If you wish you could get in shape but you lack motivation, consider signing up with a gym. A fitness center is much more fun than working out at home, and you'll have access to a lot more equipment. You'll probably save money over buying the equipment you'll need to exercise at home.
A gym membership can be an investment too, but there are ways to control your costs so it's more affordable. Rules and services vary by fitness center, so talk to someone at the front desk about ways you can join that are affordable to you. Here are some ideas.
Choose A Restricted Membership
Some facilities offer a full membership that allows you to go every day of the week and any time of the day. They might also offer restricted memberships. These may limit you to morning or afternoon hours when the gym is less busy so the load is taken off of prime time hours. You might also be limited on the days you can go to the gym. Instead of going seven days a week, you may be limited to just three days.
If you work out major body groups every other day anyway, a membership that limits you to three days a week might be perfect, especially since it should cost much less than a full membership.
Pay As You Go For Classes
If you want to use the weight machines and free weights, classes may not be that important to you. A full membership may include several classes, but you might find a membership that doesn't include any classes at all. If you want to take a spin or yoga class, you would pay extra when you're ready to sign up. This keeps you from paying for classes you won't use and it keeps the membership cost lower.
Look For Free Offers and Sales
Keep an eye out for ways to get a free membership. Your workplace might offer free memberships as an employee benefit. Some insurance companies may provide free or reduced-cost gym memberships, especially if you're over 65.
Also, watch for specials put out during times of the year when people think about losing weight such as the first of the year or in early summer. You might find a coupon or discount that lets you waive the sign-up fee, offers a buy-on-get-one (BOGO) membership, or lowers the yearly cost to join.
Pay By The Month
Paying for a full year might be less expensive overall, but if you can't afford the yearly rate all at once, then ask about a monthly payment plan. A monthly gym membership is usually an affordable cost that's easier to manage, even though you need to pay it every month.
Be sure to find out if there's a contract because you may prefer a membership that lets you cancel at any time, rather than one that commits you to a full year of monthly payments.
Contact a local gym for more information.
