Searching for the perfect gym in your local area can be difficult. In some areas, the issue is that there aren’t enough options. And in other areas, there are so many options they could make your head spin! The decision-making process can get even harder if you’re looking for a specific type of gym or gym membership, like a month-to-month contract.
Today, we are going to talk about finding the perfect month-to-month gym for you. We’ll give you suggestions on things to look for and specific questions to ask yourself and the gym staff.
Let’s get started!
Month-to Month Gyms in Bellingham
How to Find Month-to-Month Gyms
There are a few things to consider when you’re looking for month-to-month membership options at gyms near you. The first is price. You’ll want to find a gym that charges reasonable monthly fees. The second is location. You’ll want to find a gym that’s convenient for you to get to and from. And the third is amenities. You’ll want to find a gym that has the amenities you’re looking for, such as group classes, personal trainers, and more.
To help you find the perfect month-to-month gym near you, here are some helpful tips:
Check Out Local Gyms Online
One of the best ways to find month-to-month gyms near you is to do a search on a GPS search engine like Google Maps for local gyms. This will give you a comprehensive list of gyms in your area, along with pricing information and reviews. You can customize your search area by showing a specific circumference on the map, and you can map out routes and drive times to and from work or home.
If you’re not comfortable with Google Maps or a GPS mapping program, you can simply type in things like “gyms near me,” “month to month gyms in Bellingham,” etc.
Ask Around
If you have friends or family members who belong to a month-to-month gym, ask them for recommendations. They may know of a great gym that’s close to you and has everything you’re looking for.
Read Online Reviews
When you’re looking for anything, reading online reviews is always a good idea. This is especially true when it comes to finding a month-to-month gym near you. You’ll be able to see what other people have to say about the different gyms in your area and make an informed decision.
Visit the Gyms in Person
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, it’s time to visit the gyms in person. This will give you a better idea of what each gym has to offer and whether or not it’s right for you.
Try a Day Pass First
If you’re not sure if you want to commit to a month-to-month membership, try a day pass first. This will allow you to experience the gym and see if it’s right for you. If you like it, then you can sign up for a membership. If not, then you can try another gym.
Make the most of your day pass too. Don’t just look around at the free weights rack or loiter by the door of a fitness class. If you like TRX training and they have it there, go on a day when you can participate in the class. If you’re looking to sign up for a membership to get rid of the belly pouch you grew while hibernating in the winter, get down on a mat and do a crunch. Fitness center day passes should be used, not wasted. And, if it ends up not working out, that’s okay because you still got a workout in for free!
Look for Discounts
Many gyms offer discounts for things like signing up for a certain length of time or paying in advance. Be sure to ask about any discounts that may be available when you’re looking for month-to-month gyms near you.
Advantages of Month-to-Month Gym Memberships
There are many advantages to having a month-to-Month gym membership. Here are the best ones:
No Strings Attached
One of the biggest advantages is that you’re not locked into a long-term contract. This means that you can cancel your membership at any time if you need to. People are really drawn to this, especially if they’re new to the world of gyms. It gives them a way to ease into a gym experience without making an expensive commitment they might not be able to stick to.
More Affordable
Another advantage is that you can often find better deals on month-to-month memberships than you can on long-term contracts. It also allows you to spread out the cost. Paying monthly is often way more manageable than paying for six months or a year at a time.
Flexibility
And finally, month-to-month memberships give you the flexibility to change gyms if you find one that you like better. Going month-to-month is like having a built-in trial period or time off plan. If you have a super busy part of the year, like the holidays, where you know you won’t be going to the gym, you can cancel and pick back up after the new year.
Disadvantages of Month-to-Month Gym Memberships
There are some disadvantages to having a month-to-month membership as well. We’ll go over a few of the most influential disadvantages here:
Potentially Higher Up-Front Costs
One of the biggest disadvantages is that you may have to pay a higher initial monthly fee. Not all, but some gyms charge a startup fee or a higher initial monthly fee to get you registered for your monthly membership because they’re preparing themselves for you to cancel shortly after signing up. It’s a way to, hopefully, get you to stay with them longer.
Access to Amenities
Another disadvantage is that you may not have access to all of the same amenities as you would if you had a long-term contract. For example, you may not be able to use the pool or take group exercise classes. Other gyms also have more luxurious amenities that you might want to buy into, like steam rooms, massage and spa services, and recovery services. They may or may not be included in your month-to-month membership, and they may cost more than you are willing to pay.
In some places, longer-term membership contracts are more similar to an unlimited access pass, while a month-to-month membership is more like general admission. This isn’t the case at all gyms, but it’s an important question to ask when you’re shopping around.
Cancellation Fees
And finally, if you cancel your membership, you may have to pay a cancellation fee. It’s really important to ask about cancellation fees when you’re looking at local gyms because they can really come around to bite you. Sometimes, it’s expensive to get out of your membership, and if you were only there for one or two months, that cancellation fee might feel a little unfair.
Month-to-month gym memberships have both advantages and disadvantages. You’ll need to decide what’s most important to you when choosing a gym. If price is your biggest concern, then a month-to-month gym membership may be the best option for you. No matter what type of gym membership you choose, be sure to do your research and find one that’s right for you.
What Is Included in a Gym Membership?
This will vary depending on the gym, but memberships at most gyms will include access to the weight room, cardio machines, and group exercise classes. Some gyms may also offer personal training services, child care, and other amenities. Be sure to ask about what’s included in a gym membership before you sign up.
What Is the Average Cost of a Gym Membership?
The average cost of a gym membership is completely dependent on location and amenities. If you join a bare-bones gym like Planet Fitness, you’ll pay less but you might sacrifice more. If you join a niche gym or studio, there will likely be a lot of high-end amenities, but it will also cost you way more than a normal gym. We always suggest that you be realistic about your needs. Don’t skimp on cleanliness, equipment, classes, and a healthy environment. But don’t overindulge or splurge either.
Important Qualities to Look for in a Local Gym
When you’re looking for a local gym, there are certain amenities that you’ll want to look for. One of the most important things to consider is whether or not the gym is open during hours that fit your schedule. You have to make time to go to the gym, and it’s way too easy to give yourself excuses not to go. Another thing to look for in a local gym is a wide variety of cardio and strength-training equipment. You’ll also want to make sure that the gym offers group exercise classes that fit your interests. And finally, you’ll want to choose a gym that’s close to your home or work so that it’s convenient for you to get to.
Questions to Ask Before Joining a Gym
Before joining a gym, there are some important questions that you’ll need to ask to see how other gyms compare to each other. We’ve condensed the information from above into a neat pile of questions. We made this so you can reference it when you’re doing online research or gym visits.
First, you’ll want to find out if the gym has a contract.
- If so, how long is it?
- What are the cancellation fees?
You’ll want to ask about membership options and regular fees.
- What is the monthly fee?
- What’s included in that fee?
- Can that fee ever change?
- Is there a discount for signing up for a longer period of time?
You’ll want to ask about the services they offer.
- Are there group classes? Can you attend unlimited classes?
- Personal training services? Free fitness training?
- What kind of equipment and machines do they have? Free weights? Cardio machines?
- Childcare?
- How often does the facility get cleaned?
You’ll want to ask about the amenities that are available at the gym.
- Lockerrooms?
- Showers?
- Food and drink?
- Do they offer towels and water?
- Is there parking available? Is it free?
Ask about the expectations the gym has and the environment they offer.
- Are there dress code requirements?
- Is the gym quiet or loud?
- Is it a judgment-free zone?
And finally, you’ll want to ask about the hours of operation.
- Does the gym fit your schedule?
- Is there 24-hour access?
- Is the gym staffed at night?
By asking these questions, you can be sure that you’re choosing the right gym for you.
Go Find Your Perfect Gym!
Now that you know what to look for in a gym membership, it’s time to do your research and find one that fits your needs. Be sure to ask lots of questions and take the time to tour the facility before you commit to anything. And once you find the perfect gym, don’t forget to enjoy all the benefits that come with being a member!
To start you off on the right foot, we recommend going online to Fitness Evolution’s website and requesting a free day pass. Go ahead and get your feet wet. Ask about their month-to-month membership prices, their facility, and amenities, and chat with their lovely staff!
