The Hennessy Center for Student Life is a major hub of student activity. Opened in 1994, it houses a 10,000-square-foot gymnasium, running track, fitness, training, and locker rooms, as well as facilities for meetings and conferences. The Center hosts intercollegiate athletic events, open recreation, and student events. There is no charge to students and faculty for the use of the facility.
Gym membership in the U.S. fell 3 percent in 2007, which has some chain and independent gyms adding extra incentives such as bigger membership discounts, a free month, passes for a workout buddy or discounted personal training or other amenities such as a classes or spa use.
“Gyms rea
lize these are tough economic times, for themselves as well as their members,” says Joe Moore, chief executive of the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association, an industry trade group. Among the deals out there: A two-week free guest pass at Bally Total Fitness (ballyfitness.com), which recently filed for bankruptcy reorganization but says it plans to continue operations. One month free, then 50 percent off the monthly membership fee at Curves (curves.com). No enrollment fee at Gold’s Gym (goldsgym.com). Moore recommends that new andold gym members review benefits online or in the information package they are typically handed when they sign up. Go through the materials with a staff member to be sure you know what you’re getting.
Ask about all fees and if the club offers month-to-month contracts, rather than lock you in for a full year. Also ask about cancellation rules.
Other tips:
If you are out of work and locked into a year-long contract, ask the club if it will freeze your membership.
Before you sign up make sure you are clear on what amenities are free and what you pay extra for.
Clubs often offer one or two personal training sessions free when you sign up. Ask for more free passes, ask trainers you like if they are ever on the floor to offer gratis coaching and find out if the club offers small training classes at rates well below the one-on-one sessions.
Check your company benefits to see if free or discounted gym memberships are offered. Many health insurers offer discounts at specific gyms. Call the membership number on your insurance card or check the insurer’s website.
If your doctor prescribes a gym membership to help treat a health problem, you may be able to use your flexible spending account — a pretax account for medical expenses some firms set up for employees. Ask the doctor if a prescription is appropriate, then show it to the person at your firm who manages employee benefits and ask if your company will allow gym use to be covered by the account.