Frugal Working Out: The 10 Cheapest Gym Memberships

10 Cheapest Gym Chains to Buy Memberships From

Cheapest gym memberships can be the best option for those of us who don’t have much money to spend, or are simply trying to save up a few bucks.  Fitness helps us live a balanced life where we remain energetic, healthy and strong. But exercise doesn’t mean you need to empty your pockets.  You’ll be surprised to discover that a lot of gyms provide affordable memberships without sacrificing on quality items you need to stay healthy. 

We have listed 10 fitness titans with the cheapest gym memberships for students, people on a tight budget, and everyone in between. 

10 Chains With the Cheapest Gym Memberships

10 Cheapest Gym Chains to Buy Memberships

The gyms have a reputation for being reasonably priced with memberships from entry-level to full-featured. Here’s a breakdown of each:  

Planet Fitness is famous for its “Judgement Free Zone” with their cheapest gym memberships perfect for beginners. Their Black Card will grant you access to all of the venues, even guest privileges. 

YouFit is known for its minimalistic nature and the cheapest gym memberships, perfect for those that just want an easy workout. 

A frequent pick for anyone who likes to work at a loose schedule, 24 Hour Fitness also offers the cheapest gym membership levels to suit your budget and fitness needs. 

LA Fitness has several locations nationwide, including moderate and cheap memberships that come with plenty of equipment and free group workouts. 

The Crunch cheapest gym memberships are not only affordable but provide a welcoming community with tools for all levels. 

You can also find gyms with a limited number of memberships, and Sam’s Club provides fitness centers with certain memberships, which saves you both money on the gym and on wholesale items. 

A classic in fitness, Gold’s Gym offers affordable memberships with access to all of their strength and cardio machines. 

Although slightly more expensive, Lifetime has great off-peak memberships that grant access to elite facilities only during certain hours. 

Created especially for women, Curves provides a space to exercise at a reasonable cost for those who looking for a cheapest gym memberships near me. 

Despite the cost being quite steep, Orangetheory will often offer promos for class packages that include their own workout experience. 

Prices For The Cheapest Gym Memberships

Gym Name Locations in USA Monthly Cost Annual Cost Inclusions Google Rating
Planet Fitness 2,000+ $10 $120 Cardio & weights, classes 4.2
YouFit Gyms 100+ $10-15 $120-180 Basic equipment, some classes 4.0
24 Hour Fitness 300+ $20-35 $240-420 24/7 access, classes 4.3
LA Fitness 700+ $29.99 $359.88 Group classes, swimming pool 4.1
Crunch Fitness 300+ $10-20 $120-240 Strength & cardio, classes 4.1
Sam’s Club Hours Limited Varies Varies Facility access at locations 4.0
Gold’s Gym 600+ $20-30 $240-360 Weight machines, group classes 4.2
Lifetime Fitness 140+ Varies Varies Pools, classes, off-peak hours 4.4
Curves 400+ $20-30 $240-360 Women-only, circuit training 3.8
Orangetheory 1,200+ $59+ Varies HIIT classes, specialized apps 4.5

5 Factors to Consider When Buying The  Cheapest Gym Memberships 

If you’re shopping for a low-cost gym, here are five things to keep in mind to ensure that you get the best deal possible: 

  • Monthly vs.  Annual Costs  

Decide whether you’d prefer the ease of a monthly plan or the rigidity of an annual plan. Some gyms have discounts if you enroll once a year, though check cancellation policies. 

  • Location & Accessibility  

You can choose a gym close to home, work, or school to avoid long drive time and transport expenses. The closer you can get it, the more likely you are to maintain your fitness. 

  • Amenities  

See what these cheapest gym memberships have to offer. A few budget gyms have pools, group classes, or even childcare, and some offer little beyond the basic equipment. 

  • Membership Tiers  

Most gyms offer a free-level membership (their cheapest) plus premium services such as unlimited access to multiple locations or spas. 

  • Hidden Fees  

Be on the lookout for additional fees such as initiation fees, maintenance charges, or early termination fees. When you buy a cheapest gym memberships, make sure you are informed about any upfront fees and monthly payments prior to signing up. 

Where to Look for Coupons and Offers to Buy The Cheapest Gym Memberships?

In most cases, reducing costs is not only a matter of selecting a cheapest gym membership. Gyms usually have seasonal specials or group discounts so it’s worth checking out for even better deals. How to look for cheapest gym membership deals here are some hints:

  • Look for Seasonal Promotions

Gyms typically run promotions during the new year, summer, and back-to-school periods, as these are prime seasons for new exercise habits. You can keep an eye out for January sales, summer sales, or end-of-year sales.

  • See Groupon or Similar Deal Websites

Deal sites such as Groupon often sell discounted gym memberships or classes. Short term memberships or group classes are often cheaper — and are a good way to try a gym out before buying in.

Where to Look for Coupons and Offers to Buy The Cheapest Gym Memberships?

  • Ask For Corporate or Group Rates

The gym might have corporate rates or discounts if your employer contracts with them. Furthermore, most gyms offer group rates, so if you and a couple of friends are into it, you might be able to strike up a group rate.

  • Student, Military, or Senior Discounts

Some gyms provide cheapest gym memberships for students, discounts for seniors, and military personnel. Even if there’s no coupon on them, make sure you ask because these aren’t always advertised.

  • Sign Up for Gym Newsletters

It is also helpful to subscribe to a gym’s email list, which often has promotional items for their members. Some gyms even give a tiny amount off just for joining the newsletter.

  • Take Advantage of Free Trials

Most gyms provide a free trial period for as little as one day up to a week. Make the most of this period, test the place out, see if you fit in, and whether it’s worth it.

  • Check Social Media For Flash Sales or Offers

Gyms generally announce flash sales, giveaways or promotions on their social media channels. Follow your favourite gyms on social media to get the scoop on these quick deals.

By looking out for these discounts, you can almost always score a high-quality cheapest gym memberships at a discount.

Use Property Amenities to Save Money

property amenities instead of a cheap gym membership

When planning your fitness expenses, try budgeting for property amenities instead of a cheapest gym memberships. The majority of apartments, condos, and townhouses offer on-site fitness facilities as a part of the lease. Why a home with these features could save you money over the long term:

  • No Extra Gym Fees

You don’t need to pay an additional fee every month for on-site gyms. The gyms are generally a part of the property’s amenities fee or a part of the rent, so there is nothing you need to worry about.

  • Convenience and Time-Saving

When your building or complex has a gym, you won’t have to go anywhere to exercise, and you’ll always have access to the facilities. Whether you’re going for some quick cardio in the morning or a weight workout at night, having a gym nearby increases the likelihood of frequent use.

  • Quality Equipment and Facilities

Most contemporary apartment and condo gyms will offer high-quality machines and free weights, as well as space for stretching, yoga, or even group fitness classes. Others offer pools, hot tubs, and saunas that give you extra motivation to workout.

  • Safe and Private Workout Environment

Home fitness centers are smaller than commercial gyms. If you are seeking a more private, private workout, then these places are typically much more laid-back and accessible so you can get in shape without having to worry about the crowd at a workout facility with the cheapest gym memberships.

  • Ideal for Renters and Non-Homeowners

If you’re renting and don’t have the money for a separate gym, search for apartments with these features built in. They are not only helping you lead a healthier lifestyle but also keep you from incurring fees for a separate fitness facility.

  • Flexible Rental Options for Exercise-Based Living

Some apartment communities provide short-term rentals where you can use the services for a couple of months and then determine whether it’s right for you. This flexibility is ideal for anyone who wants to try out the convenience of a gym on-site without committing to an extended contract.

When you buy a condo with a gym or fitness center, you’re both investing in your health and your pocketbook, and this is a fantastic option for anyone looking for a low-cost fitness solution.

Free Fitness Options

 If you can’t afford a cheapest gym membership, there are many ways to keep fit for free. Through online sources, in the open air, or in the local community, you can create a whole exercise plan without spending a dime. These are some of the most popular free fitness programs you can try: 

  • Online Classes  

You can find countless online free workout classes for every fitness level on the web. From beginner yoga and Pilates to high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and strength classes, we have something for you. Online services such as Fitness Blender, HASfit and subscription services (including Peloton, which occasionally has free trials) allow you to experience a number of workouts in the comfort of your own home. The online classes are especially good for busy people since you can squeeze in a workout whenever it suits you. 

  • YouTube Videos  

cheapest gym memberships - free options: POPSUGAR Fitness

YouTube has an abundance of free workout content. There are thousands of fitness channels, each providing access to workout videos that can be as short as 10-minute sessions or an hour-long session for free. Some popular channels include:  

You can easily dispense some new workouts, mix things up and keep yourself going thanks to the huge amount of free content. 

  • Free Fitness Apps instead of Cheapest Gym Memberships

Free Fitness Apps

Most fitness apps offer free versions with a limited set of workouts and a handful of simple metrics. Some options include:  

  1. Nike Training Club (Google Play or AppStore) – A free workout app for Android that features exercises from Nike trainers and includes strength, cardio, yoga and mobility exercises. 
  2. MyFitnessPal – This is mostly a diet and fitness app, but MyFitnessPal has free exercises and workout tips that are especially useful for people who want to monitor how many calories they are burning and how many calories they are consuming. 
  3. MapMyRun – If you’re a runner, MapMyRun offers free GPS tracking for running outdoors so you can set objectives and see your progress.

running instead of cheapest gym memberships

  • Walking, Running, and Biking Outdoors  

Not only are outdoor activities free, but they also bring with them fresh air and nature. It’s easy to walk, run or cycle outdoors anywhere, from public parks to back streets. This workout is ideal for cardiovascular fitness and can be modified to suit all levels of fitness. So take advantage of your local hiking routes, particularly if you’re close to a wilderness area, where you’ll find varied terrain that will improve your endurance and muscle mass. 

  • Bodyweight Workouts at Home  

You don’t have to invest in anything to get an amazing workout at home with your own weight. Squats, lunges, push-ups, and planks are excellent for increasing strength and endurance. Circuit training, where you do several movements simultaneously with very little rest in between, is a great way to exercise your entire body at home. Additionally, you can easily adjust the difficulty level for bodyweight exercises to suit both beginners and advanced fitness buffs. 

  • DIY Fitness Challenges  

If you love to set yourself goals, develop a fitness challenge for yourself instead of look for cheapest gym memberships. For instance, a 30-day plank challenge, wherein you slowly push yourself to hold a plank longer and longer each day, can be an enjoyable and inspiring exercise program. Other challenges might be daily steps, 5-10 minutes of exercise a day, or doing just one activity such as push-ups or sit-ups. Fitness challenges hold you accountable and give you an idea of your overall progress. 

  • In-Home Dance and Aerobics 

If you can’t stomach regular exercises, try dance workouts. Moving to your own songs is another way to stay healthy and have some fun. TikTok and Instagram usually offer up quick dance routines, which you can mimic to spice up your day. Aerobic workouts (step aerobics or Zumba, for example) can also help to burn calories and boost cardiovascular function, and many of them are available on YouTube for free. 

  • Guided Meditation and Stretching Routines  

And fitness isn’t all about sprinting – it’s also about rest and recovery. Guided meditation and stretching sessions, widely found online and available for free, will boost your fitness by increasing flexibility, stress, and concentration. Apps such as Insight Timer and sites such as DoYogaWithMe even provide free meditation and stretching time – an excellent way to rest up after a more challenging workout. 

By using these free fitness resources, you can create a well-rounded fitness plan without the cheapest gym memberships.

Key Takeaways

in-home DIY Fitness Challenges  

Staying fit and healthy doesn’t have to be expensive. With a bit of creativity and resourcefulness, it’s possible to create a well-rounded fitness routine that meets your goals and fits within your budget. Choosing affordable gym memberships, utilizing free resources, and considering alternative fitness options like on-site property gyms can be incredibly effective ways to save money while prioritizing health.

As we’ve seen, there are various ways to maintain an active lifestyle without splurging. For those who prefer the traditional gym experience, affordable options like Planet Fitness or Crunch Fitness provide excellent facilities without the hefty price tag. If a more flexible approach works for you, free online classes, outdoor activities, and community fitness resources offer nearly endless ways to stay active from the comfort of your home or neighborhood. By exploring each option, you can create a mix of resources that suit both your fitness goals and budget constraints.

Another advantage of adopting budget-conscious fitness habits is that it encourages consistency. Without the financial stress of an expensive membership or the need to fit gym costs into your monthly budget, you’re more likely to develop a routine that you can sustain in the long term. This consistency leads to better results and supports a lifestyle focused on overall wellness.

Ultimately, the most important aspect of fitness is finding a routine that you enjoy and can maintain. Whether you’re using an affordable gym membership, free fitness options, or a combination of both, the goal is to stay active in a way that works best for you. Remember, fitness is a personal journey, and by focusing on what you need rather than what’s trending or costly, you’ll find more joy and fulfillment in your routine.

So start today. Look around the cheap gyms, do some free online classes, or just walk around your local park. And enjoy!

 

My name is David, and I’m an experienced writer and consumer advocate with a passion for helping readers make and save money. With over a decade of experience researching and writing about personal finance and budgeting, I specialize in uncovering the best deals, tips, and strategies. When I’m not diving into the latest budgeting trends and money-saving tips, you can find me hiking scenic trails or enjoying a fine wine at my favorite Italian restaurant. Welcome to my blog!

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