Money
Getting the best deal
Save £100s on...getting fit
Committing to get fit doesn't mean signing up for a year long membership at a swanky club, writes Teena Lyons
Statistics show that 20 per cent of those who sign up in January have stopped going by June and the same number again have dropped out by Christmas. So, before you sign up to a year-long contract which could cost more than £600, how else can you shed the pounds without shedding £100s?
Step one: Be honest with yourself. Give yourself a trial run – literally. See if you can stick to a weekly routine of a run around the park, a cycle or even workout to a DVD with friends. If you are bored by week two, chances are locking into an annual gym contract might not be worth the investment.
Step two: Explore the alternatives. If you have failed at step one, but still think is it down to the lack of motivation prompted by a well-stocked gym or workout timetable, check out your local leisure centre or nearby university facilities. Often over-looked, these centres allow you to pay as you use and have a good selection of equipment and classes often at the fraction of the price of a private club.
Step three: Find a friend. Still hooked on the idea of a swanky club? If you have a friend who is a gym regular talk to them about gym passes. Many clubs offer deals such as 10 guest passes for £50 – so sub your pal £50 and see how you get on. The visit doesn't work-out much cheaper than an annual pass, but it will test your commitment. If you don't know anyone who is a member – or are too shy to ask – sign up for one of the myriad of free trials available online. Available now is a free week at Fitness First on www.quornforlife.co.uk/gymtrial.asp and Esporta, Thistle Hotels and Cannons all offer free day passes on their own websites.
Step four. Trim the cost. If you really can't resist signing-up, make sure you get the best deal. As always, do your research. Many companies offer employees discounts at their local gym, so find out if yours does. If you are flexible on time and are available during the day or at weekends, sign up for off-peak. And finally, although it doesn't always come easily, haggle. Don't forget, most gym sales teams are on commission, so they can be flexible on deals.
