Fitness clubs.... value for money

Kokota_R · 24 March 2009 08:36

I'm recently unemployed and my fiancee and I are restructuring our budget. We're ending our fitness club membership at Holmes Place this month, and considering starting a new membership somewhere else, if we can find a cost that would fit our budget. Does anyone know of any reasonably good, centrally located fitness clubs that have relatively inexpensive plans? We were paying 159 each at HP... far too much even with a job, but now we have to let it go for sure. Thanks all.

alega · 24 March 2009 08:41

Why not work-out outside, until you find a job? It's (somewhat) free and just as healthy.

Sidya · 24 March 2009 08:42

Kieser and Activ Fitness have central locations and pricing plans that compared to others here in Swissieland appear more reasonable.

(I can't bring myself to write cheap in the context of prices and Zurich.)

leophillalo · 24 March 2009 08:45

Migros Fitness Parks

Tom1234 · 24 March 2009 08:50

And, if you live near a vita parcours, you can have a full work-out for free:

http://www.gesundheitsfoerderung-zh....rs_zuerich.pdf

kindalle · 24 March 2009 09:02

Why not cycle across one of the many hills we have around Zurich for excersize, or

cycle around the lake ? Especially with summer coming (ok, not today ) this is a cheap and enjoyful alternative for the gym

emrys · 24 March 2009 09:13

Make sure you talk to them and do not just stop the payments (as we did) they got very shirty about the contract and notice period 3 or 6 months from memory. I would say go outside but it's snowing. Saturday we went round Geifresee about 20K on bikes, run or roller blade almost all on pavement and off road, good fun.

Sidya · 24 March 2009 09:32

So what's the problem with snow? I ran around Greifensee in freezing temps and blowing snow a few weekends ago. With the right running clothes (thanks to Aldi) it can be a lot of fun.

averlen · 24 March 2009 09:50

I would forget about indoor fitness centre in a next 1-2 months, especially with great lot of outdoor activities starting soon like running, cycling, tennis and many more. It will cut on your gym expenses and enjoy a fresh air

Kokota_R · 24 March 2009 14:23

Dear all,

Thanks very much for the helpful info... Yes, we may delay through the summer on starting a new membership. We both run; however we like working out with weights as well.

BTW, does anyone have any good running clubs to suggest or any online resource for finding out about short (5-10K) races in the Zurich area?

Thanks again,

Mike

jdwr_mastiang · 24 March 2009 14:30

I usually bought the ten time pass at Migros Fitness as do most of my exercise outdoors but was useful on those rainy days and/or when I needed a long session in the spruedelbad after a brutal day on the bike.

twotos · 24 March 2009 14:38

http://www.zollikon-info.ch/badeanla...ach_sommer.htm

this is the swimming pool (indoors winter, indoor/outdoor summer) with a fitness area, sauna, massage etc. I go at least once a week and it's excellent value for money. Don't know how mobile you are: it's between Zollikon/Zollikerberg

Buy an annual pass and it reduces down to around Fr. 70/month just swimming or 80/month combined swimming & fitness

Sidya · 24 March 2009 15:16

Finding races in the Zurich area:

http://www.runningcalendar.ch/cgi-bi...a=&page=suchen

For example ... 10K coming up in Dübendorf on April 4.

There are a few runners on this forum ... check "Social Events" for details.

dencee · 24 March 2009 15:30

I used to go to the Stockerhof Fitness Park near Paradeplatz when I lived in Zurich. I really miss it now that I'm spending the same amount of money on Sihlouette in Geneva (totally ghetto). If you're a gym person, I think the Fitnesspark gyms are good value for your money.

However, I took up running outside when I lost my job last year and my gym membership expired. I discovered that I much preferred running outside to running on a treadmill (like a hamster) at the gym. I only joined a gym again when I started working and couldn't find time to exercise outside before dark.

Cunhadersoy · 24 March 2009 15:30

I have yet to find a decent fitness gym here. No airconditioning, too few weight benches, hideous prices.

jdwr_mastiang · 24 March 2009 15:34

I concur, imo, Migros Fitness Pakr is best value for money.

Sidya · 24 March 2009 15:40

Agree with dakman and cute seal, the Migros parks do offer good value. I just got back from Stockerhof where I can go during the week, and on the weekends I can head to Milandia.

Arahu · 24 March 2009 21:49

Some gyms, for example Asia Spa in SihlCity

http://www.asia-spa.com/abos.php

have a cheaper off-peak rate (at Asia Spa 1'050 instead of 1'850).

Always ask for a off-peak rate or other discount.

sloan_briofaphin · 24 March 2009 22:17

Check out your health insurance. Depending on who you're with you should get a reduction in your yearly fees.Joining a gym is regarded as pro-active with regard to your health. We're with CSS and got 250CHF each off our membership at the gym at the Trafo in Baden.

Yoles · 24 March 2009 22:26

I was lucky to get a nice nordic cross trainer thingy from PT Kate at a steal price and have used it more than I did my previous years gym membership for 800 at activfit... something about not having to go anywhere just getting on the machine while watching my soaps...