If economic problems force your family to cut back, gym memberships may be the first thing to go.

But, much like in housing, it's a buyer's market right now and gym discounts abound.

Like nearly every other industry, gyms are hurting. Bally's Total Fitness filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in December for the second time in 17 months.

With a little research and bargaining, you can keep your workouts going for a reduced price.

Membership Fee Could Save Bigger Costs

As Consumerist.com points out, a gym membership can end up saving you more money over the long run than it costs.

A University of Washington study from May 2008, for example, tested 2,000 older adults with diabetes. Thirty percent used a health club membership and lowered their total health care costs by more than $1,600 a year.

"Consider cutting back on other things and committing to using (your membership) more. Used correctly, a gym membership can save you money," the online subsidiary of the Consumer Reports company reported.

Get Someone Else To Pay

Companies and insurers recognize the benefits, so the first tip to save money working out is to explore all the ways you might get someone else to pay your dues. Start in your company's human resources office. Many firms partner with gyms to offer employee discounts.

Next, call you insurer. Some offer discounts or paybacks for people who join fitness centers. For instance, Medica Health Plans offer the Fit Choices program.

"By enrolling with a participating facility and working out at least eight days per month, you will receive a $20 credit toward your monthly dues," according to the company's Web site.

The Los Angeles Times reported that, "If your doctor prescribes a gym membership to help treat a problem such as arthritis, you may be able to use your flexible spending account."

Shop For Lower Fees, Free Services

Anytime Fitness just opened its 1,000th club, making it the largest coed fitness chain in the world, according to the company's Mark Daly. Daly credits about half the continued growth to new members and about half to members joining from more expensive clubs.

"A lot people are leaving big-box fitness centers for their neighborhood convenient club," Daly said. "Anytime Fitness is a franchise, so fees vary slightly, but they are something like $35 to $40 a month. It's about $1 a day."

So, shop around. Washington Checkbook magazine's Robert Krughoff told The Washington Post you should tell your gym you're thinking about quitting for a cheaper club. It may match the price to keep you around.

Daly said people should shop for gyms that serve up a menu of what they truly want. Don't pay for a juice bar and racquetball courts if you only want to use free weights.

Also, bargain for extras you want, such as free tanning, child care or locker service.

"Sometimes, if you pay cash, it is a little bit cheaper. I sometimes get 15 months for the price of 12 when I pay cash," said personal trainer and author Joe Cannon.

Time Your Bargain Hunting

When you shop can also affect the deal you get.

Fitness Magazine reported that gyms are a lot like car lots in that they work on quotas. If you walk in at the end of the month, you might be able to negotiate better than early or mid-month.

Daly said his gyms offer the best deals in January and February when people are making resolutions and then again in the fall when parents are sending children back to school.

But Mark Schultz, owner of the 24/7 Fitness Club in South Dakota, told The Argus Leader that finding the best price may not mean that the gym is the best choice.

"I encourage people to find the right facility. If it's out of your way, you won't go to it," Schultz told the paper.

Find Free Workouts

If you are willing to go a little out of your way, you can work out a long time for free. Many gyms offer free week- or month-long passes to try them out. Some community centers offer a schedule of free programs.

In Omaha, Neb., a grant helped launch Activate Omaha, which lists free workouts every month all over the city. For instance, a bicycle retailer offers free indoor training classes throughout the winter. A free yoga class is offered every Wednesday morning at a local church.

Do a little Internet searching to find similar offers in your city.