12 Dirt-Cheap Gyms With Student Discounts & Free Passes

Are you a student looking to stay fit without breaking the bank? You’re in luck! There are plenty of gyms out there offering student discounts or even free passes, making it easier for you to get in shape without draining your wallet. Whether you're into weightlifting, yoga, or high-energy classes, there’s something for everyone on a budget.

In this guide, we’ll cover 12 gyms that offer great student deals, dive into the perks they offer, and even share a few insider tips for scoring the best discounts. Let’s get started!

Why Are Student Gym Discounts So Popular?

Gym memberships can get expensive—like, really expensive. For students juggling classes, part-time jobs, and social life, spending a lot on a gym membership might not be a priority. But staying healthy? That’s a must! Many gyms recognize this and offer discounts, free trials, or perks tailored to student budgets.

Here’s why they do it:
- Student loyalty: Gyms hope to build long-term members by starting early.
- Affordable fitness options: Not everyone can afford a high-end gym, but they still want access to fitness.
- Extra motivation: Students may need that nudge to keep working out during busy semesters.

Now, let’s dive into the 12 gyms where students can save serious cash.

1. Planet Fitness

Why It’s Great for Students:

Planet Fitness is one of the most well-known budget gyms in the country, and they offer a $10/month membership for students. That’s crazy affordable, especially considering their large range of equipment and 24/7 access.

Special Offers:

  • Student Perks: Some locations offer extra perks like discounts on additional services or free fitness classes for students.
  • Free Day Pass: If you’re not sure about committing yet, try their free day pass to check out the gym and its amenities.

2. Gold’s Gym

Why It’s Great for Students:

Gold’s Gym offers a student membership with up to 25% off regular rates. Plus, you’ll have access to all the equipment and classes that Gold’s is famous for.

Special Offers:

  • Free 7-Day Trial: Many Gold’s locations offer a 7-day free trial. Perfect for testing out the gym before committing!
  • No Long-Term Commitments: Gold's understands that students are busy, so they offer month-to-month memberships with no long-term contracts.

3. Crunch Fitness

Why It’s Great for Students:

Crunch Fitness has affordable rates and student discounts that make working out much more budget-friendly. Their membership fees start at around $9.99/month for students.

Special Offers:

  • Free Pass: New members can score a free pass to try out the gym.
  • Student Benefits: You get access to all the regular features like cardio equipment, weights, and group classes.

4. LA Fitness

Why It’s Great for Students:

LA Fitness is known for offering student discounts, typically $10 off their standard monthly rates. Plus, they have multiple locations, so there’s a good chance you can find one near your school.

Special Offers:

  • Free Trial Classes: Many locations offer free group fitness classes for first-timers.
  • Flexible Memberships: LA Fitness doesn’t lock you into long contracts, which is a big plus for busy students.

5. YMCA

Why It’s Great for Students:

The YMCA is a classic option, offering a ton of great amenities at affordable prices. Many YMCA locations offer a discounted student rate for memberships.

Special Offers:

  • Free Trial: YMCA often offers free trials or discounted passes for students who want to try before they commit.
  • Youth & Teen Programs: If you’re still in high school, you can also access their youth programs, which include fitness and sports training.

6. 24-Hour Fitness

Why It’s Great for Students:

With multiple membership tiers, 24-Hour Fitness offers discounts for students to help make fitness more affordable. Their student rates can be as low as $20/month depending on the location.

Special Offers:

  • Free Guest Pass: You can bring a friend for free to check out the gym.
  • Flexible Memberships: They offer no-commitment options, perfect for students who can’t commit long-term.

7. YouFit Health Clubs

Why It’s Great for Students:

YouFit is known for offering affordable memberships with a $10/month base rate. They also have a student discount that can make it even cheaper.

Special Offers:

  • Free Day Pass: Check out the gym for free with a one-day pass.
  • $10 Discount: Many locations offer an extra discount for students.

8. Anytime Fitness

Why It’s Great for Students:

If you’re always on the go, Anytime Fitness could be the perfect choice. With 24/7 access to their gyms and discounted rates for students, this gym is ideal for those with a busy schedule.

Special Offers:

  • Free Trial: New members can enjoy a 7-day free trial to test the waters.
  • Flexible Membership: No long-term commitment, which is perfect for students who might leave town during breaks.

9. Bally Total Fitness

Why It’s Great for Students:

While Bally’s is a bit pricier than some of the other budget gyms, they offer significant student discounts for those looking to stay in shape on a budget.

Special Offers:

  • Discounted Membership: Students can get up to 50% off regular prices in some locations.
  • Free Passes: Some Bally locations offer free trial classes for students to get started.

10. Snap Fitness

Why It’s Great for Students:

Snap Fitness offers 24/7 gym access and a discounted student membership that’s typically around $20/month. If you need flexibility, this gym’s got your back.

Special Offers:

  • Free Trial: Many Snap Fitness locations offer a 7-day free trial, which is perfect if you’re new to the gym scene.
  • Convenient Locations: With tons of locations across the U.S., you’re never far from a Snap Fitness gym.

11. The Edge Fitness Clubs

Why It’s Great for Students:

The Edge offers a variety of group classes and equipment for an affordable price, with student discounts available. Their memberships are often as low as $19.99/month for students.

Special Offers:

  • Free Trial Pass: First-time visitors can enjoy a free trial pass to check out the gym.
  • Discounted Packages: The Edge also has seasonal promotions offering extra student savings.

12. Shred415

Why It’s Great for Students:

If you’re into high-intensity workouts, Shred415 offers a student discount for their HIIT classes. Their fitness classes blend running and strength training to give you a full-body workout.

Special Offers:

  • Student Discount: Shred415 offers $10 off per month for students who sign up.
  • Free Intro Classes: You can take an introductory class for free, which is perfect if you’re new to high-intensity training.

Tips for Maximizing Student Gym Discounts

Getting a great deal on your gym membership is awesome, but there are a few ways to save even more or make the most out of your membership.

1. Look for Special Student Promotions

Some gyms offer back-to-school promotions or seasonal deals that give you even more bang for your buck. Keep an eye out for these!

2. Consider Group Memberships

If you and a group of friends sign up together, you might be able to score a group discount that cuts the price even further.

3. Use Gym Perks

Take full advantage of free classes, training sessions, and guest passes—these perks can really add value to your membership without costing extra.

FAQs About Student Gym Discounts

1. How do I get a student gym discount?

You’ll typically need to show a valid student ID or proof of enrollment to qualify for most student gym discounts.

2. Can I get a gym membership with no commitment?

Yes! Many gyms offer month-to-month memberships, which means no long-term contracts. Perfect if you’re unsure about committing for a full year.

3. Do these gyms offer free trials?

Most of the gyms listed above offer free trials or day passes, so you can test them out before deciding to commit.

4. Are the discounts available online or in-person?

Discounts are often available both online and in-person, but it’s always a good idea to check the gym’s website or ask in person for the most up-to-date offers.

Getting fit doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With these 12 gyms offering awesome student discounts and free passes, you can stay healthy without breaking the bank. Whether you're lifting, stretching, or running, there's a budget-friendly option for you. Happy gym hunting!