Unless you’ve been struck deaf and blind over Christmas, you’ll be aware that the country’s gyms have launched their annual attack on your post-holiday flab.
The evil forces behind corporate gyms know that the dark days of January are when we all pledge to get slim and fit, so that’s when they start advertising with a vengeance. But don’t get sucked in.
The average gym membership in 2009 was £442 according to Mintel – that’s around £37 a month. So if you only go twice a month you’re paying £18.50 a session, and no gym is fancy enough to justify that. There are plenty of ways to lose weight without your wallet getting slimmer.
How to lose weight for free
The cheapest way to work out is in your own home. Sit-ups, crunches, lunges and squats are all simple and effective ways of getting in shape that are also completely free. Just look online for descriptions of the basic techniques. Once you are ready for a slightly tougher work out, raid your store cupboard. Water bottles or tinned food can be used as weights, and instead of splashing out on a plastic step just use, well, a normal step.
If you are not really sure what you are doing and want a bit of extra motivation, then splash out on a fitness DVD. There are hundreds out there offering all sorts of workouts from yoga to ballroom dancing, and they only cost around £15 – or less if you buy a second-hand one. Just choose the one that is right for you and then set aside a certain time a couple of times a week to do it.
Get outdoors
Heading outside to work out might not be hugely appealing right now, but once the weather perks up a bit the great outdoors offers a wealth of workout opportunities. Running won’t cost you more than the price of a good pair of trainers and is a great way to work off the pounds.
Cycling is another option. Cut the cost of buying a bike by getting one through the Cycle to Work scheme – the government scheme that allows you to pay for your bike out of your pay-packet before tax. All you have to agree to is that you will use your bike in your commute, which means you get fit and save on transport costs.
If you want to exercise outside but need the motivation of a regular class, consider signing up for your local British Military Fitness class. These are held in parks around the country and are military-style boot-camp classes. If you can cope with doing press-ups in the mud, these classes will help you shift the excess pounds. Classes cost from £25 a month.
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Join a gym on the cheap
If you really think you will make the most of a gym membership, then get one. Just be aware that there are ways to cut the costs. Firstly, check what facilities your local council offers. If you just want the use of a swimming pool, the council one will be cheaper than a gym pool – and probably a lot bigger too. The government also has a free swimming programme for anyone aged under 16 or over 60. You might question the wisdom of that, given the state of the public finances, but as long as it is there you might as well take advantage of it if you are eligible.
If your local council’s gym facilities aren’t up to scratch or convenient enough, then a private gym may be the thing for you. But before you sign on the dotted line make sure you understand your contract and are getting the best possible deal. To minimise the chances of signing up to a gym and then not going, choose one that has the facilities you want – and enough of them that you won’t always have to queue or find the classes are fully booked. Also, pick a gym that is in the right place: there is no point signing up to one near home if you like to workout in your lunch hour, and vice versa.
Once you’ve chosen your gym – and feel free to go on tours of a few before you settle on one – it’s time to start negotiating. On top of the monthly fee you’ll pay, there is usually a joining fee – but in many cases salespeople have the power to waive or reduce this fee, so don’t be afraid to ask.
Also, check exactly what you are signing up for. Will you be able to cancel if, three months down the line, you find yourself back on the sofa watching telly rather than racking up the miles on the treadmill? Is there a cancellation fee or a minimum contract term? What happens if you move house or go on holiday? Is it possible to freeze your membership or switch it to another branch?
Once you’ve answered all these questions and are happy you’ve negotiated the best deal, sign up. Then make yourself go.
• This article is taken from our weekly MoneyWeek Saver email.
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