Canceling a gym membership has been on every money-saving list that I have ever read. And if your membership goes unused, then I absolutely agree that you should cancel it.
However, my husband and I have always belonged to and used a gym. We go for lap swimming, exercise classes, weight training, treadmills, and the child watch room.
In fact, our kids were pretty much raised at the YMCA. They started going as soon as they were old enough to be in the child watch room. Our Y will watch your kids as part of your membership for FREE for 2 hours a day while you’re working out. It’s glorious!
And for many years, we didn’t pay a dime for our family membership, and other years, we received a free individual membership.
How?
My husband volunteers at our local YMCA. For many years, he worked at the check in desk from 6 – 9 AM every other Saturday morning. The Y was having a hard time filling this time slot, so they offered a FREE family membership as compensation. A family membership at our Y costs about $67/month.
Typically a volunteer at our Y needs to work 3-4 hours a week for a free individual membership. Volunteers at our Y work in the child watch room, the front desk, or give tours. Every YMCA runs differently.
My challenge to you: if you pay for a gym membership but DON’T use it, then you MUST CANCEL it immediately. But if you do USE it, start dialing and find find a gym where you can volunteer in any capacity for a free membership. Put that extra money towards your $1000.
Are you a member of a gym? Do you use the gym? How much is your membership? Would you consider volunteering for a FREE membership? Let us know in the comments.
Wow! What a great perk for you guys!
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I had no idea about this!! Thanks for the great advice! I found this over at Thrifty Thursday. 🙂
~Angela
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I was super excited to read this so I just called my local YMCA to ask how to sign up! A family membership at our facility is $130 and a free membership would be quite a big help. They said that they don’t do this. Is this still accurate? Maybe it’s just our location…
yes! Our Y is full of volunteers in various positions, who work for the free memberships. Positions available in our Y include the child watch room and front desk check in. It must vary by Y. You could call some other gyms to see if they offer a similar swap.
A new YMCA will be opening in July close to my home. I’m a senior living on a tight income. I would love to volunteer for a free membership.
Hi Judi, defintitely check it out! I hope it works out for you!
How to apply, what I do.
You need to call around to the local gyms and see if they offer this type of oppportunity.