Fitness centers are slashing fees for current and new members, and even former members, for 2009.
Lapsed members of the upscale SportsClub/LA (the sportsclubla.com) were recently invited to return with no need to pay the one-time initiation fee, which can be at least $600, and no membership dues for two months, a savings for some of at least $330.
For The Record
Los Angeles Times Saturday, January 10, 2009 Home Edition Main News Part A Page 2 National Desk 1 inches; 58 words Type of Material: Correction
Gym memberships: A Jan. 5 report in the Health section on gym discounts said that through March 6, Curves was offering 50% off its monthly membership fee in addition to one free month. The 50% discount is for the one-time initiation fee only, not the monthly fees. Except for one free month, the monthly fees are full price.
For The Record
Los Angeles Times Monday, January 19, 2009 Home Edition Health Part F Page 6 Features Desk 1 inches; 58 words Type of Material: Correction
Gym memberships: A Jan. 5 report in the Health section on gym discounts said that through March 6, Curves was offering 50% off its monthly membership fee in addition to one free month. The 50% discount is for the one-time initiation fee only, not the monthly fees. Except for one free month, the monthly fees are full price.
Less high-end clubs are also offering deals. Among them:
* A two-week free guest pass at Bally Total Fitness (bally fitness.com), which recently filed for bankruptcy reorganization but says it plans to continue operations;
* One month free, then 50% off the monthly membership fee, through March 6 at Curves (curves.com);
* No enrollment fee at Gold's Gym (goldsgym.com);
* A 30-day money-back guarantee at L.A. Boxing (laboxing.com).
"Gyms realize these are tough economic times, for themselves as well as their members," says Joe Moore, chief executive of the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Assn., a fitness trade group.
Even independent gyms are offering deals, so talk to the manager.
Moore recommends that new and old gym members review benefits online or in the information package they are typically handed when they sign up. Go through the materials with a staff member to be sure you know what you're getting. Then heck, ask for a little more -- gym membership in the U.S. was down 3% in 2007 (there are no numbers yet for 2008) and clubs might consider throwing in a free month, a bigger membership discount, passes for a workout buddy, free or discounted personal training sessions or a free trial for a service the club otherwise charges for, such as a pool.
Monthly fees at luxury gyms such as SportsClub/LA, Equinox (equinoxfitness.com) and many hotel fitness centers that take monthly members can run north of $100. For hundreds to even $1,000 or so less each year, consider giving up the plush carpet and free mouthwash. Many lower-priced chains can charge less because they leave out expensive amenities such as spa, cafe and baby sitting, but they still offer cutting-edge equipment and, often, classes. Some even offer access 24/7, which the high-end clubs don't usually match, or give access to any club in the network, useful for when you're traveling.
Make sure to ask about all fees, however, and whether you can sign up month to month, rather than be locked into a full-year contract. And be sure to ask about cancellation rules, even for month-to-month contracts. Some clubs charge an enrollment fee but will often waive it if asked.
