Gym - monthly costs - price models at a glance

This advisory was checked by an external expert for technical correctness.

OUR SPECIALIST IN FITNESS, NUTRITION & HEALTH: Alexander Hübner
Mr. Hübner is a sports scientist and works as a sports therapist and freelance fitness trainer in Dresden. In addition, he works as a lecturer nationwide. Alexander Hübner is an expert in the areas of prevention and rehabilitation- & Fitness sports, medical training therapy and movement theory. You can find out more about him and his vita here!

Gyms are as different as their members. Basically, the studios can be roughly divided into three categories according to their price range: inexpensive “discount” studio chains, mid-range studios and premium studios.

Nevertheless, the price-performance ratio varies between the providers and so you should individually assess what comfort you want and how much money you are willing to spend on it.

A trial training session that some gyms offer free of charge is best suited for this.

Most studios count their membership fees monthly. With some providers there is also a one-time registration fee.

Often – especially at discount studios – a service fee (e.g. every 6 months) is also charged. These costs should not be neglected.

Due to the great competitive pressure, small studios sometimes offer discounts on membership fees on a negotiation basis.

The different pricing models at gyms

Overview of the monthly costs for gyms in different price ranges:

price range	monthly membership fee	Furnishing
Cheap	10 to 25 euros	High quality devices Courses mostly only available virtually no wellness area few coaches
middle class	25 to 60 euros	High quality devices large range of courses small wellness area with sauna Training support for members Extras: e.g. body analysis
Premium	60, – to 100, – euros	High quality devices large range of courses large wellness area intensive training support for members many extras: e.g. Personal trainer, massage, EMS training, events, childcare

All prices are rough guidelines including VAT and can of course vary.

The affordable studios, which lure with almost utopian small prices, are becoming increasingly popular. As a rule, they do not forego high-quality equipment.

The savings are made more on the staff. In these studios, you will rarely find competent trainers who you can address. Therefore, these gyms are rather unsuitable for newcomers.

In addition, many courses are only available virtually. This means that no real trainer shows and controls the exercises, but a video training – often a live stream – is played. There is usually no wellness area.

Most of the time, these providers have a fixed contract term that you have to stick to. You can expect monthly contributions of between 10 and 25 euros.

In most cases, at least a small wellness area with a sauna awaits you at the mid-range studios. Many courses are offered, such as Zumba, yoga or belly legs butt that an instructor guides on site.

Some studios also offer extras such as body analysis or health-oriented examinations.
The members are supervised during the training and corrected if necessary.

The registration fee is about twice as high as in the cheap studios. The monthly membership fees are between 25 and 60 euros.

In the upscale studios you will find a more extensive range and very well qualified employees. The course and training rooms are usually very spacious and modern.

The members are usually looked after very individually and professionally. You can often also book a personal trainer.

The premium fitness studios also advertise with many extras, such as EMS training, childcare or massages. You will often find a very spacious wellness area with sauna and solarium here.

Some studios also offer whirlpools or swimming pools.

The admission fee is usually no higher than in mid-range studios. You pay about 60 to 100 euros per month for membership.

How can I save when I sign a contract??

As with many leisure activities, students, schoolchildren or trainees usually receive discounts in fitness studios.

In addition, you can sometimes cut costs by paying the membership fees all at once as an annual fee. You often get a discount for these totals and they are cheaper than the total monthly contributions.

Also note that contributions for shorter contract terms are usually more expensive than for longer contract terms.

Good to know: Many reputable gyms offer a trial period during which you can quit without giving a reason. This trial period is usually 2 to 4 weeks.

What needs to be considered when choosing the gym?

First of all, you should pay attention to the qualifications the staff have. For example, the qualifications of the German Sports Studio Association or the German Fitness Instructor Association are good starting points.

In addition, an individual fitness and health check should be carried out at the beginning. Previous illnesses should also be inquired about and taken into account. You will then receive personal advice and an individual training plan in good fitness studios.

It is also important that a contact person is always present who will help you with any questions, instruct you in the equipment and correct incorrect exercises.

Examine the equipment and the atmosphere. Is the studio always crowded? Do you have to wait in line for a long time? Then this speaks for an ill-considered establishment. In addition, a structured and friendly service staff should be available.

Look out for special entry-level or health courses. Are all movements explained in detail here? Your individual problems will be discussed?

Of course, the hygienically perfect condition of changing rooms, showers, toilets, saunas etc. is also a quality criterion.

Ask for the exact terms of the contract. You can train as often as you do want or are you limited to a maximum number of weekly visits? If you move house, you can give early notice?

There are also quality seals for gyms such as the TÜV Prae-Fit seal or the Sport pro Fitness seal. These are awarded to studios with extensive support and are therefore recommended in most cases.

Basically, only sign a long-term contract if you are really sure that the gym is right for you. Long notice periods tend to decrease, but often you can only cancel contracts at short notice if you are pregnant or seriously ill.

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