Save money and keep your healthy New Year's resolution

1:46 PM, Jan 16, 2018
1:14 PM, Dec 12, 2018

With January marking the start of a brand new year, many people set new health and wellness goals to work toward throughout the year. Luckily, many businesses like gyms and personal trainers recognize this seasonal trend, and will promote various deals as an influx of newcomers set out on their path to a healthier 2018.

It’s easy to go all-in when January 1 hits, but tough to keep going throughout the year. This is especially true when gym or fitness class fees become too expensive for your monthly budget. Don’t let your New Year’s resolution to live healthier and practice regular exercise fall prey to the February quitting season.

Here’s a list of fitness fee deals throughout January to look out for to keep your goals going forward with success: 

1. $0 gym joining fee.

During the month of January, many gyms and health clubs will waive the joining fee for new members. The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit is one of those gyms. The average cost of a gym membership is around $50 a month, and the average joining fee is $200. With a $0 joining fee, your $200 savings allows you to set aside funding for an extra four months of membership fees.

2. Free trial period.

Another common discount to look out for is a facility that offers a free week or even first month free. Many gyms will allow members an extended free trial during the first few weeks of the year as people set out with new goals in sight. This gives you the opportunity to try a facility without the worry of a long-term commitment.

3. Join a monthly gym.

These gyms offer the benefits of exercise equipment with no frills to allow for rock-bottom prices. They also offer an incentive for those will varying schedules. With 24/7 open hours, get you can get your workout in when it’s convenient for you. That also means—no excuses for not being able to fit in your weekly workouts. But buyers beware; if you are looking for a place with showers available, these facilities are often without lush locker room amenities.

4. Free personal training sessions.

Are you the type of person that needs an extra boost from an expert to help you set goals and a consistent routine? Look for facilities that offer a certain number of free sessions with a personal trainer. Some gyms will hook you up when you are first starting your fitness journey and allow for free quick check-ins throughout the year. If free personal training sessions are not offered in your area, consider supporting apps to download on your phone to help guide you with workout routines, stretching tips and more.

 

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5. Check with your employer.

Your company may offer fitness facility discounts based on the number of times you attend each month as part of a wellness program or discount directory. Some offer to cover the cost of a joining fee while others may offer a percentage discount on monthly fees or even payroll deduct. Talk to your human resources department if you’re not sure.

6. Look beyond the building.

Many schools, city recreation department programs and even churches offer a series of group fitness classes like yoga, Zumba and Pilates with discounts for both referring a friend or purchasing as series of classes versus paying as you go.

7. Race early bird discounts.

Many community races like 5K run/walks all the way up to full marathons offer discounts for committing early in the year, along with supporting training programs. When you join the Priority Health Champion’s program, you can also gain access to race discounts.

8.  Look for insurance support.

Many times, your insurance company will offer money saving deals with select gyms. This will help bring not only the joining fee down, but also any monthly fees. For example, Priority Health members may qualify for either Active&Fit or Silver&Fit. The Active&Fit program allows employer group and individual members to choose from over 9,000 fitness centers nationwide for only $25 a month, with a $25 enrollment fee. Silver&Fit is for Medicare Advantage members and includes a no-cost gym membership.

Make sure to look for fitness facilities that offer the amenities that are important to you or provide a value-added experience that can get you excited about going to work out, such as a pool for water aerobics, a spa to relax your muscles after a workout or a variety of free fitness classes. Find something you love doing and make this the year you decide to stick with it.

Don’t let your wallet hold you back from making a change to your health and wellness. With numerous discounts available, the only barrier to your fitness success may be you.

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