looking to join a gym

Funyuns101

Platinum Member
Jun 15, 2002
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hey all,
i'm looking to join a gym... my old apartment used to have one that was included, but the new one doesn't.
I love near a Gold's Gym, YMCA, LA Fitness and WSC (Wash. Sports Club)

I was wondering if these places offer specials (ie drop initiation fees or something) due to all the "new year's resolutions" that people make.

Also: anything to know before joining one of these places aside from the fact they want my money?
 

jiggahertz

Golden Member
Apr 7, 2005
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Yeah, your best bet is to just go get a week trial at each one and try to pit them against each other. They'll usually start off with an upfront fee of like $300 and then tell you they're cutting you a huge deal by dropping it to $200. I'm sure they will be running new years specials though. You may also be able to drop the cost if you don't mind paying for a year up front.
 

crm114

Junior Member
Feb 25, 2007
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the ymca is a non-profit so i would expect them to be less but it all varies.
where i live the y is just as good as a golds or 24hour with out the money grubbing commercialism.
in my mind ymca:golds :: shareware:microsoft

can i get a link to the family guy clip where brian tries to join a gym?
yeah they are all like that.
 

onlyCOpunk

Platinum Member
May 25, 2003
2,532
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I'd say either the local gym or the y. They will be the cheapest and not make you sign a 5 year contract. You can also check their websites to see if they are offering any specials. Or take the first step and just go and ask in person. You'll also want to determine what you want the gym to offer you and whether or not they can give you want you want.
 

weirdichi

Diamond Member
Sep 19, 2001
4,711
2
76
I'm wondering the same thing as well. I think the Y has no joiners fee right now till the end of the month. I'm going to check it out tomorrow.
 

nitsuj3580

Platinum Member
Jun 13, 2001
2,668
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My wife and I just joined the WSC in Alexandria. I guess the Silver Spring location has a pool.

The sales guy hooked us up with a Friends and Family discount so ask about that.
 

Cyraxx

Senior member
Aug 15, 2007
267
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As far as working out - most gyms will do unless your looking for something specific (IE: Basketball / Racquetball / Volleyball courts). From there its all about how much your willing to spend. How much your willing to spend probably determines how crowded the gym will be, etc. etc.

And of course, the longer the contract the cheaper it is but the more you are locked in. Personally, if the YMCA is indeed non-profit I would go for that instantly.
 

TheNinja

Lifer
Jan 22, 2003
12,207
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Look for the place with the hottest chicks :)

j/k - I look for the place with the most old people so I don't have to wait for the free weights as much. :)

As far as good deals, just make sure you do some wavering with them and hem and haw a little like "hmmm, that seems OK, I might go check out ______ gym, they had something going on too". They don't want you to leave and will likely give you the best deal. It all depends on who you get to help you...whether it is someone with autority to give you a deal or not.
 

Funyuns101

Platinum Member
Jun 15, 2002
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Originally posted by: tjaisv
How much is LA Fitness right now?

the break down near me:
Gold's Gym: 12 month contract @ $45/month - no other fees
YMCA: $49/month month-to-month (ie no contract)
LA Fitness: $35/month (first & last month due up front) + $99 initiation fee
Didn't check out the WSC
 

paulxcook

Diamond Member
May 1, 2005
4,277
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For what it's worth, I like LA Fitness. If you had a Cardinal Fitness I'd suggest that, but I don't think those are in Maryland yet. If you can get in for < $100 sign up and <$30 a month you're doing great, IMO.