Fit and Frugal: 6 Ways To Get a Free Gym Membership

The goal of joining a gym is usually to drop pounds — not money. That being said, fitness and health clubs made $32 billion in 2022, according to Statista. That’s a heavy weight on most wallets.

Getting in shape isn’t only for the affluent, though. By taking advantage of special offers and getting a little creative, you can get fit without breaking the bank. Explore these six ways to stay fit, both physically and financially.

Let’s start with what might be the most obvious option. Gyms often provide trial periods or guest passes for new members. These options allow you to try out the facilities and services without having to pay right away.

“During my early fitness days, I often used these trials to explore different gyms and training styles before settling down with one,” said James Dixon, lead writer at Fitness Brain. “It’s crucial, though, to read the fine print to avoid any unwanted long-term commitments.”

Caroline Grainger, certified personal trainer at FitnessTrainer.com, said, “While this isn’t a long-term solution, it’s a great way to shop around for the gym that’s right for you, and to lower your up-front costs until you’ve built a good workout habit and don’t want to quit.” 

As part of money-saving employee compensation programs, some employers offer corporate memberships that give employees discounted rates at specific gyms or health clubs. If your company doesn’t offer a corporate wellness program, consider asking your human resources manager how to get one started.

Some health plans provide perks like discounted rates on gym memberships, fitness gear and even online classes. You may be pleasantly surprised to discover an array of complimentary benefits that are included with your insurance package. 

“It’s always smart to start by checking with your insurance company,” Grainger said. “Especially since the passage of the Affordable Care Act, many insurance plans come with discounts for gym memberships and similar services. Even if you can’t get a free membership, you can often get a discount.” 

“Contact your health insurance provider to inquire as to whether this is part of your policy or if you can upgrade your plan to include this service,” said Athina Crilley, writer at PowerliftingTechnique.

It’s worth exploring community centers and parks near you for affordable fitness options. These places often have gyms and offer free or low-cost memberships for people who live in the area.

“When I first dipped my toes into the fitness world, I started training in a local community center,” Dixon said. “While it wasn’t as well-equipped as a commercial gym, it offered enough to kickstart my fitness journey. So, do some research about community resources in your area. You might be pleasantly surprised by what you discover.”

“Going to the gym doesn’t mean you have to enter a commercial property,” said David Mason, founder of Barbells Abroad. “Many local parks and recreation areas have installed adult gym equipment which is free for the public to make use of. There won’t be a TV on the wall or locker rooms but you can visit whenever you want and don’t have to part with any money!”

YMCA is a nonprofit organization that’s similar to a community center. They have over 2,500 locations in the U.S. and have existed for over a century. Its many services include gym facilities, which are available for members to use for no additional cost.

While a membership does have a monthly fee, the majority of YMCA branches provide financial aid to those who meet their low-income requirements. 

“In fact, I have yet to come across one that does not provide low-income homes that fulfill their income standards with a subsidized membership program,” said Kieran Sheridan, founder of GulfPhysio. “Typically, you must apply in person and provide identification, proof of residency, and proof of household income in order to receive the low income discount.” 

Check with your local YMCA to see what its application process and requirements are.

Many gyms offer free memberships to their employees, even those who work part time. If you have one or two free afternoons or evenings a week, it might be worth your time to work at the front desk or juice bar of your preferred gym.

Along with the extra income, you could save a bundle on membership fees. You might even get a discount on extras, like spa services or personal training sessions.

Beth Rifkin contributed to the reporting for this article.