Everyday Cheapskate: Physically Fit, Not Flat Broke

Mary Hunt on Feb 20, 2024

YMCA

Most communities have a YMCA or YWCA facility that offers reasonable rates for membership on a "pay as you go" basis.

GREAT OUTDOORS

It's challenging to beat the health benefits of walking, jogging or biking. You could save your money and get in shape for free in the great outdoors. Or make a deal with yourself that when you've walked 2 miles a day for six months, you will have earned a gym membership.

Once you've determined your options for getting fit, compare the benefits and costs of each. Match quality of the service with your need. It's silly to pay more for a gym with a pool if you are not a swimmer.

If there's a contract involved, ask to take a copy of it home with you to read. This will be neither fun nor easy, but better if you know what the fine print says now rather than when it's too late to negotiate. Make sure any verbal agreements have been added to the copy you are taking for consideration.

FREE TRIAL PERIOD

You want to check out the gym thoroughly before making any financial commitment. Two to four weeks of free trial membership is reasonable.

RESIST THE URGENCY

Fitness salespeople are notorious for the breathless, sign-up-now-or-never presentation. Remember, if this deal is available today, it will be available tomorrow. Don't let their sense of urgency rob you of your good sense. Take it slow and easy.

MONTH-TO-MONTH

Some gyms now offer this type of arrangement, and I applaud them. With a 30-day notice, you can walk away. If you move out of the area in six months, you don't want to be stuck with a three-year gym contract.

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Mary invites you to visit her at EverydayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived complete with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments at https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/contact/, "Ask Mary." This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book "Debt-Proof Living."