10 Ways to Get Cheap Gym Memberships in April 2024

1. Take Advantage of Gym New Year Specials

Every April, gyms compete fiercely for new members making New Year’s resolutions to get fit. Take advantage of limited-time promotions like waived enrollment fees, free personal training sessions, or discounted monthly rates to score a cheap gym membership. Check the websites and social media pages of gyms in your area to find the best New Year’s deals on gym memberships this month.

Maximize savings on gym memberships this month by acting fast before these deals expire! Big chain gyms like Planet Fitness and LA Fitness as well as local gyms often offer their lowest rates in April.

2. Score Student Discounts

If you’re currently enrolled in high school, college, or graduate school, you can likely score special discount gym memberships reserved for students. Most gyms offer student memberships with reduced monthly fees or smaller enrollment costs. All you need is a valid student ID.

University gyms also allow students to access their athletic facilities, often at highly discounted rates subsidized by tuition and fees. Check if your school has gym amenities available to utilize your student status for gym memberships on a shoestring budget.

3. Ask About Income-Based Memberships

Some gyms like the YMCA offer membership prices on a sliding scale based on your total household income. This allows people on limited budgets to access gyms at an affordable cost.

The key is asking about income-based rates which gym staff don’t always advertise upfront. Be prepared to show proof of income to qualify. This makes gyms accessible to almost everyone looking to get fit on a modest budget.

4. Try Out a Free 7-Day Gym Pass

Before committing to a long-term gym contract, consider trying out the facilities first with a free trial. Many gyms offer free gym trials near me for 5-7 days so you can test out the equipment, classes, amenities and see if the location and atmosphere are a good fit.

Taking advantage of a week-long free pass allows you to experience the gym first-hand without spending a dime. And pay close attention to customer service during your trial week. This will give you a good gut check if it’s the right gym to join.

5. Join Short-Term Membership Deals

April is primetime for gyms to run winter promotions featuring short-term membership deals. Instead of locking you into a 12-month contract, look for gyms offering 1-3 month memberships at a discounted rate.

This allows flexibility to try a gym at a low cost under a shorter commitment. It’s a great way to meet your New Year’s fitness resolutions on a budget.

And if you love the gym after your short-term deal, you can sign up for a regular annual membership later. Short-term promotions let you dip a toe in the gym waters without taking a huge plunge.

6. Snag Corporate or Group Discount Rates

Discover if your company offers special corporate rates at certain gym chains that provide discounts on gym memberships. Often gyms allow family members to join a corporate program as well.

Does your employer provide gym reimbursement as part of wellness benefits? Then definitely look into using this perk for an affordable membership.

Some gyms also give discount rates for group sign-ups of 5 or more people. Get friends, family or co-workers to join and save together!

7. Work Out at Home Using Free Resources

Of course, there are ways to exercise without ever stepping foot in a gym if you’re on a tight budget. Thanks to the internet, there is a wealth of free home gym equipment resources to provide guided instruction.

Check out websites and phone apps that offer follow-along workout videos for cardio, strength training, yoga, Pilates and more. Fitness gurus on Youtube post programs you can do in your living room. And invest in just a few basic pieces of low-cost home gym equipment like resistance bands, an exercise ball and some dumbbells.

So instead of paying for gym memberships without breaking the bank, utilize all the quality free home workout options available in 2024. It just takes some research to discover routines and instructors best suited to your goals.

8. Join an Affordable Gym Chain

Big budget gym chains aim to provide quality facilities and classes at the cheapest gym membership rates. Planet Fitness membership cost typically runs just $10-$25 per month depending on location and amenities. They lure in new members with gimmicks like free pizza nights and bagel mornings too!

Other affordable national brands to consider with monthly rates in the $10-$35 range are Basecamp Fitness, Crunch Fitness or Blink Fitness. The vibe and perks differ across chains, so visit a few to see the best budget match for your workout style and preferences.

Just because these gyms offer unmatched low pricing doesn’t mean sacrificing on services–you’ll still find all the signature amenities from treadmills and weights to group classes and more. Now those fitness resolutions can finally become reality even on the tightest of budgets!

9. Inquire About Health Insurance or Work Benefits

This may come as a pleasant surprise–but some health insurance companies actually offer incentives, discounts or reimbursements for gym memberships!

Contact your provider to discover if your current health plan includes gym membership assistance as part of wellness or preventative care offerings. You may score partial monthly reimbursements or voucher programs to use towards fitness facilities.

Certain employers also subsidize gym benefits for workers to promote physical health and wellbeing. Government agencies, universities and large corporations increasingly offer these incentive programs. Check if your job provides access to an employee wellness program for discounted gym memberships as a work perk.

With skyrocketing gym prices, these health insurance and employee benefits allow affordable gym access to promote healthy, active lifestyles.

10. Consider Part-Time or Off-Peak Gym Deals

Finally, for ultimate savings, inquire if gyms in your area allow part-time or off-peak memberships. This allows access to the full range of amenities and classes but for fewer hours or at less popular times like early morning or late night.

College students on tight budgets find these limited part-time deals very appealing. They allow full use of facilities at basement bargain rates whenever your schedule permits.

Gyms make nothing during off-peak times, so they’re willing to hand out rock-bottom specials even if it’s midnight yoga or 5AM weights!

The Bottom Line

Achieving your best body through fitness ultimately comes down to grit and dedication. But even the most motivated person can’t power through without access to proper gym equipment and classes. With inflated pricing that intimidates, how do everyday folks on modest incomes afford memberships?

Let this guide provide creative budget hacks to find cheap gym deals in April and all year round. Take advantage of short-term promotions, student discounts, income-based rates, free trials, group deals, home exercise resources, fitness insurance incentives and late-night bargains.

Now those New Year’s resolutions can finally manifest by squeezing gym fees until the pips squeak! Break past financial obstacles as you train both body and mindset to courageously pursue your boldest health goals in 2024.

Ryan Jons

Fitness is my passion, and I have worked as a personal trainer in popular gyms for the past six years. And love to explore different gyms and their features. As a result, I decided to create a blog that tells people about the various clubs and their memberships, pricing, etc. More About Ryan Jons