Staying fit is a lifetime commitment, and that commitment can even get better with age when you discover the myriad ways to get a reduced gym membership once you hit 50.

As a resilient adult, you’re wiser, more experienced and savvier than ever before. So put that wisdom, experience and savviness into play with these tips that can help you snag a juicy discount at the gym.

Ask and Ye May Receive

One of the easiest ways to get a discount on gym memberships – or anything, actually – is to simply ask. “Do you offer senior discounts?” is a common question that is often met with an immediate “Yes.” At that stage you can ask if the senior discount applies to your age group.

Some businesses start senior discounts starting at age 55, or even 50. Companies and organizations can offer any type of discount for any group they see fit. You can also ask if they’re willing to waive the sign-up cost or other fees in lieu of or as part of the discount.

Talk Directly to the Manager

For extra credit when inquiring about a discount, you can ask to speak directly to the manager or owner. The gym’s front desk crew is often given a slate of orders and rules to rigidly follow. Owners and managers have more leeway when it comes to negotiating a deal.

Woo Them

You can entice the gym to offer you a membership discount by illustrating how you’d be an ideal gym member who worked out regularly while singing the gym’s praises to everyone you know. Additional enticements to prompt a discount can include:

• Offering to pay three months, six months, or a year in advance instead of monthly
• Offering to pay cash
• Mentioning the word-of-mouth referrals you could bring them from your friends, neighbors, book club, or other associations

Get Your Timing Right

Many gyms offer enticing deals as the new year rolls in, as getting fit has always been one of the top new year’s resolutions. Gyms may also have sales quotas to hit every month, making the end of the month a good time to ask for discounted rates for an immediate sale.

You may also find sales and deals offered at various times of the year, such as a month or so before summer’s shorts and swimsuit weather. Any holiday is fair game for a promotion, so keep tabs on the gyms you may be considering joining to see if a deal pops up,

Negotiate Specific Items

Some fitness facilities may offer a one-size-fits-all type of membership that includes everything under the sun – from a pool and sauna to all-access passes for classes.

Perhaps you’re only interested in using the cardio machines, or maybe you only want to attend one or two specific classes a week.

Ask if the gym is willing to provide a discounted rate for using only specific items, or a special senior rate for certain classes or activities that interest you.

If you have a flexible schedule or are retired, you can also ask if the gym is willing to give you a discounted rate for using the facilities during off-peak hours. Gyms are typically busiest before the traditional workday starts at 9 a.m. and again after it ends around 5 p.m. Tell them you’d be glad to commit to a mid-afternoon schedule when the place is usually the slowest.

Compare and Contrast

Asking for a discounted gym membership can be easier when you’re aware of the deals and going rates offered at competing facilities. Take advantage of free classes or free trial memberships to get a good feel for the gyms in your area. Once you find the one that delights you the most, you can negotiate pricing more strategically if you know what’s available at other fitness facilities.

Consider Community Organizations

You don’t need a fancy, high-priced gym to get an exhilarating workout. Many community organizations or government agencies may offer exceptional workout opportunities at equally exceptional prices. Choices here could include:

• The local YMCA
• City, county or regional recreation centers
• Community pools

Find Out What Your Health Insurance Covers

Because staying fit is a highly effective way to stay healthy, certain health insurance programs and plans offer discounted or even free gym memberships for those 50 and older.

• SilverSneakers is a popular plan available through some Medicare plans and other health insurance organizations.
• AARP Active & Fit is a gym membership program with special pricing for AARP members.
• Other options may be available through your specific health insurance provider.

Review your health plan benefits to see if any gym membership programs are included. You can also check if your provider offers reimbursement for any part of your gym membership fees.

Working out is a thrill to begin with, and getting a discounted membership while doing so just makes it all the more worthwhile. It can also help ensure your budget stays as healthy as your body for the long haul.