YMCA fees - "Joiner fee" ???

[Philagoofy]

I stopped by the Y last week to get info about some classes - rates, times, etc. They gave me a brochure and told me that they no longer have plans that they require you to join, like a membership and that I could take as many classes as I want except for the one-on-one classes for $56.00 a month. There were no minimum months, I could go for one month or more. No other fees.

About 5-6 years ago, I used to take one class and it cost a fee and then the price of the class. So I'm looking at the brochure with the rate schedule for different age groups/family/student, etc and there's a second column for "joiner" for $99.00. I ask what that is and she said that you can pay that & the $56.00. I ask what the difference is if I don't pay the $99 but still pay the $56 and she just kept talking but I still came away without a clear answer.

Have you ever heard of this or know what it could be?

 

[mjkacmom]

Every gym I've ever joined has a registration fee. All of the kids activities have a price per month or per semester, plus a yearly registration fee.

 

[Familyof4lovesDW]

At our YMCA we have a member fee and a nonmember fee. So as example if you were a member it would be $40, but if you were a nonmember it would be $56. To get the member price of $40 you would have to pay the membership fee of $99to join. I am not sure if there is a monthly fee each month after you pay the $99. I am not sure if this is what you were reffering to or not, but I would try to call them and ask someone else.

 

[Philagoofy]

At our YMCA we have a member fee and a nonmember fee. So as example if you were a member it would be $40, but if you were a nonmember it would be $56. To get the member price of $40 you would have to pay the membership fee of $99to join. I am not sure if there is a monthly fee each month after you pay the $99. I am not sure if this is what you were reffering to or not, but I would try to call them and ask someone else.

So you pay $99 to join, then $40.00 a month for all of the classes? That makes sense & you explained it easy enough but neither the brochure or the woman there said anything like that. I'll have to call as you said. Thanks.

 

[ncmickeyluvr]

Our ymca system has a $99 join fee and a monthly fee. The monthly fee varies....single, family, senior, etc. Non-members can join youth sports teams or take swimming lessons for a higher fee than members. Example: Youth soccer costs $35 for members (in addition to their monthly fee ) and $60 for non-members. Non-members cannot use the other facilities...ie free swim in the pool or use workout equipment.

They also run promotions several times a year that waive the $99 join fee. Usually, in January (when most people get fired up about fitness ) and August (when people are needing to sign their kids up for after school care)

 

[kwelch10377]

I use to work for the Y and the $99 is a one time joiner fee and then you pay $56 a month. If the class you want to take have a fee associated with then there is usually a "member" and "non-member" price for the class. The "non-member" price is usually higher, but you don't have to become an member of the Y. Members usually get to sign up for the classes before"non-members", so as a non-member you risk the class filling up.

There are some membership types that you don't have to pay a joining fee, including, a child and teen (at least it was that was at the Y I worked at)

 

[Philagoofy]

Ok, I understand now. I'd have to pay the $99.00 no matter what. That's not how she explained it to me, she told me it would only be $56.00 a month for all the classes I wanted and that was all there was. I could go for one month or 10 and it would still be only $56.00 each month.

Before there was non-member & member prices for classes like some pp's mentioned. I was a non-member, had to pay a fee then had to pay for the one class I took. At least now, I can take more & it probably wouldn't be as expensive as before, although I don't remember what I was paying.

So I guess now, if you want to take a class, you have to be a member - by paying a one-time $99.00 fee.

 

[Philagoofy]

Members usually get to sign up for the classes before"non-members", so as a non-member you risk the class filling up.

I was going for aquacise a few years ago, it was really nice but then they kept letting more & more people in until it was so crowded it wasn't fun anymore so I stopped going. Also, stopped walking. And the fat started returning.

 

[kwelch10377]

What Y are you thinking of joining? I am from the Philly area and do know someone who works for one of the Y down there.

 

[Philagoofy]

What Y are you thinking of joining? I am from the Philly area and do know someone who works for one of the Y down there.

The Northeast Y.

 

[kwelch10377]

Eh, she works at the one in West Chester. I could see if she would either waive the joining fee for you or reduce it.

 

[DisneyBug1995]

Does the Y you want to join have a web site? Maybe it is explained better on the web site. The Y I work for if you have a membership you get all the fitness classes for free, if you are a non-member then you can pay for each class you want to take. Each Y is different.

 

[Philagoofy]

Eh, she works at the one in West Chester. I could see if she would either waive the joining fee for you or reduce it.

Oh, that's very nice of you, thank you but that's okay. I'm still mulling it over anyway. I may just get back out & walk. But thank you.

DisneyBug, yes the website has the brochure on it, verbatim. I read it again & I guess I'm thick, they way the rate chart is, it looks like different options but apparently it's not.

 

[louey]

I know at our YMCA twice a year they waive the joiner fee, I believe it is usually in September and January. Give yours a call and see if they do this?

 

[DisneyBug1995]

Looking at their website it looks like you have to pay the $99 joining fee and then they will start drafting your bank account $56 every month until you cancel your membership. This will allow you to take as many classes as you want at no additional charge. I didn't see any where that said that you could just pay for the classes as a non-member.

 

[kwelch10377]

Looking at their website it looks like you have to pay the $99 joining fee and then they will start drafting your bank account $56 every month until you cancel your membership. This will allow you to take as many classes as you want at no additional charge. I didn't see any where that said that you could just pay for the classes as a non-member.

There are certain classes that they charge extra for. Basic workout classes, like cardo, step and such are usually included for member. It is swimming classes, sports leagues and some other workout classes that are in addition to the membership fee.

 

[dis-happy]

I know at our YMCA twice a year they waive the joiner fee, I believe it is usually in September and January. Give yours a call and see if they do this?

Our Y system used to to this but recently the dropped the fee completely, year round.

I'd check the website, OP.

 

[Liberty Belle]

We belong to YMCA here and there is a joining fee (we didn't have to pay, though, since my husband works for the university) and then a montly fee. I think the joining fee is about $80 for a family, but I'm not sure. We pay $76 a month for family membership.

The cost of the classes is different for members vs. non-members. Maybe that's what it's talking about.

 

[clarabelle]

Ask about specials for the registration fee. Sometimes they run them (about twice a year) also they might give a military discount.

If you have a financial need -they also give scholarships

 

[MrsPete]

I can understand a small "joining fee" -- they do have to enter you into the computer and make you an ID. But $99 seems high.

Our Y has a "join free" month at least once a year, and teachers don't pay a "join fee". Ask -- you might qualify for something.