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How To Workout At Gyms For Great Prices And No Contracts
02-03-2012, 06:41 PM
I've lived in mad US cities and have been members of various gyms throughout the country (Golds, LA Fitness, 24hr Fitness, Washington/New York Sports Clubs, etc). These days, my workouts are very simple and based on Crossfit exercises. I just need a squat rack, kettlebells, etc.
I also switch up geographic locations on a moment's notice so I don't have time/patience for contracts.
That said, I've been purchasing one-month gym passes from Groupon/Amazon Local/KGB Deals.
Just about every other week, a 30-day pass for some type of gym is available for purchase. I often save over 50% off the regular price. Best of all, no contract. I've used these for the past few months. All of the gyms have several locations in my area, so they are all about the same distance from where I live.
I don't really have particular loyalty to a specific gym so long as my needs (mentioned above) are met.
This is a great way to reduce a basic overhead cost without being stifled by a bullshit contract.
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How To Workout At Gyms For Great Prices And No Contracts
02-03-2012, 06:52 PM
Great Tip, just purchased one. Thanks! +1
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How To Workout At Gyms For Great Prices And No Contracts
02-03-2012, 08:12 PM
Quote: (02-03-2012 07:42 PM)JayMillz Wrote:
Quote: (02-03-2012 06:41 PM)Hencredible Casanova Wrote:
That said, I've been purchasing one-month gym passes from Groupon/Amazon Local/KGB Deals.
This is a great way to reduce a basic overhead cost without being stifled by a bullshit contract.
Gyms are moving away from contracts. For instance, the Gold's I go to is $9.99 a month with no contract. In addition, there are other gyms in the area for $10 a month and no contract. I think gyms are realizing with the economic downtown a lot of folks are hesitant about getting locked into something longterm.
I'm familiar with that Gold's deal. It's actually $9.99 every two weeks, not per month. Also, there's a catch. You have to book a few personal training sessions which costs a couple hundred dollars. There's also an enrollment fee.
The $10/month gym you're talking about is probably Planet Fitness? They had a location near where I worked in SF's Financial District and were advertising that price. It's a pretty spartan bootleg gym. I wouldn't recommend it. No contract, but there is an enrollment fee.
The great thing about the method I mentioned (online deals) is that you just pay the advertised price and that's it. No contract or fees. You also have leeway as to when you can activate the membership (often several weeks to a few months from the date of purchase). Plus the gyms are higher end and you get access to everything a normal membership gives you (classes and facilities).
I've paid $25 for one-month access to gyms that would otherwise be $99/month with fees.
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How To Workout At Gyms For Great Prices And No Contracts
02-03-2012, 08:18 PM
Quote: (02-03-2012 08:12 PM)basilransom Wrote:
Definitely check out if there are any independent powerlifting gyms near you. The people will be more knowledgeable, and less douchey, and they'll probably have a wealth of equipment you won't see elsewhere, eg dipping belts, grip machines, etc. They'll probably have free chalk and guys squatting 500+ lbs willing to help.
Here's one directory: http://www.powerliftingwatch.com/node/4420
I currently work out at a big corporate gym because the indy one isn't as conveniently located, but I plan on switching back eventually.
At the indy gym, I'd meet someone new every time I went; there was definitely a community vibe with good strong guys. At this place, before I got there, they'd drink beer during lifting and had Hooters calendars covering the walls. The place has guys driving from 30 minutes to an hour away. If you stuck around enough, you'll probably get roped into competing.
If you care about having shiny new hip adductor machines, these places probably aren't for you. Never understood the pussies who complain about 'old machines.' Usually the it's same yuppies who claim to be so 'pro-environment' who are pushing gyms to throw out perfectly good equipment. Iron is iron.
Sounds like Crossfit.
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02-03-2012, 08:54 PM
Quote: (02-03-2012 08:44 PM)basilransom Wrote:
Quote: (02-03-2012 08:18 PM)Hencredible Casanova Wrote:
Sounds like Crossfit.
Nah, not really. Crossfit is always $100+/month, and a little cultish. Has more girls and a 'perky' atmosphere. I find the whole CF vibe repulsive. Powerlifting gyms don't have the cheerleading overeager vibe that CF gyms do.
Can't explain it easily, except to say that, sex aside, I'm the kind of guy that prefers the company of men. I've found powerlifting/combat gyms tend to have a more serious, solitary, manly vibe.
Yeah. I meant like the comraderie and stuff. I agree. I prefer to be in a male environment while I'm working out. Females are a distraction and I don't need that in the gym.
What is the price structure like at powerlifting gyms?
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02-03-2012, 11:32 PM
My crossfit gym is badass. Our coaches all compete, one of them placed in the top 15 and he weights about 165lbs so his technique is great.
Very few girls, (where I actually would prefer more). I've banged 4 girls that workout there throughout the day and there's no more low hanging fruit...
Anyway, some people don't care for crossfit, personally I love it. My fran time got down to 3:12 (pre surgery) so I'm really happy to be back into it.
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02-04-2012, 07:20 AM
Quote: (02-04-2012 01:21 AM)JayMillz Wrote:
Quote: (02-03-2012 08:12 PM)Hencredible Casanova Wrote:
I'm familiar with that Gold's deal. It's actually $9.99 every two weeks, not per month. Also, there's a catch. You have to book a few personal training sessions which costs a couple hundred dollars. There's also an enrollment fee.
The $10/month gym you're talking about is probably Planet Fitness? They had a location near where I worked in SF's Financial District and were advertising that price. It's a pretty spartan bootleg gym. I wouldn't recommend it. No contract, but there is an enrollment fee.
That's incorrect. The Gold's deal here is $9.99 a month. Gold's is a franchise and prices can vary from location to location and among various owners.
The reason they lowered it to that price is because a Planet Fitness and another gym opened up in the area and they both charge $10 per month with no contract. Gold's also lost higher end customers to Lifetime Fitness, which is $80 a month with no contract and a new LA Fitness is currently being constructed in the area as well.
The guy that owns this Gold's also owns another one and only made it $9.99 at the Gold's I go to.
Where do you live?
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02-04-2012, 07:28 PM
Its truly amazing how good Americans have it as far as Fitness clubs go. 10 bucks a month for Golds!!! In Canada no fuking way. They rape people here for $70 /mth with a contract. There is so much competition in the states and so many fat people whom only commit for a few months at a time that I can see why rates are so cheap. I pay about 15$ a month and it is only because I am a student, if this were not the case it would be 40$.
Another trick that me and homies used to do is go the YMCA and basically say your poor lol. They should hook you up with a membership for whatever you can afford. Some of my homies haggled down for 4$ a month lol.
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02-06-2012, 06:47 PM
Anyone have the low down on the best deals in NYC?
I've been working out in a no-frills boxing gym for the past few months, but I wouldn't mind having access to a pool, steam room, etc.
"A flower can not remain in bloom for years, but a garden can be cultivated to bloom throughout seasons and years." - xsplat
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04-26-2012, 07:44 PM
I just finished my amazon local 30 day membership, was so worth it. Haven't seen any comparable deals online in the last week or so that I have been looking.
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04-27-2012, 02:36 AM
It doesn't work in Asia. They don't offer such deals here.
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04-27-2012, 07:14 AM
Ouch, I was paying $76/month for Washington Sports Club in DC
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07-25-2012, 10:33 AM
Hey, I'm in Largo/Clearwater Florida. I'm having a hard time finding a gym deal on Amazon Local and Group on.
Can anyone help me out?
Ahab
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07-25-2012, 11:18 AM
Great advice. Nothing worse than trying to get out of a gym membership, they always seem to find a way to fuck you over and charge you for at least one extra month.