Gym fees

[jeanette1976]

I'm desperate to join a gym to start getting fit but on calling the gym closest to my house (i don't drive), i was told it was �25 to join and �30pcm. There is no pool/ jucuzzi/ sauna or anyhting else other than a gym (perhaps a few sunbeds) so this seems quite expensive, but my main concern is that I will be changing jobs soon and will be working 6 evenings a week to support myself while back to Uni.

I was told that if i was to stop attending for what ever reason, i would still be liable to pay the �30pcm as i had to sign a contract on joining. Is there any way i can get out of this as i really only wanted to see if i could keep it up and i really wanted to get as much done as i can before Sept with my long uni days and longer working nights!

[cazzz1975]

whats wrong with long walks, running outside (park) using the local swimming baths, riding a bike? most of these dont cost a tenth as much as joining a fancy gym

[MrBen5]

Hmmm, be careful Jeanette. You will still be commited to paying �30 per month for 12 moths usually.
If you dont think your gonna have much time to go to the gym, your better off doing what cazza said...

[smudge]

I applied to join our local gym late last year, only to find the same rules & regulations, so I didn't bother..

I just keep up with my swimming & walking. Fresh air's free & swimming doesn't cost much!

Good luck.

[smudge]

P.S. cazz's just reminded me - my husband pumped my tyres up on my bike at the weekend, so we'll be resuming cycling soon too - not too far mind!

Just make sure you've got a well padded saddle!

[warpig3]

Jeanette, tell 'em to stick their gym, why should you sign up for something that you in all probability will be unable to use. As others have stated there is plenty out there to do for free!

Sorry if I sound bitter but my local gym caught me with exactly this a number of years ago, they didn't mention it at the time though, and I, the fool that I am didn't read the contract throughly (a very expensive lesson on my behalf!)

[gina32]

the gym i go to costs �41 a month and has it all, gym, obviously, classes, all free, swimming, sauna steam jacuzzi and no joining fee or contract so if you dont like it you can leave, they seem to have the right idea when they say, if you get an injury or are ill and cant come then you are losing all that money.

[leelapops]

Hi jeanette, that sounds like extortion! Once they have you in a contract, you're pretty much bound in chains until the year is up. Definitely look at cheaper, and less competitive/uncomfortable options! I love to swim, and it's fairly relaxed. Could a friend go with you? That always spurs me on. When I lived in my home town me and my dad used to go early in the morning, when it was quiet. We had a brill time!
We have a dog, so tht's great exercise for me! If you like dogs, have you any friends or neighbours whose dog you could help out with?

I know what you mean about Uni swallowing up your time. I travel an hour to Uni, and an hour back (obv!), leaving the house at 6.45, so by the time I get home around 7.30pm, I don't much fancy a run round the park!

Also in my home town, the local council had this incredible scheme, which I've not found elsewhere :( where you paid a set sum a month to access all its leisure services without limit-2 golf courses, 3 different gyms, the local pools, the Turkish baths (wow!) and so on. I think for a student, and for people on certain benefits, it was �15, �25 for people working. Will yours have anything similar?

Failing all this, you could walk to the farthest gym away from you, and back, every morning!

x

[Sasha13]

I got caught with this, joined a gym then a week later found out I needed to move with work, no gym in new area. They stung me for a �200 cancellation fee, I'd gone 4 times. Def don't join if you're not going to get the full use out of it - take up running or something instead, or pay for aeorbics classes by the hour.

[Octavius]

Perhaps your Uni might have appropriate facilities that you could use for a subsidised fee or pay-as-you-go arrangement? In the meantime, why not just use any free local facilities available, such as the park, the green, the forest etc. I wouldn�t consider skinny dipping in the local pond though, but seeing as it is coming up to summer, you might.

[jeanette1976]

Ahhhhhhh... thank you all... I guess i was just being silly.. I can actually use the one at the uni but didn't want to go on my own and it's mixed sex, which is off-putting for someone who hasn't made any mates yet...

well, to be fair, i don't start until Sept!!!

[bednobs]

i would have thought there might be some pay as you go gyms around that might suit you better. if you are overweight you could get your doctor to prescribe gym memebership

[gina32]

doctor provide gym membership???? if thats right i think i'll change mine to whichever one does that!!

[gina32]

sorry that should have read "prescribe" not provide