Cheap Gym Memberships to Get Fit without Straining Your Wallet
By Marnie Kunz,
NASM-certified trainer, USATF- RRCA-certified run coach
With costs rising, finding cheap gym memberships can be a struggle. But luckily there are many ways to stay fit on a budget, including some great deals for gym memberships. As a trainer in New York City, I definitely understand how pricey the fitness life can be - with the cost of clothing, gear, gyms, classes, and more piling up. Luckily, it doesn’t have to be expensive. I have tried out every gym on this list and am offering the pros, cons, and general cost range for each one so you can find the best low-cost gym for your workout goals.
Related: Budgeting Tips for Runners
The Reality of Gym Membership Costs
Gym membership costs can vary a lot depending on where you live and what gyms are in your area. In general, gym membership fees range from $10 to $100 per month, according to NerdWallet. That said, in New York City, where I live, a gym membership for under $100 would generally be considered budget-friendly.
Some factors that can affect your gym membership fees include your location (with places like NYC and California generally having higher gym costs), the type of gym, and your membership type. Many gyms offer lower-cost options for seniors or students, for example. The type of gym also influences the cost, as budget-friendly chains like Planet Fitness offer more cheap gym memberships while boutique fitness studios and luxury brands like Equinox have more expensive membership dues.
These are the main factors that determine gym membership costs:
Location
Type of gym (chain gyms versus locally owned, boutique fitness versus general, etc)
Type of membership (individual, student, senior, family, etc)
Additional amenities like pools, group classes, and special equipment and facilities
Spotlight on Cheap Gym Membership Deals
This list includes some of the best cheap gym memberships but it’s just a starting point for your research since prices can fluctuate. Also, what one person considers cheap another may consider expensive, but in general, these are lower-cost gym options that will help you get in your regular workouts without breaking the bank. As a longtime gym nerd, I have been a member of all of these gyms, so I am also adding my two cents when it may be helpful.
Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness is one of the most affordable gyms in NYC and around the country. Planet Fitness Classic Membership is a no frills option that’s currently as low as $15 per month plus an annual fee ($49), making it a great deal if you’re on a budget. For the Classic plan, you get all the basic amenities of a gym membership, with cardio equipment, and strength training equipment, including weight machines and light free weights.
Planet Fitness is the best gym membership if you want low prices and essential equipment. For an upgrade, they also offer the PF Black Card Membership, which has additional amenities like access to massage chairs, hydromassage, tanning beds (I didn’t know tanning was still a thing?), and free guest passes. I had a Classic membership at PF and found it to be affordable and welcoming, but the annual fee and possible cancellation fees are things to watch out for.
Overview: A low-cost gym membership with all the basic cardio and strength training equipment for a general fitness program
Pros: Low monthly fee, welcoming environment
Cons: Cancelation fees may apply if you cancel before your first year is over, and there is an annual fee, and limited free weights equipment for heavier weights like squat racks, and barbells.
Blink Fitness
Blink Fitness also has relatively cheap gym memberships, and I have belonged to this gym as well. This chain discount gym has low-cost memberships with monthly fees as low as $15 per month. Blink Fitness has cardio equipment for workouts like treadmill runs, strength training machines, and more extensive free weights than Planet Fitness. You can also get a guest pass to bring a friend with the higher-tier memberships of Blue and Green (they’re currently $28 to $39 per month). Every membership also comes with a free personal training session.
Overall, I liked Blink Fitness but my location got very crowded during peak hours (after work and on weekends). I enjoyed being able to bring friends with my medium-level membership which gave me unlimited guest passes. Canceling my membership wasn’t as easy as I expected and I had to send certified mail to cancel mine during the pandemic. Check your membership agreement so you know what to expect with cancellation before signing up for a membership.
Overview: Low-cost chain gym with all the basic cardio and strength training equipment.
Pros: Affordable monthly membership fees, free personal training session for each member, more free weights equipment than Planet Fitness
Cons: Annual maintenance fee, you may have to pay a cancellation fee depending on your membership plan/agreement, no showers at many of the locations
Crunch Fitness
Don’t laugh, but I have also been a member of Crunch Fitness - I know, I have been to so many gyms! Crunch Fitness is a little more expensive than Blink and Planet Fitness, but still pretty budget-friendly. They also have group fitness classes like HIIT training, spin, pilates, strength training, and yoga (the exact classes vary by location). You can sign up for a free day pass to check out the Crunch Fitness nearest to you and see how you like it.
Crunch Fitness is more expensive than the cheap gym memberships I listed above, but still mid-range, with a lower-cost option that’s around $30 to $70 per month, depending on your location. As with the other chain gyms on this list, Crunch Fitness has cardio and strength training equipment.
Crunch also has group classes and an app where you can find the latest class schedules and sign up for classes. Overall, I liked Crunch for doing solo workouts and some group fitness classes with friends, but I sometimes had to pay for late cancellations if I couldn’t make it to a class, and it got too stressful for me. Also, the gym could get very crowded during peak hours, but I was going to a central Manhattan location so this may vary a lot depending on where you are.
Overview: Budget-friendly chain gym with all the basic cardio and strength training equipment plus group fitness classes
Pros: A lot of options for classes and working out solo, with plenty of equipment, full-service locker rooms, and showers, no cancellation fees if 30-day notice is given
Cons: Fees for canceling group classes if you cancel within less than 2 hours of a class and fees for not showing up to a group class that you sign up for.
LA Fitness
I was a member of LA Fitness when I lived in Atlanta, and this is another budget-friendly gym with a lot of equipment. The basic membership, called Classic Region, is around $35 to $40 per month and includes the use of the fitness equipment, locker rooms, and pool (if they have one, this depends on the location). LA Fitness had a good amount of cardio and weight equipment when I was a member. They also have group fitness classes at many locations, which are included with basic membership.
Just be aware of any initiation fees as some membership levels may have an additional upfront fee, and all memberships have a yearly maintenance fee.
Overview: Budget-friendly chain gym
Pros: A lot of cardio equipment and weight training machines and a decent amount of free weights. Some locations have group fitness classes and some have pools and basketball courts.
Cons: There is an annual fee and some memberships also have an initiation fee. There may be a cancellation fee depending on the terms of your membership agreement.
24-Hour Fitness
24-Hour Fitness offers convenient access to a gym at all times. I joined this gym when I was a bartender in Manhattan because I liked to work out at night after work. If you want a gym with 24-hour access, this is a great option. I enjoyed the wide variety of fitness equipment and the focused nature of people at the gym as the one I went to felt like it was people there to work out, not to socialize.
At the time when I joined, the membership was more expensive, but now they offer National or Silver membership options which are currently in the $25 per month range. This gives you full access to all cardio and strength equipment and a free personal training session. The higher-tier memberships also include group fitness classes and additional amenities like pool access.
Overview: Affordable gym chain with 24-hour access to strength and cardio equipment.
Pros: 24-hour access to the gym, and extensive equipment selection.
Cons: annual maintenance fee, and may have a membership cancellation fee if you sign up for the 12-month commitment plan and want to cancel before that time period is up.
Gold’s Gym
One of my first gym memberships was Gold’s Gym, and at the time, it was so hard to cancel my membership that I had to get a doctor’s note. Luckily there are more options now, with a month-to-month membership in addition to the 1-year commitment memberships. If you’re looking for cheap gym memberships, Gold’s is more of a mid-tier option, but it is worth considering if you want to do heavy weight training or if it’s the most convenient location for you.
Gold’s Gym memberships include access to all cardio and strength training equipment, group fitness classes, and full-service locker rooms. If large muscle-bound men do not bother you when you work out, Gold’s may be a good fit.
Overview: Mid-tier gym chain with heavy weight equipment, fitness classes, and a full range of cardio equipment
Pros: Large equipment selection, free group classes for all members
Cons: May charge an enrollment fee and annual fee. If you have a month-to-month membership, 30 days notice is required to cancel your membership and there is a 2-month minimum for membership.
YMCA/YWCA
One of my favorite gyms that I’ve belonged to has been the YMCA as it’s affordable and many locations have pools. Also, I appreciate the laid-back vibe and community atmosphere, which is a stark contrast to some gyms that are more of a scene.
Most Y memberships cost between $50 and $100, depending on if you get a membership to one location or multiple. Your local YMCA membership fees can vary depending on where you live, but they have lower rates for family memberships, seniors, students, and financial-based assistance programs. There may be a one-time enrollment fee, which is often waived if you sign up during a promotion.
Overview: Community non-profit fitness centers with family-friendly options, group fitness classes, and needs-based financial assistance
Pros: Wide range of equipment and often facilities like basketball courts and pools, affordable rates, community atmosphere
Cons: There may be a one-time joiner’s fee, and some locations can get crowded with kids during after-school and summer hours
Local Community Centers
Another option for cheap gym memberships is local community centers. These are usually low-cost facilities with a wide range of sports fields, courts, and fitness equipment. Check out your local recreation center for affordable gym access.
University Gyms
University gyms often have public membership options and hours and are generally affordable. If you live near a college or university, check out their fitness center to see if they have public access options.
Tips for Finding Cheap Gym Membership Deals
These tips will help you step up your fitness without weighing down your budget:
Look for introductory offers and promotions. Many gyms offer a free trial pass so you can go in and try the facilities before committing to a membership.
Inquire about student, senior, or other discounts.
Be willing to commit to longer-term contracts for potential savings, but only do this if you do not plan to relocate within the timeframe of the contract.
Explore corporate wellness programs through your job that might offer discounted rates.
Read any membership agreement carefully before agreeing to sign up. Check for any restrictions (such as not being able to use group training classes or facilities), and make sure you know about any cancellation fees, yearly maintenance fees, and initiation fees upon joining.
Fitness on a Budget: Workout Free Outside the Gym
There are many ways you can improve your fitness outside of the gym. Tracking your daily step count with a free fitness app is a great starting point. You can also play basketball or racquetball at parks and local courts. Running, hiking, and cycling (if you have a bike, or can rent one) also offer free fitness training options that are accessible to everyone.
Also, you can do bodyweight exercises at home for free. Bodyweight training is beginner-friendly and a great way to work on your strength without having to spend money.
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Making Fitness a Sustainable and Affordable Lifestyle
Getting active and staying fit doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. With cheap gym memberships, there are many affordable gym options available. When you’re shopping for a gym membership, try out the facilities first. Ask questions and make sure you find out about any yearly maintenance fees, startup costs, and cancellation fees.
Check out our free Couch to 10K training plan and free Beginner’s Bodyweight Strength Training Workout program to improve your fitness without spending a dime. Your health is an investment, not an expense.
By exploring these budget-friendly fitness options, you can find a way to stay active and healthy without breaking the bank. As a fellow gym goer and a certified trainer, I'm here to cheer you on every step of the way! Follow @Runstreet on Instagram and sign up for our free Wellness Wednesday newsletter for more fitness tips and workouts. Happy sweating to you!
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Marnie Kunz is a NASM-certified personal trainer and USATF- and RRCA-certified running coach based in Brooklyn, NY. Marnie likes helping people get and stay active to enjoy a better quality of life. When she’s not doing fitness things, Marnie enjoys exploring with her dog, a mischievous rescue Akita.
