Ever walked into a gym and felt like you were at a car dealership? Maybe you're all too familiar with health club sales tactics so you don't even bother taking your wallet in with you when you're looking to sign up (smart strategy! btw). Getting a health club membership doesn't have to be a bad experience if you follow these easy tips.

Pay for What You Want & Need
Memberships can include everything from daycare to racquetball courts to aerobics classes to weights to personal training. They can also be limited to just weights and aerobics. Decide what you want and need before you go in so you're not overwhelmed with options. Bally's for example, offers a 3 times a week membership that includes full use of the club on alternate days. They also offer a personal training membership that includes full use of the club, plus 3-6 sessions with a trainer, supplements, metabolism test, and nutrition tracking software. Obviously the latter one is much more expensive. Some memberships inlcude day care and others don't. Some health clubs charge for certain aerobics classes and not for others. Ask the sales person to include the things you need and exclude the things you don't need. Look for the specific wording in the agreement/contract.

Negotiate Prices
If you are going to a major chain like Bally's, 24hr Fitness, or LA Fitness, it's best to look online for special offers. Sometimes you will get a better deal by signing up online. If you are going to be visiting a club call ahead and ask for specials, or look through your local fitness publications for specials. Be sure to read any small print so you know what to expect. If you are touring a club and you're not sure you want to sign up, INSIST on a one week pass to try it out. This allows you time to check out other health clubs and to see if this club is a good fit for you. Most sales associates will become pushy about signing up at this point because they hate giving away free passes. The best thing to do in this type of situation is to say you have no way of paying anyway but you like the club and will probably join if they just let you try it. They may ask you to sign a club registry. Just make sure it's not some agreement. Once you have taken the tour or tried it for a few days and you're ready to sign up, be specific about what you will pay.

High initiation fee and low monthly fee
Low initiation fee and higher monthly fee
Paid in full (usually a great deal and no contract)
Pay as you go option with no money down

Rates vary within these options and most likely they have a plan that fits your budget, but the reality is they will try to sell you the most expensive membership. Your best defense is just saying you can't afford it until they drop to something you can afford. L.A Fitness for example, offers a multitude of rate packages but sales people there usually only present 2 or 3 of those packages. If you really like the club and you want to join, ask the sales associate what they are willing to do for your business. They will give you what you want or close to it if you persist. One last bargaining tool to consider is the buddy system. The more people sign up together, the better rate you get. Just be careful that all parties are included in the agreement and each person gets their own access i.d.

Read Agreements and Choose a Method of Payment
Signing an agreement or contract is the norm at most clubs but don't take it for granted that the sales person is being totally upfront with you. Check for fees that were not mentioned in the presentation or for interest that is added each month. You may also want to check the cancellation/termination paragraph to find out the fee you will have to pay if you cancel before your contract is up. Be a smart consumer and READ before you sign. Another point to consider is that most clubs require you to pay with automatic debit from your credit/debit card or checking/savings account. If you are not o.k. with this ask for other options. They may offer you an option to pay at the front desk every month or to pay in full. You do not have to give them your credit card info no matter how much they insist. If they are not willing to work with you then tell them you will go somewhere else and they will quickly make that option available or tell you that it just can't be done.

Be Assertive and Direct
The best way to get what you want without being sold or closed is to be direct and to be assertive. Sales people are trained to guide you into purchasing a higher priced package. They have sales quotas and they make commission based on these sales. They use specific language and when discussions about money get too specific they will try to focus your attention on the health benefits of the "investment". If you feel like you're being manipulated then say so. If you feel they are being too pushy let them know. They will back down for fear of losing your business. Tell them that if you're treated fairly you will refer all your friends and family. This will usually get you a great reponse. Once you join you have the right to cancel within 3 days and they have to refund your money. Plenty of people do this and you shouldn't feel embarassed if you find it necessary to do so. Remember that they are there to service you so if you are not convinced you should try another club until you find one that suits you.