During my travels, I am a continuous free gym pass user. Usually ranges from 1 day to 2 weeks.
When applying online, fill in your name, address, and phone number. I don’t intend to deceive you, this is true information. The fine print may say “For local residents only.” If the staff member gives me my out-of-town zip code, I’ll always explain it to them. But in all the years I’ve signed up for passes, nothing like this has ever happened.
If I have to sign up for a tour in exchange for access, I’m always game. I plan to set up reservations towards the end of my stay to avoid “unpleasant conversations” with members.
To make the most of this benefit, I follow a few guidelines. Some gyms activate your free trial as soon as you submit the form, so wait until you’re ready to work out before hitting submit. We avoid starting dates on weekends or holidays in case you need to meet with staff who only work standard business hours. We visit during off-peak hours so as not to disturb paying members.
In addition to health benefits, my local gym routine also has cultural benefits. As long as my pass is valid, I am part of the local community. At the New Orleans establishment, I chatted with the front desk attendant about the Mardi Gras parade and accepted his offer for a slice of king cake. In Tampa, we talked about football and humidity. In Ulaanbaatar, I tried to remember a few Mongolian phrases while pedaling a bicycle so old it was used by Genghis Khan.
I’m not going to roll into a new city ready to pretend I’m interested in becoming a member, which is the main purpose of a trial program. It is a last resort.
Ideally, my hotel would have a gym, giving me a safe and convenient option after dark. training. Plus, the fitness center is technically free. The next best option is a property that partners with a local gym, allowing you to use their facilities for free or at a reduced price.
B&B inns, no-frills motels, and vacation rentals typically don’t offer these amenities, so I looked wider. Find a one-day guest pass at a community center, YMCA, or national chain fitness center. If your trip is short, you can spend $10 to $15 less per day. However, if you stay for a long time, the cost will increase. I might try buying a used bicycle.
Of course, I feel a little guilty for misusing the trial pass. After my Washington State trip, I called. kevin volup, founding director of the Center for Health Incentives and Behavioral Economics at the University of Pennsylvania. I asked him if he was taking advantage of the fitness center’s generosity.
Volpp said the gym expects some members to use the facility very little. So in a way, these lazy people are helping me sweat. He shared economic theories that soothed my conscience. He explained that the fitness center only needs to meet its target numbers. They know that not every passholder will join a gym, and they factor my kind into their calculations.
One drawback to this strategy is that you will have to deal with a large amount of emails and text messages from your membership department. When an employee at a gym on the Olympic Peninsula messaged me, I told them I was lost. But when I was ready to make a commitment, his gym was at the top of my list, I added. This is a true statement if I decide to move to Washington State.
