It’s enough to make fitness experts despair. Despite all their efforts to get Americans to become more active, gym memberships actually fell 3 percent between 2006 and 2007. That downward trend is likely to continue as the recession nibbles away at many household budgets. The good news: gyms around the country are offering deep discounts on memberships. Now’s the time to grab a great deal if you can afford one.

Thanks to New Year’s resolutions, January is the single biggest month for new gym memberships. The month’s enrollments can make or break the bottom line for many fitness centers. As gyms track the bad news coming in about holiday sales, many are sweetening their deals. Curves, for instance, is now offering 50 percent off the standard initiation fee and the first month’s membership free. 24-hour Fitness is currently touting new memberships with a $29.99 initiation fee and $24.99 monthly payments. Gold’s Gym has done away with its initiation fee (although you’ll still be charged a $19.99 administration fee to sign up–go figure–with monthly membership dues of $49.95 for a one-year commitment.) Some chains are offering a free one-week trial membership to entice new customers. Many small local clubs are waiving their initiation fees–or even better, refunding them if you meet a goal of getting to the gym frequently.

Offers vary, so check out your local clubs, including the YMCA, which is sometimes the best deal around. Beware of local one-off fitness centers that look a little rundown or sparsely attended; they may not stay in business long enough for you to take advantage of a monthly membership.

Remember, too: if you can’t afford a gym membership right now, you can always afford to lace up a pair of walking shoes and hit the sidewalk for a good, long brisk walk. And all the evidence suggests you’ll get most of the health benefits of exercise–including an effective way to reduce stress in these tough times.

©2009 PDQhealth

Tags: 24-hour Fitness, Curves, gym membership