Initiation fees for gyms

[jessmarimba]

I paid at my old gym - we had an initiation fee, and a yearly upkeep fee, but the gym was only $10 a month.

(It was pretty grit. I'm pretty sure the floor in the class studio had NEVER been cleaned.)

I don't belong to a gym anymore. They either are moderately priced but don't offer what I want, or offer what I'm looking for and cost a fortune (which, to me, is anything over $50...a lot to pay for someone who uses next to none of the equipment).

[ultraviolet]

Since most gyms frequently (and by frequently, I mean several times a year) run specials that include waiving the initiation fee, it never hurts to ask. All they can do is say no and then you can decide whether or not you want to pay it. Personally, I've never paid a sign-up/initiation fee to a gym and it doesn't seem like something I'd be likely to do in the future. *shrug*

[Becky]

I knew that the Y offered no-fee memberships twice a year (January and September), so I waited to join until January.

My membership does cost me a fortune, but they have a pool and they take housekeeping seriously. I've considered joining a cheaper club, but no one I've asked raves about the cleanliness

[indysteel]

I'm in the it doesn't hurt to ask camp. For profit gyms often have some wiggle room in their prices. Just read some review of LA Fitness. I'm on the board for a local Y and it doesn't have as much discretion, except for published promotions, to waive the fee. The fee is largely used as a deterrent for people who would prefer to cancel their membership during the summer months.

[Catrin]

You never know unless you ask. My club is expensive, but well worth it and I do utilize both equipment and a trainer there. They do often minimize or waive the initiation fee - and since it is attached to an Osteopathic hospital if a prospective member brings a note from their dr prescribing exercise they waive the entire initiation fee. They also allow you to place your membership on hold for 3 months (dues drop to $15 during that time), or for as long as needed if it is for some medical reason such as recovery from an injury or surgery.

Check and see!

[Becky]

Y They also allow you to place your membership on hold for 3 months (dues drop to $15 during that time), or for as long as needed if it is for some medical reason such as recovery from an injury or surgery.

Check and see!

OMG- I wish that the Y would let me do this!

[Catrin]

I pay the high dues for several reasons

[indysteel]

OMG- I wish that the Y would let me do this!

While I imagine each Y approaches it differently, I'd suggest at least asking your membership director if you have a compelling reason to put your membership on hold. I know that when the economy started to tank, we were doing our best to work with members so that they didn't have to cancel their membership altogether. The YMCA is not a for-profit gym. While they do need to generate revenue, there is a charitable mission as well, largely supported by donations, to help make the Y's programs and facilities open to all.

[Catrin]

OMG- I wish that the Y would let me do this!

They might actually find it helps them if they would do this - it would catch people who might not join them otherwise.

The main reason I pay the high dues at this club is that I USE it. I've been a member of other clubs over the years, including the Y, and I just didn't care for them and wouldn't go there after the first couple of weeks. This place works for me, and that, in the end, is what matters. I do think that being a medical based facility does provide them a different perspective, at least it helps.