Weight loss, muscle building, cardiovascular health, and stress relief each benefit from different equipment and environments. About 67% of gym memberships go unused, often because the gym does not match the member's actual goals.
Decide which workout types you will do most often
If you prefer group classes, prioritize gyms with a robust schedule (15+ classes per week). If you prefer free weights, look for gyms with multiple squat racks (at least 3-4 per 1,000 members). Cardio-focused exercisers need gyms with 20+ machines.
Determine your preferred workout schedule
Peak gym hours are typically 5-8am and 4-7pm on weekdays. If you plan to work out during these times, overcrowding matters. Visit during your planned workout time to check wait times for equipment. Off-peak members pay 20-40% less at some gyms.
Set a realistic monthly budget for gym costs
Basic gym memberships range from $10-$30 per month. Mid-range gyms with classes cost $30-$70. Premium gyms with pools, saunas, and extensive classes run $70-$200. Personal training adds $50-$100 per session on top of membership.
Research and Visit Gyms
List all gyms within a 10-15 minute commute of home or work
Proximity is the strongest predictor of gym attendance. Members who live or work within 10 minutes of their gym go 50% more often than those with a 20+ minute commute. Map out 3-5 options within your radius.
Request a free trial or guest pass at your top 3 choices
Most gyms offer a 1-7 day free trial. Some offer a full week; others limit you to a single visit. Work out at least 2-3 times during the trial at your intended hours to get a realistic picture of crowding, cleanliness, and atmosphere.
Evaluate equipment quality and variety during your visit
Check for broken machines, worn cable attachments, or missing dumbbells from the rack. A well-maintained gym replaces equipment every 7-10 years. Look for at least 2 of each major cardio machine type and a full dumbbell set from 5 to 80+ pounds.
Inspect locker rooms, showers, and cleanliness standards
Examine locker rooms at peak hours when wear is most visible. Check for mold, broken lockers, and soap/towel availability. Clean facilities correlate with lower rates of skin infections like staph and ringworm, which affect about 3% of gym-goers annually.
Ask about group class schedules and instructor qualifications
Quality gyms have instructors with nationally recognized certifications from organizations like ACE, NASM, or ACSM. Ask how often the class schedule changes. A good gym offers 5-10 different class types with at least 3-4 sessions of popular classes per week.
Evaluate Contract Terms and Fees
Read the full contract before signing anything
Take the contract home to review. Gym contracts average 3-5 pages. Pay attention to auto-renewal clauses, rate increase provisions, and the cancellation process. About 15% of gym complaints involve unexpected charges from contract fine print.
Compare month-to-month versus annual commitment pricing
Annual contracts save 15-30% over month-to-month rates but lock you in. A $40/month annual contract costs $480 upfront or $40/month for 12 months. A month-to-month option at $55/month costs more per month but saves money if you quit after 8 months.
Ask about all additional fees beyond the monthly rate
Common hidden fees include: enrollment fee ($50-$200), annual maintenance fee ($40-$80), class fees ($5-$15 each), towel service ($10-$15/month), and key fob replacement ($25-$50). Ask for a complete fee list in writing.
Understand the cancellation policy and process
Some gyms require 30-60 days written notice to cancel. Others charge an early termination fee of $50-$200. Many states have a 3-5 day cooling-off period after signing where you can cancel for a full refund. Know your state's gym membership protection laws.
Ask about freezing options for vacations or injury
Most gyms allow 1-3 months of membership freezing per year for $10-$25 per month (versus full price). Some require documentation for medical freezes. This option prevents you from paying full price during periods you cannot use the gym.
Negotiation and Enrollment
Negotiate the enrollment fee and monthly rate
Gym prices are almost always negotiable. Visit at the end of the month when salespeople need to hit quotas. Ask for the enrollment fee to be waived or reduced. About 30-40% of members who ask get a discount of $50-$100 off sign-up fees.
Ask about corporate, student, military, or senior discounts
Corporate discounts through your employer can save 10-25% on monthly dues. Student and military discounts range from 10-20%. Senior rates (55+) are offered at many chains. Ask even if discounts are not advertised; staff often have unadvertised promotions.
Check if your health insurance offers gym reimbursement
Many insurers offer $150-$300 annual gym reimbursement through programs like Silver Sneakers (65+) or Active & Fit. Some employer wellness programs reimburse $20-$50 per month for gym visits. Check your benefits portal or call member services.
Set a 90-day commitment check-in with yourself
Mark a date 90 days after joining to honestly evaluate your usage. If you are going fewer than 8 times per month, the cost per visit exceeds what drop-in rates or class packs would cost. This check-in helps you decide whether to continue or cancel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should a gym membership cost per month?
Budget gyms (Planet Fitness, Chuze) run $10-$25 per month. Mid-range gyms (LA Fitness, 24 Hour Fitness) cost $30-$60. Premium clubs (Equinox, Lifetime) charge $150-$300. Boutique studios (CrossFit, Orangetheory, Barry's) typically cost $150-$250 for unlimited classes. For most people, a mid-range gym provides all the equipment needed at a reasonable price.
What should I look for when touring a gym?
Visit during the time you plan to work out to gauge crowding. Check equipment condition and variety, locker room cleanliness, and whether staff wipe down machines. Ask about the trainer-to-member ratio, class schedule, and peak hours. Test the WiFi signal if you stream music. A good gym should let you do a free trial workout (1-7 days) before committing.
How do I cancel a gym membership without getting charged extra?
Read your contract carefully for the cancellation clause before signing. Most gyms require 30-60 days written notice, and some charge a buyout fee ($50-$150) if you cancel before the contract ends. Send cancellation by certified mail with return receipt for proof. Many states have laws allowing cancellation within 3 business days of signing (cooling-off period).
Is it worth paying for a personal trainer?
Personal training sessions cost $40-$100 per session at most gyms and $100-$200 at premium facilities. For beginners, even 3-5 sessions are worth the investment to learn proper form and build a basic program, which prevents injuries that cost far more in medical bills. After that, most people can follow a written program independently and check in with a trainer monthly.
Should I join a gym near my home or near my work?
Studies show that people who exercise at gyms within 3.7 miles of home or work go 40% more often than those with longer commutes. If you prefer morning or evening workouts, pick a gym near home. If you work out during lunch, choose one near the office. The single biggest predictor of gym attendance is convenience.