Hitting the gym? Tips to save on gym membership costs

NEW YORK -- The start of each new year sees a healthy uptick in sign-ups at gyms and specialized studios offering such things as Pilates, kickboxing and yoga. But money-saving expert Andrea Woroch in Bakersfield, California, says recent statistics show 67 percent of people who join don't use their memberships at all.

With the average monthly fee at $58, that means a potential waste of up to $700 a year or more, she says.

If you're looking to kick-start, save money or can't decide on an approach, Woroch offers these tips:

__MAX OUT TRIALS__

Finding the right gym fit is key. A great way to check out classes, instructors or an overall environment is to take advantage of freebies. Woroch says many gyms offer three free days to a free week. Salespeople may try to entice during trial periods with limited-time discounts, but don't bite if it doesn't feel right. Move on to another gym until you find the right one.

TBY cutline:Women exercise on machines April 13, 2010, in a gym in central London. (SANG TAN Associated Press)

"You want to test out the equipment, go at the time that you typically think will fit into your schedule, whether it's after work, at lunch. See what the crowds are like," she says.

__TRY HAGGLING__

Think of your gym membership like buying a car, Woroch says. Salespeople have quotas and that puts you in the driver's seat. Nothing is set in stone, she says. Perhaps you can score a lower monthly rate or have the initiation fee waived. Ask for the first month free, more guest passes, extra personal training sessions or complimentary child care.

"There's always wiggle room," she says.

__PUNCH PASSES__

This undated image released by Couture Motion Pictures shows Andrea Woroch. January, the start of New Year's resolution month, sees a healthy uptick in sign-ups at gyms and specialized studios offering such things as Pilates, kickboxing and yoga. But money-saving expert Andrea Woroch in Bakersfield, California, said recent statistics show 67 percent of people who join don't use their memberships at all. (AP Photo/ Couture Motion Pictures)

Is there a nagging voice in your head declaring: "You'll never keep it up!" You might get a lower monthly rate when committing to a two-year contract, but you'll pay over time if you don't go. A punch pass may be a wise choice, Woroch says. She cites a recent study that found people who choose a contract with a monthly fee over a 10-visit pass paid $600 more a year. If you know you won't go every day or find you prefer outdoor activities instead, paying per visit also could mean avoiding early termination fees down the line.

"Then you're not bound to a contract or you can't go for a week or two weeks because you're traveling for work, you won't lose the money," Woroch says.

__WHO IS FAMILY?__

Family membership deals abound, but such deals aren't always limited to actually family, Woroch says. Joining might be more fun with friends, but trust comes into play in terms of payment. Pick one person to make the monthly payment and come up with a reimbursement plan. That could mean each person sends the designee a check, transfers money via Paypal or pays in one lump sum for the year. Make sure to work it out ahead of time.

"More and more gyms are just looking for numbers at this point," Woroch says. "They've loosened up on who your people are."

__COUPONS AND DAILY DEALS__

Look around. Sites like Groupon and LivingSocial often offer deep discounts up to 70 percent on local gym memberships and personal training. Warehouse clubs also offer deals, but you usually have to take a one-year or two-year membership for those. CouponSherpa.com offers coupons and free passes for health clubs. Monthly flexibility will allow you to jump around from gym to studio to boot camp until you find what you're looking for, Woroch says.

"This is a good way to leave room to re-evaluate," she says. "You can save a little for three or four months before signing a contract."