The holidays are over, the new year is about to begin, and like millions of Canadians across the country, maybe you’ve made the New Year’s resolution to get in shape and hit the gym! Easier said than done though, am I right?
But here’s some good news: January is basically Black Friday for gyms.
Gyms KNOW you’re motivated, maybe a tad guilt-driven, and still recovering from your holiday cookie hangover, so they roll out their biggest promos of the year. But here’s the catch: not all deals are created equal, and some gyms get a little too excited with their “fees” (looking at you, $50 annual fee for… what exactly?).
Let’s break down Canada’s cheapest gyms, what you actually get for your money, and how to bargain your way to the best deal without breaking a sweat.
Why January is Prime Time for Gym Deals
Fitness centres operate on a predictable cycle. December is typically their slowest month because people are busy with holiday parties, travel, and family gatherings. Then January hits, and gym owners know they're about to see their biggest signup surge of the entire year.
To prepare for the New Year stampede, gyms often unleash:
Waived enrollment fees
“First month free” offers
Suspiciously enthusiastic staff asking about your “fitness journey”
This is your window to score a deal before everyone forgets their resolutions around January 17th (statistically accurate, by the way).
Canada's Most Affordable Gyms
Planet Fitness – $15/month
Planet Fitness has built its entire brand around being the "Judgement Free Zone" which is perfect if you’d like to work out without the fear of being stared down by some dude doing 400lb deadlifts.
Basic membership: ~$15/month
Black Card: $30/month
Black Card includes:
Guest passes
Massage chairs
Tanning beds
Access to any PF in North America
Half-price drinks
But you need to watch for their fees. For a basic membership, they charge both a $40 enrollment fee and a $50 annual fee. You can expect that same annual fee with a Black Card membership, but only a $1 enrollment fee. This is presumably one of the ways they’re able to offer such a cheap base membership.
What you get: Cardio equipment, strength machines, free weights, and a comfortable environment specifically designed for people who might feel intimidated by traditional gyms.
Fit4Less – $10-$20/month
Looking for a gym that cuts all the fluff and just gives you exercise machines that work? Fit4Less might be for you.
Basic membership: ~$8 every 2 weeks
Black Card: ~$14 every 2 weeks
Their gyms are sometimes smaller, but you get all the essentials plus tanning and massage chairs if you level up. There weren’t any promos happening at the time this article was written, but in the past, they’ve hooked up members with free or discounted months, so check those out.
The catch: There isn’t one. Just don’t expect a luxury spa. This is a gym that says, “Here’s the equipment. You know what to do.”
Anytime Fitness – $40-$60/month
Anytime Fitness is awesome for people who need 24/7 access because maybe:
You work night shifts
You travel
You enjoy the idea of lifting weights at 2:14 AM (for some reason)
The price is higher, but the convenience is unmatched. You get access to all 5,000+ locations worldwide and again, they’re open 24/7. The promos you should watch out for in January include free workouts with trainers, or discounted first months.
Best for: People who need flexibility, travel often, or work irregular hours and want reliable access anywhere, anytime.
YMCA – $50-$70/month (but dig deeper)
YMCA memberships look pricey until you realize you’re basically buying a membership that gives you access to a gym, a pool, fitness classes, sometimes childcare, and occasionally a basketball court!
They even offer financial assistance programs that can reduce monthly costs significantly (if you qualify), and that makes a huge difference!
Post-holiday hack: January is when the YMCA typically refreshes its membership promotions. Their offers can range from discounted memberships to deals if you get a friend to sign up!
Community Recreation Centres – $30-$50/month
When we think of gyms, we think of the “bigger” names that are in this list. And while they’re all solid choices to get in shape, don't overlook your municipal recreation centres in your area.
Cities across Canada operate public fitness facilities with membership rates significantly lower than commercial gyms. Prices can be as low as $10/month. That’s probably cheaper than your iced latte habit.
The quality varies by location, but many have undergone major renovations in recent years and now feature modern equipment, fitness studios, pools, and indoor tracks. Bonus: your membership fees support community programs and services.
Insider Hacks to Score the Best Deal
Timing is Everything
January 2–15 is THE sweet spot. After that, gyms realize people are quitting their resolutions and they chill out with the deals.
Ask About Removing the Enrollment Fee
Enrollment fees are almost always negotiable, especially in January. Just ask: "Are you waiving enrollment fees this month?" Most staff have the authority to remove this charge immediately, particularly if you're signing up for a full year.
Negotiate Everything
You’d be surprised how much extra you can get if you just ask. Seriously. Ask about free personal training sessions, discounted rates, guest passes, or upgraded membership tiers at the basic price. The worst they can say is no, but hey, at least you tried!
The Corporate Discount Question
If your workplace offers ANY type of perk, use it. Even if it’s one of those “exists but nobody ever uses” benefits. Even if they don’t have a formal partnership, some gyms might offer "corporate rates" if you can show a company ID or pay stub.
Consider Annual Prepayment
If you have the cash available and you're confident you'll stick with it, prepaying for a full year often unlocks significant savings. Sometimes 15-25% off the monthly rate. But only do this if you absolutely know you’re going to stick to your workout routine for the entirety of the year.
Bring a Friend
Many gyms offer referral bonuses or "bring a friend" promotions where both you and a buddy get perks like a free month or discounted rates. So if you can get a friend to join you (while holding you accountable to make sure you finish leg day), then go for it!
Check Your Credit Card Benefits
Some premium credit cards (particularly those with annual fees) sometimes include gym membership discounts or credits as part of their perks package. It's worth checking, just in case. You never know! You might already have access to savings you didn't know existed.
Red Flags to Watch For
Not every "deal" is actually a deal. Watch out for:
Auto-renewal traps: Understand exactly what you're signing. Some gyms make cancellation deliberately difficult or charge penalties for early termination.
Bait-and-switch pricing: Ensure any promotional rate is clearly documented in your contract, including exactly when it expires and what the rate increases to.
Hidden fees: Monthly rates look great until you factor in annual maintenance fees, locker fees, or mandatory add-ons. Get the total annual cost in writing.
Making Your Membership Stick
Here's an honest truth: the cheapest gym membership is worthless if you don't use it. Roughly 67% of people with gym memberships never actually go, which means they're essentially donating money every month.
Before committing to any gym, visit during the time you'd actually work out. Is it manageable, busy or frustratingly packed? Is the equipment well-maintained? Does the vibe feel comfortable? What do their Google reviews look like? A slightly more expensive gym that you'll actually attend beats a cheap membership you'll avoid.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re going for the ultra-budget simplicity of Planet Fitness or the 24/7 convenience of Anytime Fitness, there’s a cheap gym out there for every goal and budget. Do your research, ask questions, negotiate shamelessly, and grab those January deals while everyone is still fueled by holiday guilt and optimism.
Your wallet (and future self) will thank you.
