My gym just raised the monthly fee again — now it's over $50 a month, plus an annual fee on top of that. I barely go twice a week these days, so I'm starting to wonder if it's really worth it. Is anyone else cancelling theirs, switching to home workouts, or have you found a cheaper gym that actually works? Curious what people are actually paying and whether you think it's worth it.
Before cancelling, it's worth asking the gym about a freeze or a cheaper off-peak plan — many offer one but don't advertise it, and the annual fee is sometimes negotiable when you mention leaving. If you only go twice a week, a budget chain at $10–25 a month or a community rec center can cover the basics. For home workouts, adjustable dumbbells and a pull-up bar pay for themselves in a few months compared with $50+ a month.
Another option if you mostly want cardio or basic weights: some public libraries and employers offer free or discounted gym passes, and many health insurance plans include a fitness benefit (programs like Active&Fit or SilverSneakers for older members) that can bring the cost down to $25–30 a month or less. Worth checking your plan's member perks page before you sign anything new. And if you do cancel, read the contract first, since some gyms require notice in writing or by certified mail 30 days ahead.
I haven't cancelled mine yet, but I did the same math recently and it's hard to justify. At over $50 a month plus an annual fee, going twice a week works out to a pretty pricey workout. I'm thinking about asking about a freeze for the winter or switching to off-peak instead — if that doesn't work, home workouts are starting to look a lot more appealing.
I did the same math recently and it just stopped making sense for me too. If I'm only going a couple of times a week, paying over $50 a month plus an annual fee feels hard to justify. I've been thinking about cancelling and doing more home workouts or walks instead, at least for the winter. Did anyone here actually cancel and stick with it, or did you end up missing the gym and rejoining?
Before cancelling outright, it's worth asking the gym about a freeze or a cheaper off-peak plan