There is a zym in Seebacherstrasse, Zürich(near Seebach) which charges about CHF 350.- for a year. If thats close to your place I can ask for the exact name/location.
They're not the cheapest, but also are not expensive, 100CHF per month. Definitely a great value for money.
The biggest issue is that you need to pay for a year in advance But perhaps you're able to find someone who is transfering their Jahreskarten for a period of some months.
In my case, convenience is more important than price. I've tried the cheapest gyms in the lot (not here though), but ended up being a passive member because I couldn't be bothered to get there.
I used to live close to an Active Fitness, had my membership there. It was ok.
After I moved, I got closer to either a Silhouette or ac Active Fitness. Silhouette is cheaper and slightly closer to home, but very crowded at the times I like to go. I like the ambience at Active Fitness better, plus I never have to wait. It's expensive compared to other gyms, but still not more expensive than the gyms in Norway used to be (cheap/expensive is always relative, isn't it?).
As far as I know, the cheapest gym in Zurich is basefit. They have gyms on seceral locations. I know tgere is one in Regensdorf in Bülach, Seebach and one is in center of Zurich. The price is about 400fr tor a year, also there is partners abo and it is cheaper. Hope I helped anyone.
I used to go to NordFit in Oerlikon and the price was very good. I've heard that they moved recent to Glattpark area....it is worth checking! The staff was very friendly and I loved the fact that all the machines were adapted to wheelchair users.
My vote also for Activ Fitness - CHF 740 per year and I get CHF 100 reduction with SWICA. I go to the Active Fitness near Central - friendly staff, clean, full range of equipment (including rowing machines which are my choice for warm-up). I never actually use any of the following but there's an exercise studio with various classes, sauna, sunbed, sun terrace for the summer.
Main problem is, if it's too far then usually we feel lazy to go there especially in winters so it's better to get member ship into one near by even if it's little more expensive than the far one...
Today, I went to cross fitness (Dorflistrasse 50, 8050 Zurich) which is a private gym and they have two rooms...
Every evening there would be group fitness activities and personal trainers would be around to help you...