Many people on benefits struggle to afford gym memberships, which can negatively impact their physical and mental health. But there is a way to access free gym memberships for people on benefits, and in this blog post, you’ll learn how. This is an excellent opportunity to improve your fitness, well-being, and confidence without spending any money.
Free Gym Memberships For People On Benefits
Everyone has the right to take care of their health and well-being. Gyms play a major role in maintaining laypeople’s health but are expensive too. Here’s a list of sources that offer free gym memberships for people on benefits:
1. Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness has offered free summer memberships for teens, and they have other special offers, too. It’s recommended to check their latest programs or promotions. In 2022, they provided a free summer membership program for teenagers aged 14 to 19. These offers are often temporary and can vary by year and location.
It’s best to check with your local Planet Fitness for current promotions or free membership opportunities tailored to specific demographics, like students or teens.
2. SilverSneakers
This program is often included in Medicare health plans and provides free gym membership for seniors nationwide. It’s designed to encourage older adults to stay active and fit.
You can also join online classes, workshops, and events that cater to your needs and interests. To see if you qualify, visit the SilverSneakers website or call their toll-free number.
3. YMCA
Some YMCA locations offer free or discounted memberships for low-income individuals or families. You can get a free gym membership for people on benefits at your local YMCA branch based on your location and eligibility.
You can apply for financial assistance to pay the fees. YMCA also offers the Cancer Wellness Programs, through which you can get free gym memberships for cancer patients. To learn more, visit the YMCA website or contact your nearest branch.
4. Active&Fit Direct
This program allows you to choose from over 11,000 participating fitness centers and gyms for a low monthly fee of $25. You can also access online resources like exercise videos, health tips, and trackers.
You must have a participating health plan or employer group membership to enroll. You can check your eligibility and sign up on the Active&Fit Direct website.
5. Costco Membership
When you’re a Costco member, you can access low-cost gym memberships at various fitness locations, like 24-Hour Fitness. You can also benefit from free gym memberships for people on benefits.
As you’re already on a beneficiary program, you’re directly considered low-income, which can easily get you a free pass at any 24-hour gym.
6. Catch A Lift Fund
This organization assists post-9/11 combat-injured veterans in regaining their mental and physical health through free gym memberships, in-home gym equipment, personalized fitness and nutrition programs, and a peer support network.
CAL’s holistic approach to fitness and wellness helps ensure a healthy future for veterans. CAL is located at 2066 York Road, Suite 201, Timonium/Lutherville, MD 21093-4260. Their phone number is (855) 496-4838.
7. OrangeTheory
Orangetheory Fitness is an American boutique fitness studio franchise based in Boca Raton, Florida. The studio offers high-intensity workout sessions for military veterans. You can get free gym memberships for people on benefits with your valid military ID.
The studio also offers other discounts to eligible veterans. They offer three kinds of memberships: Orange Basic, Orange Elite, and Orange Premier. You can choose from them based on your preferences and priorities.
Free Gym Memberships For People On Benefits: Insurance and Healthcare Providers
Health insurance and healthcare providers offer programs and benefits that can include free gym memberships for people on benefits. These programs are often part of a broader approach to encouraging healthy lifestyles among their policyholders. Here’s a list of agencies that offer these programs:
- Aetna: Aetna provides a gym membership reimbursement program for their group products and Medicare Advantage plan. They also offer the Silver Sneakers Program for those enrolled in their Medicare Advantage plan.
- AmeriHealth: Through their Healthy Lifestyles program, AmeriHealth offers gym reimbursements of up to $150 annually. They also provide allowances for weight management and smoking cessation programs.
- Blue Cross Blue Shield: This insurer offers the Fitness Your Way by Tivity Health program, which involves a $29 enrollment fee and a $29 monthly fee for access to over 10,000 fitness centers.
- Cigna: Cigna’s healthy rewards program can offer up to 40% back on gym membership reimbursements, though specific offerings depend on individual plans.
- Oscar: This healthcare insurance group provides a gym reimbursement of up to $400 annually for the client and an additional $200 for their spouse.
Along with these insurance plans, you can also seek help from Medicaid. Free gym memberships for Medicaid are available for eligible applicants.
12 Alternatives to Traditional Gyms
While there are fitness centers that offer free gym memberships for people on benefits, you can still find alternatives to traditional gym routines. You can apply for the membership programs, but when you are unable to get one for free, you can choose from the below-mentioned options:
- Home Workouts
- Outdoor Activities
- Community Sports Leagues
- Dance Classes
- Yoga and Pilates Studios
- Martial Arts Studios
- Rock Climbing Gyms
- Boot Camps
- Recreational Centers and Community Pools
- Online Fitness Subscriptions
- Cycling or Spin Classes
- Walking or Jogging Groups
People Also Ask
Here are the 3 most frequently asked questions related to free gym memberships for people on benefits:
Can I get a free gym membership on PIP?
People who receive medium or high PIP payments for disabilities are entitled to free gym and swimming sessions.
How long does the free gym membership last?
The free gym membership lasts for six months. You can renew it while you are still receiving benefits after that period.
Who is eligible for free gym memberships?
Anyone who receives income support, a jobseeker’s allowance, universal credit, or disability benefits can apply for free gym memberships for people on benefits.
The Bottom Line
Free gym memberships for people on benefits are a great way to promote physical and mental health, reduce social isolation, and save money on health care costs. By investing in this initiative, the government can help improve the well-being and quality of life of millions of people who face financial hardship and health challenges. Free gym memberships are not a luxury but a necessity for low-income people.
