Amanda Nye thinks of her sons in every step she takes toward achieving her fitness goals.
“I want to be able to run and play with them,” she said. “I don’t want to be left behind.”
The mother of three boys is on a tight budget – and has limited time – so she joined Koko FitClub in Plantation, where they tend to see a rush of new members in the beginning of every year.
“There is a tremendous increase in the people signing up,” said Gia Reinking, a trainer at Koko FitClub. “People feel like they want to start the new year right.”
Like other gyms, Koko FitClub offers a trial period to make sure it’s a good fit for its clients.
“We basically hold your hand and cheerlead you all the way,” said Reinking.
Taking advantage of a gym’s trial period early in the month is the advice of Krazy Coupon Lady co-founder, Joanie Demer.
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“The theory is go in early in the month, do your trial and then come back at the end of the month to try to sign on that dotted line,” Demer said, adding that waiting could help if you’re looking to save.
The gym may be willing to deal if they are trying to hit a monthly quota. But be careful – many free trials automatically turn into full price memberships when the trial ends. And always negotiate. You could get some freebies that may help you reach your goals.
“If you sign a contract, don’t pay an initiation fee,” Demer said. “If you pay an initiation fee, make sure you don’t have to sign a contract or you get 10 dollars off for the first 6 months or something – there should always be some deal angle.”
Don’t forget to get your deal in writing and pay careful attention to cancellation rules. Gym memberships are some of the hardest to break – even if you move.
For Nye, saving some money was important. But working out at a gym where she had the support she needed to reach her fitness goals was key.
“It’s a very important investment, especially in the long run,” Nye said.
Demer also said if you’re one of those people who will actually use your gym membership, considering buying one at Costco – they offer deals on two-year memberships.
You may also want to check with your employer and even your insurance company. Sometimes you can find some significant savings there as well.
