gym memberships

[paulxcook]

Now that we have a H&F forum, I'll be getting a gym membership with my wife. We're getting rid of satellite TV once football season is over and we'll be exercising during the time we normally would've been watching the tube.

We'll be joining Cardinal Fitness, which I believe is a regional gym that started in Chicago. Only ~$30 a month for both of us, total, for free weights, machine weights, cardio equipment, everything we need, really. No classes (I think) or unneeded facilities keep the costs low, which I appreciate. It's only maybe $20 for a single membership. Most other gyms around here are at least $30 per person and make you sign a contract, so there's really no question where we'll be going. Local competitors include Ballys, Golds, a new LA Fitness that looks awesome but is just too expensive, and various locally-owned places.

Those of you that have gym memberships, what can you tell us about your experiences?

 

[Dracos]

My wife and I joined Anytime Fitness a bought a month ago. We paid about 114 out the door with the first month and 2 keys and after that $52 a month for the both of us, but the place is open 24 hours so we can go at anytime.

This is the first 24 hour gym in my area, the only other choice we had was the local Y.

 

[Wapp]

I'm locked in for 3 years at $84 with the wife and free childcare at American Family Fitness. It is a gigantic brand new facility, I really enjoy it and use my membership to the fullest. Pools, basket ball court, racket ball, tons of classes. When I'm able to shorten my commute I'll spend even more time there.

 

[Dacalo]

I am with 24 Hour Fitness, paying $24/month. No sign up fee, no contract, cancel anytime. It's a bit more expensive than paying a large sum upfront and then paying like $10 a year, but I think it's still worth it.

 

[Red Dawn]

I belong to a place called Superfitness here in the Bostion Area and I pay $19 a month on a month to month basis. If I wanted to get a years membership it would work out to $16 a month. Both are special prices for members who have belonged to the gym longer the 3 years.

 

[EGGO]

New York Sports Center (NYSC) $76 a month. ATOT helped me find it. I like it, they're almost everywhere so when I go see my friends in NJ or in PA, they have gyms there as well.

 

[Red Dawn]

Originally posted by: EGGO
New York Sports Center (NYSC) $76 a month. ATOT helped me find it. I like it, they're almost everywhere so when I go see my friends in NJ or in PA, they have gyms there as well.

Wow $76 a month, do they have free tanning booths, supply free towels and have a clean sauna? Do you get your own personal locker?

 

[jman19]

Originally posted by: Red Dawn

Originally posted by: EGGO
New York Sports Center (NYSC) $76 a month. ATOT helped me find it. I like it, they're almost everywhere so when I go see my friends in NJ or in PA, they have gyms there as well.

Wow $76 a month, do they have free tanning booths, supply free towels and have a clean sauna? Do you get your own personal locker?

Nah, you're paying their NYC rent

 

[Red Dawn]

Originally posted by: jman19

Originally posted by: Red Dawn

Originally posted by: EGGO
New York Sports Center (NYSC) $76 a month. ATOT helped me find it. I like it, they're almost everywhere so when I go see my friends in NJ or in PA, they have gyms there as well.

Wow $76 a month, do they have free tanning booths, supply free towels and have a clean sauna? Do you get your own personal locker?

Nah, you're paying their NYC rent

You and Chiqqi belong to it?

 

[jman19]

Originally posted by: Red Dawn

Originally posted by: jman19

Originally posted by: Red Dawn

Originally posted by: EGGO
New York Sports Center (NYSC) $76 a month. ATOT helped me find it. I like it, they're almost everywhere so when I go see my friends in NJ or in PA, they have gyms there as well.

Wow $76 a month, do they have free tanning booths, supply free towels and have a clean sauna? Do you get your own personal locker?

Nah, you're paying their NYC rent

You and Chiqqi belong to it?

Yes, through this month I believe. I couldn't find anything cheaper that was close enough so that I'd actually be able to drag my butt to the gym on a consistant basis. The location I go to is literally 2 minutes away from my door. I might resume my gym hunt this month though...

 

[GoatMonkey]

I use L.A. Fitness in Atlanta. $35/month, $200 sign up fee, no contract, and auto-pay on my credit card.

Their personal trainers are $25/half hour session, unfortunately they expect a long contract deal for that.

 

[Red Dawn]

Originally posted by: GoatMonkey
I use L.A. Fitness in Atlanta. $35/month, $200 sign up fee, no contract, and auto-pay on my credit card.

Their personal trainers are $25/half hour session, unfortunately they expect a long contract deal for that.

Yeah I never got the long contract with PT's. I guess if you are starting out for the first time they can be beneficial showing you the proper technique and designing a routine for you but after a month or so you should be able to go it alone. They also could be useful if you want to change your routine but again why would you need them afterewards?

Maybe if you are rich and need a paid spotter/motivator they're worth it..

 

[TallBill]

I pay $60 a month for my and my wife to Xsport. The other gyms here are twice that.

 

[RagingBITCH]

24 Hour Fitness. Been with them since 02 I believe. Was paying $40 a month for a year, then had a 3 year contract - $599 for 3 years prepaid, been going month to month for $17 a month since then. Ever since I moved, the one next to my house is the next level up, so I've been paying $27 a month since early this year.

All I need is a treadmill for running in the mornings, free weights for weights at night. I don't need fvcking water slides, racquetball courts, massage parlors, rock climbing walls, etc like at LA or Lifetime.

 

[K1052]

Currently paying $75/mo to a modest independent gym half a block from my house. I'm switching to a local chain (they have 5 or so facilities) as of January that is opening across the street from my current gym. It's a 4 story facility with lap pools, new equipment, and all that stuff for the same money.

There are other options around (Bally's, FFC, Golds, and a few independents). Rates seem to vary from $50-120 depending.

 

[GoatMonkey]

Originally posted by: Red Dawn

Originally posted by: GoatMonkey
I use L.A. Fitness in Atlanta. $35/month, $200 sign up fee, no contract, and auto-pay on my credit card.

Their personal trainers are $25/half hour session, unfortunately they expect a long contract deal for that.

Yeah I never got the long contract with PT's. I guess if you are starting out for the first time they can be beneficial showing you the proper technique and designing a routine for you but after a month or so you should be able to go it alone. They also could be useful if you want to change your routine but again why would you need them afterewards?

Maybe if you are rich and need a paid spotter/motivator they're worth it..

That's exactly why I signed up for a trainer, I need a spotter and none of my friends will get off their ass and go to the gym with me, even when I offered to pay for their membership.

Having a trainer there to help you just a little bit to get that last bit of effort used up seems to be just what I needed to jumpstart my workout program. I had hit kind of a plateau on my solo workouts, this has helped me move up. I'm planning on signing up for more sessions once I start my new job at the beginning of the year.

 

[DougK62]

I use Cardinal Fitness as well. Best deal by far in my area.

 

[TallBill]

Originally posted by: GoatMonkey

Originally posted by: Red Dawn

Originally posted by: GoatMonkey
I use L.A. Fitness in Atlanta. $35/month, $200 sign up fee, no contract, and auto-pay on my credit card.

Their personal trainers are $25/half hour session, unfortunately they expect a long contract deal for that.

Yeah I never got the long contract with PT's. I guess if you are starting out for the first time they can be beneficial showing you the proper technique and designing a routine for you but after a month or so you should be able to go it alone. They also could be useful if you want to change your routine but again why would you need them afterewards?

Maybe if you are rich and need a paid spotter/motivator they're worth it..

That's exactly why I signed up for a trainer, I need a spotter and none of my friends will get off their ass and go to the gym with me, even when I offered to pay for their membership.

Having a trainer there to help you just a little bit to get that last bit of effort used up seems to be just what I needed to jumpstart my workout program. I had hit kind of a plateau on my solo workouts, this has helped me move up. I'm planning on signing up for more sessions once I start my new job at the beginning of the year.

The trainers at my gym will still spot you for a lift or two, or another gym member if you can be friendly for 30 seconds.

 

[SVT Cobra]

Depends on what you want.

I lift for 20$ a month at an underground olympic training residence center, or in my garage. Best bet is to find a local forum.

 

[Ryan]

I just joined a new facility that's a block from my house - I'm pretty stoked about it. Dual level, pool, Infinity Pools, 24 hour access, Juice bar, etc - pretty high brow for my neck of the woods It's 40 bucks a month, manageable.

 

[GoatMonkey]

Originally posted by: TallBill

Originally posted by: GoatMonkey

Originally posted by: Red Dawn

Originally posted by: GoatMonkey
I use L.A. Fitness in Atlanta. $35/month, $200 sign up fee, no contract, and auto-pay on my credit card.

Their personal trainers are $25/half hour session, unfortunately they expect a long contract deal for that.

Yeah I never got the long contract with PT's. I guess if you are starting out for the first time they can be beneficial showing you the proper technique and designing a routine for you but after a month or so you should be able to go it alone. They also could be useful if you want to change your routine but again why would you need them afterewards?

Maybe if you are rich and need a paid spotter/motivator they're worth it..

That's exactly why I signed up for a trainer, I need a spotter and none of my friends will get off their ass and go to the gym with me, even when I offered to pay for their membership.

Having a trainer there to help you just a little bit to get that last bit of effort used up seems to be just what I needed to jumpstart my workout program. I had hit kind of a plateau on my solo workouts, this has helped me move up. I'm planning on signing up for more sessions once I start my new job at the beginning of the year.

The trainers at my gym will still spot you for a lift or two, or another gym member if you can be friendly for 30 seconds.

Can't do it. I'm a total asshole.

 

[EGGO]

Originally posted by: jman19

Originally posted by: Red Dawn

Originally posted by: jman19

Originally posted by: Red Dawn

Originally posted by: EGGO
New York Sports Center (NYSC) $76 a month. ATOT helped me find it. I like it, they're almost everywhere so when I go see my friends in NJ or in PA, they have gyms there as well.

Wow $76 a month, do they have free tanning booths, supply free towels and have a clean sauna? Do you get your own personal locker?

Nah, you're paying their NYC rent

You and Chiqqi belong to it?

Yes, through this month I believe. I couldn't find anything cheaper that was close enough so that I'd actually be able to drag my butt to the gym on a consistant basis. The location I go to is literally 2 minutes away from my door. I might resume my gym hunt this month though...

Yeah, it's one of the cheaper gyms here in NYC. Thankfully, when I go back to NJ or Philadelphia to visit people, I'm glad I can use any of their facilities there as well.

 

[vi edit]

Wife and I just signed up for a club tonight. $66 a month for both of us.

Indoor olympic lap pool. Three basketball courts inside along with a volleyball court. Racket ball. Full assortment of Les Miles classes for my wife (Bodypump/RPM/ect). Full free weight and cardio assortment. Outdoors there are 4 different pools for use in the summer. Plus there's a seperate facility that is nothing but indoor and outdoor tennis courts.

Price was higher than I really wanted to spend, but it's 3 minutes from work, 10 minutes from home, and across the parking lot from the future day care facility. Plus it's a lot less busy than most of the other places due the price/exclusivity. Which is worth something in itself.

 

[Nocturnal]

I bought into the 24 Hour Fitness drop xxx.xx one time for three years. Each year after that I pay $20.00 dollars for the entire year.

 

[Kirby]

YMCA, if I remember correctly, student membership is $19/month with $50 joining fee.