If you’re a fitness enthusiast looking for affordable gym membership options in Canada, this article is for you!
Have you ever wondered, “How much is the average gym membership cost per month?”
Well, the average gym membership cost in Canada starts from $10 to $30 for the most basic gyms with limited access, facilities, and basic equipment.
Canadian gyms cater to people of all ages and backgrounds. Hence, you’ll find budget-friendly gyms to luxury fitness palaces laden with saunas, pools, a cafeteria, and many more amenities.
However, choosing a gym membership that fits all your needs within your preferred budget is a great start to your fitness journey.
In this article, we’ll break down the average gym membership cost in Canada, and also discuss the factors that affect the membership costs.
Stay with us!
What is the Average Gym Membership Cost in Canada?
Imagine yourself lifting weights like a star, but wait…
Before you do any of the heavy lifting, there’s a gym membership fee to be paid.
Well, each gym has its own set of rules when it comes to pricing their services. Some gyms offer two service fees, a monthly or annual fee.
However, many affordable and convenient options, including All Time Fitness, also offer a bi-weekly fee.
We will discuss various factors that determine the average cost of a gym membership later in the article.
For now, let’s break down the gym membership cost into three main categories.
| Category | Cost per Month | Annual Cost | Services/ Facilities |
| Lower-Range | $10 to $30 | $120 to $360 | Basic gym equipment, limited access |
| Mid-range | $30 to $70 | $360 to $840 | Standard gym equipment, pools, saunas, group classes |
| High-range | $170 to $500 | $2040 to $6k | Personal training, spa, premium equipment, exclusive classes |
Lower Range Gym
If you’re on a tight budget, but don’t want to compromise on your fitness journey, lower-range gyms are your best bet.
They offer basic equipment, limited access, and gym facilities that are enough to achieve your fitness goals. Some lower-range gyms also offer yoga classes once or twice a week.
Mid Range Gym
If you want a sweet balance of standard equipment and group classes for motivation, mid-range gyms are ideal for you.
They offer standard gym equipment, and group classes with additional benefits, including swimming pools and saunas.
High Range Gym
If you can afford it, the price is insignificant compared to the benefits of high-range gyms!
High-range gyms cater to a certain class of people who want all—luxury equipment, personal training, and amenities, such as spa treatment, smoothie bars, and exclusive classes.
Factors That Affect The Gym Membership Costs
No matter how fancy or basic a gym is, some factors influence the gym membership costs, including location, amenities, personal trainers, brand influence, etc.
Location
Just like the cost of your property depends on the locality, gym membership costs depend on where you’re located.
Gyms located in big cities, such as Toronto and Vancouver, are more expensive than gyms in small towns.
For example, gym fees in rural areas can start from $10 to $30 per month while gym membership in urban areas ranges from $50 to $100 per month.
The Gym Facilities or Types of equipment
Many gyms offer various amenities, such as fancy equipment, swimming pools, climbing walls, saunas, spas, and other options. High-end gyms like these start from $170+ monthly.
Whereas, most gyms offer basic equipment with free weights and are ideal for members on a budget. They cost $10 to $30 monthly.
Service of the Personal Trainer
If you avail of the services of a personal trainer at your gym, you might have to go for higher base rates, depending on the experience of your trainer and the results.
Personal training sessions at any gym cost more than the basic membership.
Usually, they start from $60 to $80 monthly. However, the membership costs depend on other factors, such as location, brand influence, and the reputation of your trainer.
Brand Influence
National chains or luxury gyms are usually more expensive than local options because of their clientele base and the luxurious amenities they provide.
Well-known national gyms start from $170+ monthly.
Your local gyms may provide the same services at a much lower cost between $40 to $70 monthly.
Opening and Closing Time
Some gyms offer extended hours and 24/7 access due to high demand, which results in increased operational costs.
Gyms with extended hours cost around $40 to $70 monthly.
Whereas, gyms that operate at standard hours offer lower fees between $10 to $40 monthly.
Limited or Full Access
If you choose a basic membership plan with limited access, facilities, and classes, the fees would be between $10 to $40.
However, if you go for a full premium membership with all amenities, unlimited access, and exclusive classes, it will naturally be more expensive, ranging from $40 to $70+ monthly.
Monthly and Yearly Plans
Many gyms offer yearly plans at a special discount compared to paying monthly. However, if you choose a yearly plan, you’re locked into a longer contract.
Monthly plans offer flexibility in terms of contracts at a relatively higher cost.
Pay-as-you-go (Weekly plans)
Very few gyms, such as All Time Fitness, offer pay-as-you-go options that are paid weekly or bi-weekly.
They may cost you more as compared to monthly plans, but they are ideal for infrequent gym members.
The average cost of bi-weekly/weekly membership plans starts from $25 to $35 bi-weekly or weekly.
Gyms Competition
In big cities and regions where gyms usually compete for more customers, they offer introductory offers and opening discounts to attract more customers.
Most new gyms also waive their registration fee to grow their clientele.
Hence, a saturated gym market often offers competitive gym membership pricing.
Cleanliness
Gyms that take time to maintain their equipment and prioritize cleanliness may have higher costs than those that don’t.
However, the maintenance costs do not have a significant price difference.
Floor space
Gyms that offer a friendly, spacious environment with top-notch equipment have higher maintenance costs, and hence higher membership costs.
However, the price difference may not be too significant.
How To Save Money On Your Gym Membership?
Have you made up your mind about joining a gym membership to meet your fitness goals? Great start!
But what if we tell you some insider secrets for cutting monthly gym costs? Sounds enticing, doesn’t it?
In this section, we’ll discuss some membership hacks that save you monthly gym costs!
Explore Multiple Gyms and Compare Membership Cost
If you have two or more gyms in your locality, always compare the membership costs to get the best quote. It’s an easy thing to do!
Just check out the websites of gyms in your location and compare the pricing. Once you find the gym that fits your budget, check out the reviews of their current members about their overall experience.
After finalizing your perfect gym, call or visit the gym to learn about current promotions, student discounts, or free trials.
Look for Discounts and Promotions
Many large chain gyms partner with reputable companies to offer amazing discounts to their employees.
Make use of your work discount and check your employee portal for exclusive offers.
Similarly, if you’re a student, many gyms, including All Time Fitness, offer a student discount on your cards. Furthermore, if you’re in the military, or are a teacher, or senior citizen, you can reap amazing gym benefits.
All Time Fitness offers 15 percent off bi-weekly to senior citizens and students.
Use Free Trials
Many gyms offer free trials before offering a full-blown gym membership to help you access the environment and facilities.
Ask your desired gym to offer you a trial membership to test out the gym. This way, you can have free access to different gyms for a few weeks and decide which one suits you better.
All Time Fitness offers FREE orientation classes to all new members. Also, it offers a FREE workout with no registration fee and key fob charges.
Check Your Health Insurance
Most health insurance companies offer health and wellness packages that also include gym membership discounts.
Also, if you suffer from health conditions where exercise is mandatory, your health insurance may offer gym discounts to cater to your needs.
However, please note that these discounts and health perks are available to a few members. Therefore, it is best to consult your health insurance provider.
Consider Off-Peak Memberships
Just like off-peak hours, there are off-peak membership times when your gym offers amazing discounts.
For example, the end of the month is a great time to inquire with your gym about the best deals and discounts. Similarly, many gyms offer crazy discounts in January to lure new members for New Year’s.
Share Memberships
Joining a gym with a friend or a family member not only offers a great sense of motivation, but some amazing discounts.
Many gyms in Canada, including All Time Fitness, offer discounts for couple memberships.
Negotiate to Decrease Membership price
Negotiation does wonders when done right.
Before negotiating, do your research and know the basic membership rates in your area to nudge your desired gym towards offering similar deals.
Now, when it comes to negotiation, always be polite and professional while explaining your interest in joining the gym. Mention you saw a great promotion at another gym and politely ask them to offer you discounts.
Note: If the price isn’t right, thank the gym for their time, and politely walk away!
What is the Importance Of Choosing the Right Gym?
Choosing the right gym is more challenging than making the right decision to get into the gym.
That’s because everyone’s definition of a right gym differs from yours. Some people choose aesthetics while others choose cardiovascular conditioning. Therefore, choosing the right gym is your personal choice that affects your motivation, progress, and overall fitness experience.
Many factors influence your choice of a perfect gym that meets your needs. For example, the nature and condition of equipment, cleanliness, code of conduct, and proximity.
Therefore, choose a gym that aligns with your needs and goals. Take your time to research different gyms in your locality and find the one that ticks all the boxes for you!
Tips To Pick The Right Gym
Congratulations on choosing the right choice to join the gym for your physical and mental well-being.
Let’s move forward with the challenging part—Choosing the right gym that fits your needs.
In this section, we’ll share great tips to pick the right gym for you.
Understanding Your Specific Needs
First of all, know yourself!
You cannot find yourself a perfect gym if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Ask yourself:
- What are your fitness goals?
- Are you a weightlifting warrior or a cardio person?
- Do you like group classes or prefer going solo?
These questions and goals will help you define the right gym for you.
Take a Trial
Many gyms, including All Time Fitness in Canada, offer trial membership or day passes. Take a trial and request free workout sessions to use the equipment, check the gym environment, and see if the gym is your type.
Test the Gym
While going on a FREE trial, don’t just go for the sake of going. Test the gym properly. Check out the condition of the weights, cardio training equipment, and other stuff at the gym.
Test the Trainers
A good trainer is a blessing in disguise. Personal trainers can make or break your fitness journey.
No matter the positive reviews and recommendations, test the trainer. See if their style and expertise vibe with you and fulfill your needs.
Consider the Gym Staff’s Behavior
A supportive staff in your gym is crucial to keep your sanity. Consider the gym staff’s behavior and analyze how they interact with you and others.
Responsible gym staff should be approachable, friendly, and attentive to your questions and suggestions.
Observe the People Coming into the Gym
The overall atmosphere of a gym should be welcoming and inclusive. Gym members make the total atmosphere of your gym. Therefore, observe the people coming into the gym and decide if you’re comfortable working out around them.
Start Your Fitness Journey with All Time Fitness
If you’re located in Calgary, Canada, and ready to join a gym that provides an inclusive environment with outstanding staff and professional trainers, All Time Fitness is your go-to place!
We offer everything you need at surprisingly affordable rates with flexible options (bi-weekly or annual fees) and no hidden charges!
We have a team of industry experts who create personalized workout plans tailored to your fitness goals and individual needs—No matter if you’re a beginner or a seasoned athlete; we welcome people from all walks of life.
Experience the latest equipment with 24/7 access and an environment cleaner than your fitness vision.
Here’s what we offer at amazing rates:
- A key fob that allows easy entry into the gym.
- Quality equipment and a friendly environment to keep you motivated throughout your fitness journey.
- Personal training services that meet your fitness goals in less time with customized meal and workout plans.
- Accessible 24/7 so you NEVER miss your workout sessions.
Visit All Time Fitness today and avail your FREE workout sessions now!
Final Thoughts
Now you know the average gym membership costs in Canada ranges from $10 to $170+ based on the location of your gym, amenities it offers, personal trainers, and much more.
However, if you’re an infrequent gym goer, you can invest in bi-weekly or weekly plans that offer superior flexibility.
While choosing the best membership plan, it’s also important to choose the right gym that fits your individual needs. Therefore, always go for FREE trials and orientation classes to choose the right gym for yourself.
In your free trials, look out for the following things to make an informed decision about your gym:
- The expertise and behavior of your trainer
- The overall environment of the gym
- The condition and functionality of equipment and free weights
FAQS
How Much Should I Spend on the Gym Per Month?
There’s no one answer to this question. It all depends on your budget, goals, and individual needs.
However, a basic membership gym plan in Canada should cost you between $10 to $70, depending on factors like gym facilities, amenities, personal training options, etc.
Why are Gym Memberships so Expensive?
Not all gym memberships are expensive. However, there are a few factors that affect the cost of gym membership.
- Location
- Facilities
- Personal trainers expertise
- Brand influence
What do I do if I can’t Afford the Gym?
If you’re a fitness fanatic and cannot afford the gym, there are a few options you can consider:
- Try out free workout plans on YouTube
- Use your body to lose weight through squats, lunges, push-ups, planks, etc
- Indulge in outdoor activities; swimming, running, biking, cycling, hiking.
- Join community centers that offer FREE or cheap fitness classes.
Is it Worth Spending Money on the Gym?
Yes!
A gym membership can change your outlook on life and help you achieve your fitness goals easily.
The gym environment keeps you motivated and challenged, and offers great variety to keep your workouts interesting.
