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Marc Lockley is the Negotiator. This week he looks at how budding fitness fanatics can burn calories without burning a hole in their pocket
So you managed to resist the heavy marketing aimed at luring you into fighting post-Christmas bulge by joining a gym in January – congratulations. But your paunch hasn't gone and now you're thinking about signing up. Fear not – you can burn calories without burning a hole in your pocket. A friend of mine recently managed to get membership at a local gym at 30% off the off-peak rate in exchange for restricted access between 7.30am and 10am Monday to Friday – times that suit both parties. By working out what you want you could also make savings.
Setting your sights
Make a list of the benefits and discounts you would like your gym to offer. These might include:
• Money off your monthly fee
• No joining fee (which can be up to £100)
• Free towels, personal training, guest-passes and a free locker
• Free classes (many offer this anyway).
What and when
Do you plan to swim regularly, or are you hoping to dance your way to fitness? Gyms offer a plethora of facilities and programmes so you need to look at what is key to you. Those with pools tend to cost more, but if you are unlikely to swim more than once a month you may be better off joining a cheaper gym and paying separately to use the local swimming baths.
Think about when and how often you will use the gym. Do you want one close to home or work, or a chain that has branches near both? What time of day would you visit, and will it only be on a weekend? An off-peak membership may suit you and will cost less than a full membership. If you are only going to go twice a week, joining a gym with a monthly fee could prove expensive – perhaps a local leisure centre where you pay each visit may be a better option.
Search your area
The activeplaces website allows you to search a database of sports centres in your area and details the facilities on offer. Look at the individual websites of the gyms and note any current offers.
Try them out, narrow them down
Gym membership is a big financial outlay, so it is important you like the atmosphere of the club. Many offer free passes so you can try the facilities before you join – take advantage of these and delay the monthly fee. Gyms that already let you do this include Esporta, Nuffield, LA Fitness and Fitness First.
If a club doesn't offer a free pass you should ask if you can try the facilities before you sign up.
After a visit, don't feel obliged to join – tell them you need to consider your options. When you have seen them all, make a shortlist.
Get a price
Ring your preferred gym and ask for a quote for the membership that interests you. Remember, they want your business. Spring is almost here and clubs are nervous that you may don your all-weather jogging top and take to the streets for free instead of joining them. When you get a price you should raise an objection – for example, you might say "that's a bit too expensive", but you will get back to them if you are still interested. They may try and find out what is stopping you from booking now; feel free to let them know – it may help them offer you some added extras or lower the price.
Beat them at their own game – when speaking to a salesperson you gain a better rapport if you are polite and call them by their name.
Speak to your second or third choice. Be positive, but show you need persuading. For example, say you liked their club but the swimming pool was a bit small compared to your first choice, which also offers five free guest passes and is closer to work and home. Say you would be more likely to consider them if they would include free towels and five guest passes and waive the joining fee – try for more than you would settle for; perhaps ask for a discount on the monthly fee too.
Finally, speak to your favourite club and let them know how keen its rivals are to sign you up with their amazing introductory offers. Say that you would book with them right now if they would ... (insert whatever you want them to do).
Beware of the small print
Read your agreement carefully before signing on the dotted line. Many clubs offer memberships with a monthly fee, but sign you up for a minimum of a year – 20% of people give up the gym after six months, not that you'll be one of them, of course! If you like the gym but not the contract, ask it to waive the commitment and tell it other clubs (based on your research) will do the same. Be prepared to walk away if it refuses.
Tip: If you are going to exercise regularly and also want a private health plan, it may be worth considering PruHealth, where you can get up to 100% off your gym membership (after paying a £25 activation fee).
Challenge the Negotiator
In two weeks' time the Negotiator will look at how to cut the cost of buying a car. As well as general tips he will help one reader get a better deal. If you want to take part, email us at money.editor@guardianunlimited.co.uk
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