Tips on how to maximize your gym membership and get the most from that nagging monthly membership fee. I promise, it’s worth it!

I am by no means consider myself to be a “fitness guru”.

That said, after joining a gym I’ve been working out the best way to truly get the most out of the monthly membership fee — as well as maximize benefits through my workout.

I long preferred to do my workouts at home or generally outside — but that poses a lot of complications when the weather doesn’t cooperate with your schedule. That’s where a gym membership is so excellent as well as giving me the option to explore and development a solid fitness routine.

How to Maximize Your Gym Membership

After joining a gym, I was determined to not become one of those people who waste their membership. I’m happy to report I’ve been pretty successful at discovering benefits of my gym and

. I was ready to get back to a regular workout routine and take advantage of all the gym’s benefits to branch out and try new things as well.

Over the last six months, I’ve done a pretty good job at maintaining consistent workouts at LA Fitness and have fine tuned ways to really get the most out of that monthly fee. So today I wanted to report back to you all the ways I’ve found to maximize your gym membership.

Of course there are other things I may not be aware of – so if you think of something I’m overlooking…PLEASE share!

HOW TO MAXIMIZE YOUR GYM MEMBERSHIP

Take Advantage of the App

The immediate best way to maximize your gym membership is to download your gym of choice’s app. Doing so will help you:

Track your workouts
Review gym hours – specifically on holidays
Monitor class schedules
Identify other locations when traveling

Utilize Other Locations

When joining an athletic facility like Barry’s, Crunch, LA Fitness, Orange Theory, Planet Fitness or otherwise – a benefit is access other locations when traveling. Or you can simply hop into different locations that are most convenient for you based off changes in your schedule at home.

The freedom to workout at various locations is a great way to maximize your gym membership and conveniently stay up on your fitness while on-the-go.

Link Gym Membership to Health Insurance for Benefits

Did you know that many insurance provider networks offer discounts on gym memberships?

Since the cost of healthcare is constantly on the rise, why not do a quick search on your insurance’s website or place a call to see if you can save any money on a gym membership. Or, when looking for a gym, you should be able to ask the staff about health insurance programs that provide a discount on monthly membership fees.

To boot, some insurance providers (like Humana) help you earn rewards by following a healthy lifestyle. I was able to link my LA Fitness membership to Humana’s “Go 365” program to complete challenges and earn points every time I hit the gym. Reward points can be cashed in for gift cards to Amazon, iTunes, Macy’s, restaurants and more.

Take Advantage of Classes

A huge benefit of joining a gym that offers a variety of classes is the ability to discover new fitness techniques. Maximize your gym membership by thoroughly reviewing the class section.

Pilates, Zumba, cycling, pilates or even yoga all work different muscle groups that you can target in your fitness journey.

Join Facebook Groups for Regular Fitness Classes

There’s a water aerobics class I have fallen for at my local gym and I was shocked when other attendees let me know there’s a Facebook group. I of course immediately joined and it’s been a terrific way to check on any schedule changes related to weather or holidays. It also fosters more of a community feel where the class and instructors can connect online. It’s almost like a buddy system!

Maximize your gym membership by asking around in any classes you routinely attend or the gym staff if there’s a dedicated Facebook group you can join for regular updates.

Visit the Hot Tub and Sauna

We all know working out is a great way to battle stress, but using the sauna or hot tub at your gym will only help you more. We all have times when things get particularly stressful and taking a few minutes to relax in your gym’s sauna or ease tight muscles in the hot tub is quite beneficial.

I admittedly don’t do this on every visit to the gym (or week if I’m being honest), these are nice soothing features to take advantage of when the mood strikes.

BONUS TIP: If you have a car, stow a swimsuit and towel in the back so you have those on hand.

Rotate Gym Equipment

No doubt, gym equipment does not come cheap and the likelihood that you’ll be able to afford all the pieces of equipment your gym has to offer at home is slim to none.

That means a great way to maximize your gym membership is to take advantage of all the machines at your disposal. For cardio, rotate between the elliptical, treadmill, rowing machine, stationary bike and stair-master. For weights, hit various machines that target your legs, arms, core, etc. for a full-body workout. Your options are truly limited when you think about it!

If you have any ideas on other ways to maximize you gym membership – please share!

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