
Best Cheap Gym Memberships for Students in 2024

Best Cheap Gym Memberships for Students in 2024
Joining a gym can help you improve your physical along with mental health. But with costs whooping up, it is hard to find an affordable option. As a student you can avail gym memberships at reasonable prices but selecting one that meets your demands can take effort.
With so many options it is never an easy task to find the one that suits you. Here we are to help you with this. We have gathered the list of the best cheap gym membership options you can consider. Keep reading to find the best option if you’re looking for the cheapest options available.
Is Gym Good for Students
Knowing how going to the gym can be beneficial can help you decide if it is worth the cost. Physical activity in any form is beneficial as it helps you stay fit. This can be incorporated into your routine even without joining a gym. But the gym provides different types of exercise and you can choose what suits you the most.
- Gyms have trained professionals who help you with your fitness goals plus motivate you to achieve them.
- For students, regularly attending the gym can help develop discipline along with time management.
- Gyms are social places and you are likely to meet new people with similar interests to interact.
Top Affordable Gym Options
Here are our top picks and you can choose any by comparing the prices and services each offers.
The Gym Group
The Gym Group is among the most affordable gym options to join for students. With a contract of up to £199, you can get a membership for 12 months. It equates to around £16 per month which is a great bet considering the services it offers.
The Gym Group has branches spread over the UK and offers the cheapest student membership options with services as:
- 24/7 access to two gyms so you can better accommodate your schedule in day or night as well.
- Free gym classes and boot camps to keep you active.
- Access to The Gym Group App including a diverse library with various workout videos.
Village Health & Wellness
Village Health & Wellness is another worthy option that offers student discounts at a fraction of the usual cost. The gym is open to students with access to facilities ranging from HIIT classes to swimming and Pilates.
In addition to these, the gym also offers generous discounts you don’t want to miss including:
- Exclusive discounts on some of the selected high-street brands
- 25% discount in the chain’s Pub & Grill
- 20% off hotel breaks
PureGym
PureGym is among the most popular choices and your city or town likely has a PureGym nearby. Its popularity is justified by the facilities it offers and accommodates students with the most tight budget.
It is super cost-effective with all you need to have in a gym including:
- Access to various branches nationwide.
- Wide range of fitness classes according to preferences and fitness level.
- The option to cancel membership at any time without a contract.
- 24/7 access specifically designed to cater to student life.
JD Gyms
JD Gyms are another excellent option for students who can’t afford to pay high for fitness along with their academic expenses. JD Gyms are equipped with modern equipment to provide members with the best. Their gym settings offer a different vibe and they have paid special attention to style without any compromise on quality.
Furthermore, the JD Gyms offer unique benefits for students along with generous discounts. This is what you get if you opt to avail the membership:
- The option to freeze membership for 3 months so you can freeze for holidays without any need for cancellation.
- Membership without contract.
- Access to all JD Gyms throughout the nation.
Better
Better have gyms along with swimming pools and leisure centers throughout the UK. It offers many options for membership so you can choose what suits you the best. Furthermore, they offer access to their facilities to over 200 locations throughout the UK.
Along with other memberships ranging from monthly options to short-term access, it offers various options. For student membership, you will get:
- Flexible payment method without minimum contract length.
- Access to over 200 gyms throughout the UK.
- Full-time fitness classes program.
- Various zones for different workouts.
- Access to Better swimming pools across the UK.
Council-Owned Gyms
Council gyms are better affordable options students can opt for. They are likely to have basic equipment to get you on track. These council-owned facilities offer the most cheap gym memberships for students. They do offer a wide range of activities and also a great community to feel connected.
Alternatives to Gym Memberships
Although there can be gyms that cost less, let’s face the fact that gyms do cost money and we can’t change that. But considering how health and fitness are crucial, we still can go for alternatives that save money.
Some of the alternatives include:
- Home workouts: You can exercise at home without buying fancy equipment. If you are on a tight budget, I highly recommend mini steppers. These are super affordable and ideal for students as they don’t take up much space. You can buy them easily on Amazon.

- University gyms and sports societies: Universities most often provide well-equipped facilities for students. These are not only good for fitness but also for social interaction.
- Online fitness programs: Online fitness programs are an easy plus flexible alternative to the gym. You can choose your workout schedule according to your preference. You can buy a yoga mat to carry your workout and get the most out of these programs.

- YouTube videos: YouTube has a treasure of free content you can use to save yourself from gym trips. You can select videos as per your fitness level and get your fitness journey going.
Conclusion
Gyms are great places to enhance physical activity to stay fit. But affordable options come rare that suit your needs. It’s always worth checking for different options until you find the best one. With the guidance we have provided, you’ll get a student gym membership at a reasonable cost.