Joining a New Gym? Ask This.

The gym is a second home to many, so what happens if you have to move? Joining a new one is a lot like buying a new car. It happens every few years. Sometimes you’re dealing with an unsavory salesperson, and hopefully there are no hidden fees that shock your pocket. At the end of the day, you are entitled to be happy with your purchase—or in this case, membership—so be a savvy consumer by asking these six questions:

“What is the sign-up cost?”

Most gyms advertise the monthly membership fee, but the sign-up cost isn’t necessarily posted. Often the sign-up cost is negotiable, so keep plugging away until you get a reasonable deal. If your salesperson doesn’t budge, ask to speak to a manager. The last thing a gym wants is for you to walk out without a contract—and if they let that happen, it’s not a good sign. Some will even offer to waive the entire sign-up cost if presented with documentation of a canceled membership from your former gym.

“Can you show me the gym's bathroom?”

Always, always ask to see the bathroom before you sign up. It is a great indicator of cleanliness and how well the facility maintains itself.

“What is not included with my membership fee?”

Not all amenities you see are available to you, so ask what is not included with your membership fee. The smoothie bars or mini-cafés are usually à la carte. Some popular chains offer different membership tiers, ranging from one-gym to multi-gym memberships. The difference in price can be anywhere from ten to thirty dollars in some cases. Other gyms have separate fees for group fitness classes or pool privileges. If you can make a list of the things you want prior to signing up, it’s much easier to weigh whether you should pay extra for certain services.

“How long have your instructors been teaching at this gym?”

If the salesperson or the front desk have no clue how long the instructors have been teaching at their location, that’s a pretty telling red flag. At the very least, they should be able to tell you which time slots and classes are most popular. While the fitness industry does have a high turnover rate, a successful gym will have regular, well-known instructors teaching there. Many students become partial to certain classes and instructors, so if a gym can’t maintain a regular class schedule, they risk losing clients.

“What is the cancellation policy?”

Feel free to ask this question, but more importantly, request (and seriously read) the cancellation policy before you sign up. Keep the paperwork in a safe place so you can refer to the contract if and when you need to cancel your membership. There are some real horror stories out there!

“What discounts do you offer to members?”

Many discounts are offered to members who are students, educators, in the military, have AARP or AAA, or are a part of an affiliated business. Some health insurance carriers reimburse up to 100% of gym membership to subscribers that are enrolled in certain health plans.

If you’re still unsure about signing up for a new gym after asking these six questions, keep in mind you can still go for a test drive. Take advantage of the free trial pass to see whether the new gym is the right one for you. Don't want to drive in the fast lane by yourself? Convince a friend to go with you, or see if you already know a member!

About The Author

Sian Babish is a writer from New Jersey. Before tearing up the floor in Zumba classes, she was kicking sky-high as a third-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. She also enjoys cooking, Jeopardy!, and stand-up comedy. Sian uses her skills to give back by volunteering as a career mentor and resume writer. Interested in connecting with Sian? Follow @sianbabish on Twitter.