Here’s How to Test Out Fitness Classes in Your Area Without Spending a Fortune

Working out in 2024 has become super accessible, but at the same time, super pricey depending on the type of fitness activity you’re looking for. Because of the cost associated with getting a good workout in, many people tend to be hesitant before committing to a new gym. It’s a large investment that you’ll want to test out before paying them your hard earned-money. Plus, each gym is unique, so you’ll want to get a sense of which gym offers the amenities that you need before making your final decision. With that, let’s take a look at how to test out various fitness classes while keeping money (mostly) in your wallet.

1. Take Advantage of Free Trials

Gyms want to bring in new members. With this mindset, they’ll showcase their perks for free, giving prospective members a great sense of what the gym offers before the individual makes a decision on if that gym is the right fit for them or not. Some free trials may last a week or two, while other free trials are just for a single day gym session. Either way, this is a solid “test run” of using a gym to get an idea if they offer your working out needs. If you don’t like the gym you tour, then it’s no loss, as it was a free experience and you move onto looking for another gym that better suits your needs. Quick tip as well: make sure to cancel your free trial before expiration, to avoid getting charged for a membership you are not going to use.

2. Look for Community Classes

Going to the gym with friends, or in a group setting at workout classes near you, is a great way to stay motivated to reach your fitness goals. Better yet, many group fitness lessons are available for free or at a reduced cost within local companies, parks, and community centers. A great example of this is yoga at a local park or an outside dance workout class powered by the music of a particular artist. Even though these classes may be cheaper, they still are taught by trained professionals who are experts in their niche of fitness. Both socially and physically, this is a fantastic option for working out on a budget. .

3. Use ClassPass or Similar Services

For a set monthly price, ClassPass provides a range of selections at various studios in your area. This is a great way to partake in a group fitness class within a more organized setting. It’s really like the Netflix of fitness classes, as you sign up via a monthly subscription. ClassPass is a fantastic resource for finding fitness classes that meet your ability level in your area, but there are also other similar services you can find online. If ClassPass doesn’t offer a specific class you are looking for, or if it simply is not offered in your area, look for other options that may offer free trials or discounted first month specials that won’t make much of a dent in your bank account.

4. Check Out Online Platforms

The great thing about modern technology is that you can get in a serious workout and break a sweat from the comfort of your own home. Plenty of free workout classes are available on YouTube, and you can customize your search for a variety of parameters: length of workout, difficulty level, or type of workout.

For more of a cost, you can subscribe to a service like Peloton, which offers customized workouts and bike rides with an instructor through virtual video. Regardless of which digital route you go with, working out at home has never been easier.

5. Attend Pop-Up Events and Special Promotions

Fitness studios are constantly on the lookout for new members. One way in which they recruit new gym-goers is through occasional special events and promotions, teaming up with local businesses to spread the word and create a local buzz around upcoming fitness events. Because these events are targeted to a local population with the goal to increase and spread word of business, these events typically come at a discounted price, if not completely free. Keep a close eye on the social media accounts for local fitness studios to be aware of these limited-time promotions before they run out.

6. Buddy Up with Friends

One of my biggest inspirations for working out more consistently over the past two years has been the support of friends. Lifting weights, running, and going through a workout routine becomes a lot easier when you have a friend – and workout partner – by your side, pushing you to achieve your best results. If your friend is a member at a local visit, there’s a good chance they have guest posts available to bring you at no cost. And if you enjoy your day as a guest, think about turning that excellent one-time gym experience into a full-time membership. But the worst case scenario is you get a solid workout in and end up choosing another gym. Who knows, maybe you’ll even recruit another friend to join the new gym of your choice.

Sometimes all you need is a friend who works out regularly in a gym or studio. Members can bring guests for free or at a discounted rate at many locations. You will not only be able to sample a new class without having to pay the whole cost, but you will also have a workout partner to help you stay motivated.

7. Go for Off-Peak Pricing

Gym peak hours tend to be early in the morning (before the work day) and in the early evening (after the workday). But with a flexible schedule, you can get a workout in at odd hours (maybe 2pm, maybe even 11pm). During these quieter hours, classes are often offered at lower prices, to help fill the class as much as possible.

8. Negotiate or Ask About Discounts

If all else fails, ask for discounts! Discounts are frequently available by profession (such as educators or medical professionals), students, or other groups like veterans or senior citizens. If you’re coming with a group of friends, you may be able to get a bulk discount to lower the individual price for both yourself and others in your group.

This good be a good pricing strategy to take advantage of if you plan to attend multiple classes,

Finding Your Ideal Gym

It’s time to drop the myth that all gyms are so expensive. Yes, some ultra-luxury gyms may break the bank, but for the most part, gyms are an affordable expense provided you take advantage of any free or heavily discounted offers that roll in throughout the year. Whether it’s going to off-peak hour classes or utilizing free trial periods, you can build your body while on a budget. Trust me, it truly is possible. If money was previously holding you back from continuing your fitness journey, have this be a sign to follow one or two of these tips and see how much money you can save while becoming a regular at the gym.