberships, which include luxury facilities with high-end amenities, can cost hundreds of dollars a month, or thousands of dollars a year, depending on the facility.
What factors affect the price of a gym membership?
Several factors can influence gym membership prices, including:
Location: Gyms tend to be more expensive in major cities where the cost of living is higher.
Amenities: More expensive gyms may offer extras like towel service, spa services, on-site cafés, and personal trainers.
Payment schedule: Some gyms offer discounted rates if you pay upfront annually, for example, rather than monthly.
Frequency of visits: You may be able to get a cheaper membership if you don’t visit the gym often.
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How to save money on a gym membership
If looking to save on your gym membership, here are some options to explore:
1. Corporate discounts
Some employers offer wellness benefits such as gym discounts or reimbursement programs. Ask your employer whether they offer these benefits, which might give you a percentage discount on gym membership or an allowance to put toward the cost.
2. Tiered memberships
Sometimes gyms offer tiered memberships based on how often you visit. Some gym chains also offer lower fees
3. Free trial
Some gyms offer free trial passes that allow you to try out the facility before you join. Depending on the gym, these passes may be good for 1 to 3 days, a week, or longer.
4. Student discounts
If you’re a student, you may be able to join a gym at a reduced rate. Call local gyms or search their websites for additional information. You’ll most likely need your student ID to receive a discount.
5. Special promos
Ask the gym’s membership coordinator if there are any special promos for new members. Some gyms may waive the initiation fee, offer seasonal deals, or run promotions that will give you a month of free membership.
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6. Referrals
Ask your gym about referral programs. Some gyms offer discounts or dollar credits when you refer new members.
7. Membership freeze
If you know that you won’t be able to go to the gym for an extended amount of time, ask if you can freeze your membership. Some gyms allow you to pause your membership for a limited amount of time under certain circumstances, such as illness, pregnancy, or extended travel out of the country. You may pay a nominal fee, or nothing at all, during that time.
8. Community memberships
Check if local colleges and universities allow local residents to join the campus gym. Your local community center may also offer free or affordable pricing for gym access and group exercise classes. For information on community center gyms, contact your city’s Parks and Recreation Department.
9. Digital memberships
Some gyms with physical locations also offer lower-priced, digital memberships. This type of membership allows you to attend virtual classes and other programs. Nonprofit organizations such as YMCA also offer virtual workout sessions for free or reduced rates for certain individuals.
10. Buy class packs
Buying a package of group fitness classes can help you better control how much money you spend out of pocket. Gyms often offer packages ranging from just a couple of classes to 20 or more. Keep in mind: These class packages are typically paid in advance and have an expiration date. You may have to set up an account with the gym in order to purchase class packs.
Does insurance cover gym memberships?
Some health insurance plans cover gym membership costs. And some plans offer discounts, reimbursements, or other rewards that can help you save money on your gym membership fees. Review your insurance member handbook for coverage details (and this information is usually also available online through your member portal). Or you can contact your health benefits administrator or your plan’s member services.
Original Medicare doesn’t cover gym memberships, but Medicare Advantage (MA) and Medigap may offer coverage through extra benefits. Some Medigap plans pay the costs of gym memberships or fitness programs for seniors because of the health benefits of exercise. In such cases, the programs are typically free or low cost. Examples include:
Check with your Medigap or MA insurer to find out they offer these options and if you are eligible to participate.
Can I negotiate the cost of a gym membership?
It never hurts to try to negotiate gym costs, especially during the gym’s slower months. When you’re talking to a gym to negotiate a discount, here are a few things that may help you save:
Prepay fees for a few months or a year.
Mention competitor offers and see if they’ll match the price.
Search prior online deals and request that gyms honor them.
Negotiate with a manager who oversees membership instead of with a member of the sales team.
See if family members and friends want to go in together to possibly get a group membership discount
How do I pick the right gym for my needs?
When deciding if a gym is right for you, it’s good to go in with a list of questions to help assess if it’s the best fit. Besides cost, other considerations include:
What types of memberships do they offer?
How many different types of group fitness classes do they offer?
What is the average class size?
How frequently do they offer certain group classes?
What amenities are provided (pool, basketball court, sauna, steam room)?
Do they offer a community environment or monthly member events?
How much are personal training sessions?
What are their hours?
How often do they clean their locker rooms, exercise equipment, and other high-touch points?
What’s the condition of their locker rooms?
Alternatives to gym membership
You don’t need a gym membership to work out and stay fit. There are some alternatives to the gym that can be equally beneficial without breaking the bank:
Fitness apps
YouTube videos
Outside activities (jump rope, walk, or ride your bike)
Gym guest passes
Class passes
Community recreation center classes
Public library exercise DVDs
Streaming services
The bottom line
Monthly gym membership costs vary based on location, amenities, and other factors. On average, you can expect to pay between $40 and $70 per month, but discounts and special promotional offers can bring your cost down. You can also check to see if your health insurance plan covers gym membership costs or negotiate prices based on your circumstances.
Why trust our experts?
References
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (n.d.). Gym memberships & fitness programs.
International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association. (2021). 2021 IHRSA media report health and fitness consumer data & industry trends before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
National Center for Health Statistics. (2022). Exercise or physical activity. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
