Sorry to interrupt..? re: gym fees

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Sorry to interrupt..? re: gym fees
11
Sun, 07-17-2005 - 8:31pm

I'm looking for some information, found your board and thought you would be great people to ask.

I've decided to join a gym. I really need to start exercising for all the reasons people start exercising. I think I know what I want in a gym but I just have no idea what to expect to pay.

I'm in the Boston area (not sure if prices are regional). I just want to get myself moving. I would like a treadmill, stairmaster, stationary bike, etc. Eventually, if I can make GOING a part of my lifestyle, I would like to introduce weights, nothing major, just for tone. I'm not particularly interested in classes or daycare as I planned to go after my kids are in bed for the night. So I also wanted something with late-ish hours.

I get the feeling (especially because prices aren't really advertised) that if I walk in like a sucker, I'll get a higher price. I want to go in informed. Right now, though, I don't know if I should expect to pay $20/mo., $50/mo or $100/mo.

Can you give me any advice on what to expect?

~Megan

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Sun, 07-17-2005 - 8:41pm
In our area, the average membership fee is $35- $50 monthly. I am in WV
Welcome to gymrats!
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
Sun, 07-17-2005 - 9:20pm
Hi!





iVillage Member
Registered: 05-01-2003
Mon, 07-18-2005 - 8:40am
Welcome!
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Mon, 07-18-2005 - 9:50am

hi and welcome to gym rats! you already got loads of good advice. i definitely agree to shop around and check several gyms. but i don't think gyms tend to quote higher prices to certain people than they do to others. more likely, they'll quote you what is basically their regular price and try to convince you it's a big special that you'll only get if you sign up RIGHT NOW.


also, keep in mind when you are shopping around, trying out different gyms, etc., that you'll find a huge variation in prices between different gyms. Bally's for instance, is usually one of the cheaper gyms in the area. but unless you really can't afford any more than the price of the very cheapest gym, i don't recommend selecting a gym based solely on price. it's at least equally important that the gym have the classes you like, be close to your home, you feel comfortable there, be open when you want to go, etc. definitely make sure that you visit at times that you plan on actually going and actually try out the things (like classes) that you plan on doing.


good luck! let's us know what you find!

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-02-2003
Mon, 07-18-2005 - 11:48am

Which gym in Boston or what area in Boston? It really all depends...they can go from 19 a month to 60 a month. And sometimes there is an initiation fee also.

I live in Boston and am pretty good with the prices around.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
Mon, 07-18-2005 - 12:46pm

Are the gyms you go to downtown?






iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 07-18-2005 - 1:42pm

Hi, Megan!

~Kiervin~

Co-author of:  MONSTER'S INK HORROR ANTHOLOGY By Cyber-Pulp Press

Avatar for newlywed1017
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 07-18-2005 - 10:08pm

Thanks for everyone's helpful advice. To answer tictac's question, I am in the 'burbs just north of Boston. To millcreek, the contract is one thing that has me nervous. I'm a month-to-month kind of girl and I'm really not excited by the idea of them automatically withdrawing membership dues or maintaining a membership I'm not happy with. I don't even buy 5 CD's for a penny because I don't want to commit to by 5 more ;-) You've given me alot to think about.

Thanks to everyone who took the time to answer my question. I really appreciate it and you've given me some good guidelines. Thanks!

~Megan

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
Mon, 07-18-2005 - 10:44pm
Good luck with it! Id be hesitant to sign a contract, too, unless I knew more about the gym.





iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Tue, 07-19-2005 - 8:50am
not all gyms make you sign a contract. that might be something you consider when you are deciding which to join. do you have a YMCA near you? don't forget to check it out, if you do. several of us belong to or teach at YMCAs - and i know the one i teach at doesn't have contracts, it's all month-to-month. (but even at month-to-month gyms you still have to pay an initiation fee.)

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