FitSugar

Do You Use Your Gym Membership?

FitSugar — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:30:24 -0800

Signing up for a gym membership is one way to help you get in shape. The hardest part, though, is motivating yourself to actually go. So tell me . . .

You Asked: Is It Insulting to Get My Husband a Membership to a Gym?

FitSugar — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 12:00:00 -0700

Dear Fit,
Being healthy and physically fit is very important to me. I eat well, exercise four times a week, and enjoy running and practicing yoga. My husband on the other hand, is more into sitting on the couch watching TV. Not only has he put on a little weight since we got married two years ago, but I'm worried about his health. Do you think it's insulting to get him a membership to my gym?
- Concerned Cara

I'm sure many FitSugar readers can relate to your problem, and I don't blame you for wanting your loved one to be as healthy and fit as you. To hear how I'd handle this situation read more.

It really depends on your husband's personality. If you're questioning whether he'll be insulted then that makes me think his weight and lack of interest in exercising has come up before. So it sounds like getting him a membership to your gym might be too pushy at first. Instead I would encourage him to do physical activities with you that seem less about exercise, and more about spending time together having fun. Suggest a bike ride in the country, go hiking on some nearby trails, play tennis, or start off easy with a walk around your neighborhood. Once he starts to move more, hopefully he'll realize how good it makes him feel. Then once he's hooked, you can suggest joining your gym.

If he's too stubborn for that then I'd be honest with him. Tell him how much you love him, and that you're worried about his health. Say that you wish he'd exercise regularly so that the two of you can live a long, happy life together. Tell him you were thinking about getting him a membership to your gym so you could work out together and see how he responds. If he gets defensive, then suggest just a month-long pass, just to try it out. Maybe you can find a gym that offers tons of activities that interest him, like a pool, basketball or racquetball court, or indoor soccer. He might be more willing to exercise if he knows how important it is to you, and allowing him to choose the place will make it feel more like his idea.

There's nothing wrong with a little gentle nudging and consistent encouragement, but try not to nag. Remember that you can want him to change his unhealthy habits all you want, but ultimately, it's up to him to want to make changes for himself.

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Getting Fit Could Cost Less in 2009

FitSugar — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 03:00:00 -0800

Most of us are sweating over money these days, and gyms are absorbing this worried perspiration by offering additional deals to existing members and new ones. Because the economy has hit the gyms with decreased memberships, they want to do their best to bring in and retain as many people as they can. According to the Los Angeles Times, independent gyms and national chains are playing the discount game, so be sure to speak with a manager about what can be done to reduce your fees. Here are some examples of deals the Times discovered.

Curves: One month free, then 50 percent off the monthly membership fee through March 6.
Gold's Gym: No enrollment fee.
Sports Club LA: Former members were invited to return without the one-time initiation fee and no membership dues for two month.

Before you sign any contract, ask if you can sign up month-to-month and get the details about cancellation policies. Also, it never hurts to ask your gym to waive the enrollment fee.

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How Much Is Your Monthly Gym Membership?

FitSugar — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 04:30:00 -0800

There are so many different types of gyms out there, from the no-frills gym with basic equipment and a ladies locker-room with no special touches, to the fancy gym with all the newest machines and sophisticated classes (not to mention the spa-like locker room).

Because gyms run the gamut in what they can offer, membership prices cover a huge range - you might pay $25 while your girlfriend pays $250. Not everyone has a gym membership and it's more than possible to get into great shape without paying a cent, but for those of you who do pay a monthly fee, how much does it cost?

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Now Is a Good Time to Join a Gym

FitSugar — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 12:00:00 -0700

One of the positive sides about the economy being so uneasy right now is that good deals are everywhere. In an attempt to save money, many folks have ditched their gym members and started working out at home and outside. Combine that with the fact that gyms see a decline in membership at this time of the year anyway and many are offering great deals on memberships. Plus, most gyms are a lot less crowded right now (as opposed to the beginning of the year), which means you'll be able to take advantage of the free space and you'll really be ready to go for the new year.

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Do You Have a Gym Membership You Don't Use?

FitSugar — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 04:30:00 -0700

Everywhere you go it seems a new gym has popped up. Big gyms and little gyms are always offering great new deals to join, so chances are high you belong to one kind or another. I have a membership, but I tend to go less in the Summer when I can exercise outside. As soon as the weather gets colder though, I plan on taking full advantage of my gym membership. How about you?

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How Much Is the Monthly Fee for Your Gym?

FitSugar — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 13:30:00 -0800

Cold weather and New Year's resolutions are the two main reasons people join gyms in Winter. Whether you sign up because of snow or you're preparing for swimsuit season, gym memberships aren't cheap. The lowest cost out there seems to be $49 a month, and if you are looking for a gym with a pool, you are going to pay more. Not to mention the sign up fee!

So, I am curious . . .

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Fittingly Mad: I Want Out of This Relationship...

FitSugar — Sat, 12 May 2007 03:00:00 -0700

...my relationship with my old gym, that is.

Has this ever happened to you? You join a gym and at the end of the term of your agreed contract, you decide to cancel your membership and try another gym. Simple, right? WRONG.

Turns out that when you sign the papers to join some gyms, you are signing your life away. I am not going to name names ~~Gold's Gym~~ ~~Crunch~~ ~~Liberty~~, but I have found that the process of canceling my gym membership is one of the hardest things to do, ever.

Here is how it went down. When I called to cancel, they told me I needed to cancel it in person. When I showed up in person, they told me I needed to send a certified letter (who sends certified letters anymore?). When I sent the certified letter my credit card still got charged for a good 6 months after canceling the membership. It came to the point where I had to just cancel the card that was being charged. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if they were still trying to charge my card to this day.

I've heard many other stories just like my own and it just does not make sense to me. Why do gyms make it so ridiculously hard to cancel your membership? Did I miss something here? Gym memberships should not be this binding. I would really appreciate it if gyms could just take a cancellation for what it is, a simple cancellation, and leave the hard feelings at the door.

Bonus points if you can name the television show (no longer taping) that had an episode on this very same problem where one character can not get out of his gym membership so he brings along a friend to help.

You have until Midnight Today to WIN: Get Fit at the Gym

FitSugar — Tue, 26 Dec 2006 10:28:35 -0800

Christmas is officially over - at least in my book, and it is now time to focus on the new year which is rapidly approaching. If you live in Manhattan and you are ready to make fitness your priority in 2007, you should enter FitSugar's "Are you Fit for the gym" contest.

FitSugar and the gym, the latest and greatest gym brought to us by founders of Equinox, are giving away a FREE 6-month membership (a value of over $1000)! Located in the heart of the big apple, the gym will be a sure way to get fit in 2007. Think you should get the FREE 6-month membership to NYC's coolest gym?

All you have to do is join the "Are you Fit for the gym?" group and tell us why you deserve it most. Just create a blog entry by tonight, December 26th, by 11:59 pm PST and you will be entered in the contest.

If you don't live in the big apple, "e-mail this" to your friends who do. But they need to respond in a New York Minute since the contest ends tonight!!!!

Fittingly Mad: Increased Membership Prices at the Gym

FitSugar — Sun, 03 May 2009 03:30:00 -0700

I don't have to tell you that economically speaking, times are tough. Many stores and companies are actually cutting prices to help lure customers to their businesses, but not my gym. Oh no. They've actually raised membership prices by $10 a month! That's no small amount, especially because my hubby belongs too, so that adds an extra $240 a year. It really bothers me that they can take advantage of people who feel so strongly about their health, since they know most gym goers won't end their memberships - they'll just suck it up and pay. Since my gym does offer unique fitness opportunities I can't get at other less expensive gyms, such as state-of-the-art cardio equipment, group classes, and of course, the pool, I guess I'll have to be one of those people who agrees to shell out the big bucks. It doesn't mean I won't complain about it though. What about you? Have your gym membership prices increased recently too?

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