Tuesday Trim Down

If you like those expensive gyms with all of their great amenities but don't want to pay the high prices, you can try out many local gyms for free. Most gyms offer free trial passes for first time users. At some gyms you can even get up to a week free or more free. Enjoy free classes, use of equipment and locker rooms.

The American Health and Fitness Alliance has even compiled free passes from gyms and studios to offer a passbook valid for free passes. The passbooks are available in New York, Chicago, Houston and L.A. Visit http://www.health-fitness.org/index.html for more info.

If you decide you like a local gym or studio, feel free to sign up for a membership but here are a few tips to negotiate a deal:

1) Don't just sign on the dotted line. The sales or marketing person who is responsible for signing up customers just wants to get their commission from your membership and so they may not be upfront with all the details. Find out if you are locked into a term contract (i.e. one year) or if you have a month-to-month deal. Also find out how termination works, e.g. do you need to give 4 weeks notice, is there a termination fee? Find out if your fee is locked in or if it will go up at some point.

2.) Watch out for hidden costs. The salesperson may try to go over prices with you extremely quickly. Make him or her slow down so that you understand. Have them break down what fees are a one-time only fee and what the monthly fees are. Also, find out if you have to pay any pro-rata fees and what the late fees are for late payments.

3.) Ask for a deal. Gyms and studios usually have signing deals (e.g. no joining fee, one month free, etc.) Ask what the latest promotion is and don't feel bad about walking away unless they give you a deal. It's your money and the gym will be there two weeks from now, a month from now, etc. Make it clear that the only way you will sign up today is if you get a promotional deal.

4.) Find out about joining perks. Many gyms will give you free or discounted personal training sessions. Find out what these deals are and then take advantage of them. Even if you only get a few sesssions with a trainer, you can learn a lot of techniques that you can do on your own.

5.) Refer a friend. Many gyms will offer discounts if you refer a friend to join. Get the word out!

6.) Then once you have joined, don't let your money go to waste. Get to the gym!