Gyms membership rates aren’t cheap, if you add up your monthly charge and the annual cost is usually around $500. Now don’t get us wrong, being healthy is extremely important. The last thing you want to add to your money woes is a doctor bill. If you know you’re really going to use that membership then don’t bother signing up. There are plenty of no-cost options for staying fit. Now if you really serious about getting into or staying in shape and you’re committed to taking a daily trip to the gym, then by all means sign up.

Don’t be afraid to bargain at the gym:
Always remember that you aren’t the only one hurting out there. According to the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association, the slow economy is a factor in the first nationwide drop in gym memberships in more than a decade. Here are some tips to getting a price break on your monthly gym memberships:

- More and more gyms are offering awesome deals because they want to keep their customers and take advantage of our desire to cut living costs (insert shameless plug here). Rather than have you walk away from your membership completely, they’ll likely offer you a break to keep you around. So, before you cancel, sit down with someone on the gym’s staff to see what could be arranged.

- This is also a good time to sign up for a gym membership if as long (as you’re really going to use it). Many gyms are waiving their enrollment fees and offering basic memberships for as little as $20 to $30 a month.

- Don’t forget to ask for free guest passes. You can get anywhere from a few days to 2 weeks of access.

- Of course, don’t forget to compare gym memberships before you sign up for anything! Comparison shopping is the way to go!

Check out some of the current gym membership special offers :

24 Hour Fitness
Bally Total Fitness