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Cheap Gym Memberships For College Students 2026

  • Danielle Slauter
  • Jan 7
  • 12 min read

Updated: Jan 14

gym memberships for students

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 you can pick up. If you’re a student looking to improve your health in the new year but aren’t sure where to start, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve got the cheapest gym memberships for students.


We here at Student Beans have rounded up the best gym memberships for students. Various criteria were compared to find out which gyms give students the most bang for their buck. Whether you want to start weightlifting, run on a treadmill, or try a group fitness class, we’ve found the perfect choice for you.


Last updated: 7th January 2026


In this article:


  • The Best Cheap Gym Memberships For Students

  • Cheaper Alternatives To A Gym Membership

  • How To Save Money On A Gym Membership

  • Things To Consider For Cheap Gym Memberships


The Best Cheap Gym Memberships For College Students


It can be hard to narrow down the options, there’s so many different types of gym membership to choose from! So we’ve got a round-up of the best (and cheapest!) gym memberships for college students.


1. Gold’s Gym




Gold’s Gym has been synonymous with fitness for decades now. Aside from their clout in the bodybuilding and weightlifting world, they also offer extensive options for anyone looking to start their fitness journey. Some gyms even offer as much as 50% membership prices for students.


You’ll have access to the entire gym, along with boxing and yoga studios, basketball courts, and unlimited group fitness classes. The EFT membership also allows you access to any Gold’s Gym in the country.


Just note that actual prices vary by location. Be sure to call your local Gold’s Gym to confirm their prices (or see if they’re running any specials).


What time does Gold's Gym open and close?


Each Gold’s Gym’s hours varies by location, but many are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To find out specific operating hours for your local gym, make sure to check out the Gold's Gym Locations page.


How do I cancel a Gold’s Gym membership?


Make sure to review the specific rules for your contract and local gym - but normally Gold’s Gym lets you cancel your membership online as long as you give at least a 30 day notice. They generally do not prorate any refunds.


How much does Gold’s Gym cost monthly?


The average cost of a membership at Gold’s Gym varies by location. You can see some examples of pricing in this article by NerdWallet which shows some of the price differences across some states.


Where are Gold’s Gym’s located?




2. HOTWORX




For those short on time and the most flexibility with their membership, HOTWORX is a fantastic choice. With over 800+ locations worldwide, their studios are open 24 hours, and there are a wide variety of classes to choose from. From hot yoga and pilates to cycling and core workouts.


The science behind HOTWORX is that each 15 minute class takes place in a small infrared sauna (which holds up to three people at a time), which helps your muscles recover and repair from exercise faster. Most clients choose one isometric workout and one HIIT workout per session.


HOTWORX does give students a reduced monthly rate, but it varies by location. Be sure to call your local HOTWORX to confirm pricing and discounts.


What time does HOTWORX open and close?


HOTWORX is a 24 hour fitness studio, but it’s not staffed for 24 hours. Staffed hours are generally from 11am to 8pm Monday-Thursday, and 9am to 6pm on Friday. On Saturdays, this is 9am to 2pm and HOTWORX is not staffed on Sundays.


How do I cancel a HOTWORX membership?


If you decide to cancel your HOTWORX membership before the end of the intial term, you will have to pay a $99 early cancellation fee. After the intial term, you can cancel at any time with no fee as long as any outstanding balances are paid in full at the time of cancellation.


It is recommended you do this in-person at your home studio and request a membership cancellation form, otherwise if it's available online - log in and look for where it says "Cancel Now". Some older contracts might come with a 60 day notice period so double check what one you have.


How much does HOTWORX cost monthly?


Prices vary depending on location, however start up fees are only $20.26 until the 15th of January!


There are two types of memberships - Sweat Elite and Sweat Basic. For the Sweat Basic one, this is the cheaper option that gives you unlimited access to the studio.


If you want access to every HOTWORX in the country and around the world, you’ll need to upgrade your membership to the Sweat Elite one. This includes more benefits such as virtual personal training, DietTrax and HOTWORX on the Go. There are no contracts (making it month-to-month), and you can even pay for a certain number of months up front.


For either, you might also have to pay a one-off $99 enrollment fee and please note - some locations have premium membership rates and will require an additional fee to book workouts.


What Are HOTWORX’s Locations?


Find the nearest HOTWORX.



3. Anytime Fitness




One of the largest gym franchises globally, Anytime Fitness is a great gym membership options for students. Plus, your standard gym membership is valid at any location, both in the United States and abroad.


You might have to pay an enrollment fee, but this differs depending on what franchise you're part of. Keep an eye out for any "no joining fee" offers that might pop up!


With your membership you'll also have access to the entire gym, but before you join you can take advantage of a free trial period before you officially sign up. This can be one or seven day passes, and when you do so you can also get access to an Apple Fitness+ trial subscription with 3 months for free.


Keep in mind that your initial month might be at a regular rate, which then gets reduced to a student rate. Call your local Anytime Fitness to confirm which deals they can offer you as a student.



What time does Anytime Fitness open and close?


Anytime Fitness is a 24-hour gym, meaning it’s always open.


How do I cancel an Anytime Fitness membership?


This typically varies across state and what gym you go to.


All cancellation policies are outlined in the membership agreement for each location which covers the cost to cancel, how to cancel and more information on any additional termination fees you might get.


How much does Anytime Fitness cost monthly?


The average cost of a membership is $53 but monthly fees and additional charges are specific to each independently owned gym.


  • Some gyms offer a flat monthly rate with no enrollment fee

  • Some gyms offer student discounts, but it depends on which school you’re attending

  • Some gyms opt instead for payments every two weeks, for an annual or two-year plan


What Are Anytime Fitness Locations?




4. 24 Hour Fitness




If your class schedule is a bit crazy, 24 Hour Fitness is probably the way to go. As the name implies, it’s open 24 hours a day. This gym is also great for those who do more weightlifting and powerlifting, as you’re allowed to use chalk and drop your weights.


You get a free three day trial period to try the gym before you officially sign up, along with access to multiple 24 Hour Fitness locations. Just remember to bring your student ID with you in order to qualify for the discounted rate which some locations give.


Contract length also varies by location, so be sure to check with your local 24 hour fitness to see if they offer month-to-month or a 12-month plan.


What time does 24 Hour Fitness open and close?


As the name implies, 24 Hour Fitness is a 24 hour gym, so it’s always open.


How do I cancel a 24 Hour Fitness membership?


Some steps might vary depending on location, but generally to cancel your 24 Hour Fitness membership, you just need to log into the app or website online, go to your account settings and look for the cancellation option.


It is worth noting that, if you’re on the fence about staying a member at 24 Hour Fitness, you can get 30% off your next three months if you threaten to cancel!


How much does 24 Hour Fitness cost monthly?


Again, the availability of a student discount varies by location. Some 24 Fitness gyms don’t offer student discounts at all, with the standard rate being roughly $10 to $65 depedning on what membership tier you go for (Silver, Gold or Platinum). This doesn't include the initiation fee which can vary depending on location/current promos.


24 Hour Fitness sometimes also gives out special offers which you can also make the most of the lower the overall cost.



Where are 24 Hour Fitness gyms located?




5. YMCA




The Y has been a staple in communities around the country for decades. Aside from having solid exercise facilities and equipment, it’s also a great place to network. For everyone who’s just about to graduate and looking to expand their circle, be sure to hit up your local YMCA.


The Y defines their student memberships as anyone currently attending school is under 29 years old. You have access to all facilities, but you might be charged up to $50 worth of enrollment fees. There are also free trials available ranging from one to seven days.


What time does YMCA open and close?


Most YMCA locations across the country open at around 6am to 9pm from Monday through Friday, and 8am to 5pm during the weekend. Keep in mind - this might differ depending on your location.


How do I cancel a YMCA membership?


Even though there no contracts with the YMCA, you still need to give either 10, 15 or 40 days notice depending on your YMCA branch. This is often needed in writing but if you're unsure what's needed, simply contact your local YMCA.


How much does YMCA cost monthly?


Pricing varies per region and depending on your membership type, but here are a few things to note:


  • Many YMCA branches offer student discounts so double-check the one closest to you.

  • Some student discounts are based on which school you attend

  • You can pay month-to-month or for an entire year upfront using cash, check or card


What Are YMCA’s Locations?




Cheaper Alternatives To A Gym Membership


If you’re not really sure if a gym membership is right for you, there’s other options to explore.


ClassPass




ClassPass is a way to try all kinds of different fitness studios in your area without signing up for a membership. The pricing is as low as $19 for eight credits to $89 for 43 credits, so it’s definitely a budget-friendly option.


If you’re shopping for gyms or studios, ClassPass is a low-stakes way to try tons of different classes without committing to any of them long-term. They also offer some virtual classes, too!




YouTube




There are hundreds of thousands of fitness videos available for free on YouTube. With a huge variety of exercise tutorials and workouts available, there are plenty of options.


Be sure to search for no equipment videos to ensure you can get a great workout in without needing anything extra. Some influencers will even help you use furniture in your apartment or dorm to even give you an added push if you want something more than a bodyweight exercise.



Apps instead of gym memberships for students





Fitness apps aren’t anything new, but there are plenty of free or low-cost options available for download. While some offer totally free workouts, others will charge you a small monthly fee to use the app.


Depending on how much you want to spend, you can even get personalized health and nutrition options, or even sync up with a personal trainer to help you meet your goals. Just be sure to read the fine print so you aren’t paying more than you anticipated.


Not sure where to start? We’ve found the best fitness apps for students!



Instagram & TikTok




Fitness influencers are all over social media, and most of them have free workouts available to try. While other have fully monetized their fitness inspo, they’re still usually cheaper than joining a gym.


Most fitness influencers also have a big community of people who help keep each other accountable. If you’re looking for a way to plug in with friends (virtually) during your workout time, scroll on social media to find someone you really vibe with.




Your college Rec Center




Don’t completely count out your college rec center. While you’ll only be able to use it while classes are in session, it should be free for all students attending the university.


There’s obviously a bit of planning involved here (i.e. missing peak hours so you can actually use the equipment), but even if your rec isn’t state of the art, there’s going to be a way for you to get a solid workout in. Some colleges even offer free group fitness classes to their students.


Check out your college rec’s website to see when they’re open and what kind of gear they have available to use.


Is it your first time going to the gym?


Fear not! We've created this video to support you with everything you need to know before starting the gym. Best of luck in advance - you've got this.




How to save money on gym memberships for students




1. The time of year you sign up is key.


December and early January are the best times to snag your gym membership. With the “resolutioners” getting ready to improve their health after the first of the year, plenty of gyms will be offering great deals to try and get huge numbers of people to sign up.


Gyms will be making more money in January, so they’ll also likely be more flexible with their prices. Plenty of gyms also offer huge perks during these sign up periods, so keep your eyes peeled!


2. Don’t be afraid to haggle.


Much like going to a car dealership, haggling is common practice when it comes to signing up for gym memberships. Don’t take the first offer they give you, and opt to think about it for a few days. When you circle back with the sales staff, see if you can get any extra money off your membership.


Even if you don’t get physical money cut from your monthly rate, sometimes gyms will offer to throw in extra perks to incentivize you to sign up. Things like free workout gear, gift cards to their in-house smoothie bar, or free personal training sessions can help sweeten the deal.


3. Consider what you actually need.


It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you’re taken on a tour of a gym. Gyms are getting bigger and better every year, with things like tanning beds and pilates classes being offered in-house—for an additional cost.


Be honest with yourself and evaluate what you really need in your membership. How often are you going to be using those kickboxing classes? Are you actually going to be eating at the gym café enough that you need that additional 10% off? Don’t get swept up in the hype and nix the frills you don’t need.



Things to consider for cheap gym memberships for students




1. Contract length


This is especially important if you don’t go to college in your hometown. Since you’re not at school during the summer and winter breaks, that’s money you’re going to be losing since you won’t have access to your gym. Be sure to read the fine print and find out just how long your contract is before you sign up.


Certain gyms offer three to six month memberships, or even just for a semester (especially if it’s a college town). Find a gym that offers enough flexibility so you won’t be burning money while you’re away from campus.


2. Month-to-month payments


If a shorter contract isn’t an option, see if the gym you’re looking at offers month-by-month payment plans. That means you can cancel your membership (and re-enroll) at anytime without facing a penalty or fee.


It also helps if you know you’re going to be extra busy one month (i.e. during the end of the semester), allowing you to flexible with your spending. It might be a little more money up front, but it will help you out more in the long run.


3. Access to multiple locations


Certain nationwide gyms offer access to all (or some) of their other gyms around the country. This is a great pick if you’re not spending the entire calendar year on campus.


You’ll definitely get more out of your membership since you’ll be able to use it anywhere. It’s also great if you plan on leaving your college town once you graduate—no messy cancellations. As long as that gym is wherever you move to, you’re good to go.



Looking for some new workout gear for 2026? Check out the best sweat-proof headphones for your gym session!



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