Gym memberships for students to get their sweat on.
Fitness should be accessible to everyone, but it's often one of the most challenging and expensive habits to build — especially on a student budget. If you're looking to stay fit and healthy in college without breaking the bank, you've come to the right place. We've rounded up the cheapest gym memberships for students, comparing price, flexibility, and perks so you know exactly where to spend (and where not to).
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The Best Cheap Gym Memberships For College Students
With so many options out there, it can be hard to know where to start. Here's our pick of the best (and cheapest) gym memberships for college students.
1. Gold's Gym
Gold's Gym has been synonymous with fitness for decades. Beyond their reputation in the bodybuilding and weightlifting world, they also offer great options for anyone just starting their fitness journey — and some locations offer up to 50% off membership prices for students.
Your membership gives you access to the full gym, plus boxing and yoga studios, basketball courts, and unlimited group fitness classes. An EFT membership also lets you use any Gold's Gym location across the country.
Actual prices vary by location, so call your local Gold's Gym to confirm current rates or check for any active specials.
Hours: Many locations are open 24/7 — check the Gold's Gym Locations page for your nearest gym.
Cancellation: Generally requires at least 30 days' notice online; no prorated refunds.
2. HOTWORX
For maximum flexibility on a tight schedule, HOTWORX is worth considering. With 800+ locations worldwide, studios are open 24 hours, and there's a wide range of classes — from hot yoga and pilates to cycling and core workouts.
The concept is built around 15-minute sessions in a small infrared sauna (holding up to three people), which is designed to help muscles recover faster. Most members combine one isometric and one HIIT workout per session.
Monthly membership costs typically range from $59 to $99 depending on location, plus a one-time $99 enrollment fee. There are two tiers: the basic plan gives unlimited in-studio access, while the premium tier adds virtual personal training, DietTrax, and access to all HOTWORX locations nationwide. Both are month-to-month with no long-term contracts, though some locations charge a premium rate and an additional booking fee.
Student discounts vary by location — call your local HOTWORX to confirm.
Hours: Open 24 hours; staffed Monday–Thursday 11am–8pm, Friday 9am–6pm, Saturday 9am–2pm, unstaffed Sundays.
Cancellation: Cancelling before the end of your initial term incurs a $99 early cancellation fee. After the initial term, cancel anytime once all outstanding balances are cleared — ideally in person at your home studio.
3. Anytime Fitness
One of the largest gym franchises globally, Anytime Fitness is a solid pick for students — especially if you travel or move around between semesters, since your membership works at any location in the US and abroad.
The average monthly cost is around $40–$55, though this varies by location and contract length. You may also need to pay an enrollment fee (ranging from $0 to $99 depending on the location and any current promotions). Some locations offer student discounts — call ahead to check.
Before committing, take advantage of a free one- or seven-day trial pass. New members may also get access to a 3-month Apple Fitness+ trial. Note that some locations charge bi-weekly rather than monthly (26 payments a year rather than 12).
Hours: 24 hours, always open.
Cancellation: Varies by location — check your membership agreement for cancellation costs and notice periods.
4. 24 Hour Fitness
If your class schedule is unpredictable, 24 Hour Fitness is a great option. Open around the clock, it's particularly well-suited to weightlifters and powerlifters — chalk is allowed and you can drop your weights.
You get a free three-day trial before signing up, plus access to multiple locations. Bring your student ID, as some locations offer a discounted rate. Monthly membership costs range from roughly $10 to $65 depending on your tier and location (note: not all locations offer student discounts). Contract length varies — check whether your local club offers month-to-month or a 12-month plan.
Pro tip: If you're on the fence, some locations will offer 30% off your next three months if you mention you're thinking of cancelling.
Hours: Open 24 hours.
Cancellation: Log into the app or website, go to account settings, and look for the cancellation option.
5. YMCA
The Y has been a community staple for decades, and it's one of the best-value memberships for students. The Y defines student membership as anyone under 29 currently attending school — giving you access to all facilities for a typically low monthly fee, though you may be charged up to $50 in enrollment fees. Free trials of one to seven days are also available.
It's also worth knowing that the Y is a great networking spot — handy if you're approaching graduation and looking to expand your professional circle.
Hours: Most locations open Monday–Friday ~6am–9pm, weekends ~8am–5pm. Check your local branch for exact times.
Cancellation: No contracts, but you'll typically need to give 10–40 days' written notice depending on your branch.
Cost: Varies by region and membership type. Many branches offer student discounts, and you can pay month-to-month or annually.
Cheaper Alternatives To A Gym Membership
ClassPass
ClassPass lets you try fitness studios in your area without committing to a single membership. Pricing starts at around $19/month for a starter credit bundle, scaling up depending on location and how many classes you want to take — costs are generally higher in major cities like NYC or LA than in smaller towns. It's a great low-stakes way to explore different classes before deciding what you actually like. They also offer virtual classes.
YouTube
There are hundreds of thousands of free fitness videos on YouTube. Search for "no equipment workouts" to find sessions you can do anywhere — plenty of creators use furniture and everyday objects if you want something beyond bodyweight exercises.
Fitness Apps
There are plenty of free or low-cost fitness apps that are perfect for students. Some offer totally free workouts; others charge a small monthly fee for personalized plans, nutrition tracking, or access to a personal trainer. Check out our pick of the best workout and exercise apps for college students to find one that suits your goals and budget.
Instagram & TikTok
Fitness influencers are everywhere on social media, and most post free workouts regularly. Many also have active communities to help keep you accountable. For a curated starting point, check out the top student fitness accounts to follow on Instagram.
Your College Rec Center
Don't overlook your college rec center — it's usually free for enrolled students and should be your first stop before paying for anything else. Even if the equipment isn't state of the art, you can get a solid workout in. Many colleges also offer free group fitness classes. Check your rec center's website for hours and available facilities.
How To Save Money On A Gym Membership
1. Time Your Sign-Up
December and early January are the best times to sign up — gyms are heavily promoting memberships to capture the "new year, new you" crowd and are more likely to offer reduced rates, waived enrollment fees, or bonus perks like free gear or personal training sessions.
2. Don't Be Afraid To Haggle
Gym membership prices are more negotiable than you'd think. Don't accept the first offer — say you need a few days to think about it, then come back and ask if they can do better. Even if they won't drop the monthly rate, they may throw in free extras to sweeten the deal.
3. Be Honest About What You Need
It's easy to get dazzled during a gym tour. Before you sign anything, be realistic: are you actually going to use the tanning beds? The in-house café discount? Skip the upsells you won't use and you'll save money every month.
Things To Consider For Cheap Gym Memberships
1. Contract Length
This is especially important if you don't stay on campus over summer or winter breaks — a 12-month contract means you're paying for months you're not using the gym. Look for gyms that offer semester-length, three- to six-month, or month-to-month contracts.
2. Month-to-Month Payments
If a short contract isn't available, prioritise gyms that offer month-to-month billing so you can cancel and re-enrol without penalty. It's worth paying slightly more per month for that flexibility, especially around busy exam periods.
3. Access to Multiple Locations
If you travel between home and campus regularly, a gym with nationwide access (like Anytime Fitness or Gold's Gym EFT membership) means you can keep training wherever you are — and won't face a messy cancellation process when you graduate.
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