Do any gyms offer discounts with CalFresh EBT cards in 2025?
Does anyone know if there are any gyms that give discounts if you have CalFresh? I'm trying to get healthier this year but gym memberships are so expensive. I heard somewhere that some places give you a discount if you show your EBT card but not sure if that's true for gyms specifically. Money's tight since rent went up but I really need to get in shape for health reasons. My doctor actually recommended more exercise for my high blood pressure instead of more medication. Any tips on affordable gym options for CalFresh recipients would be super helpful!
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Serene Snow
Planet Fitness used to do this back in 2023 but idk if they still do maybe call ur local one
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Asher Levin
AuthorThanks! I'll try calling my local Planet Fitness tomorrow. Did you get a discount there yourself with EBT?
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Issac Nightingale
The YMCA definitely offers financial assistance programs that CalFresh recipients can qualify for. You don't specifically use your EBT card, but having CalFresh can help you qualify for their sliding scale membership fees. You'll need to bring proof of your benefits (like your approval letter) and fill out their financial assistance application. Many YMCAs offer up to 50% off depending on your household size and income. Planet Fitness has a discount in some locations but it's not nationwide policy. Also check your local Parks & Recreation department - many cities offer discounted fitness programs for low-income residents.
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Asher Levin
AuthorThis is really helpful, thank you! I didn't know about the YMCA sliding scale. There's one about 20 minutes from me by bus. Do you know if I need my most recent SAR7 or just the initial approval letter?
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Issac Nightingale
Your most recent benefit approval letter or SAR7 approval confirmation should work. Just bring whatever shows you're currently receiving benefits. The YMCA staff are usually very helpful with the application process. They may also ask for recent pay stubs to verify your income, so have those ready too. The discount can make a huge difference - standard membership might be $60/month but could drop to $30 or less with their assistance program.
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Romeo Barrett
Omg this is so great to know!!!! I've been wanting to join a gym too. My cousin said LA Fitness gave her a discount with her CalFresh card but when I called them they said no so I think its different in each area maybe?? Let us know what u find out please!
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Marina Hendrix
I don't think EBT gives direct discounts for gyms but there's a program called Active&Fit Direct that has $25/month gym memberships. Not directly related to CalFresh but it's affordable. Also some health insurance plans give gym discounts or reimbursements - worth checking if you have Medi-Cal or other insurance. BTW if you're struggling to get through to anyone at the CalFresh office about your benefits (I know I've had problems in the past), check out Claimyr.com - they help you skip the phone wait times to talk to a real person about your case. I used their service when I was having issues with my recertification and it saved me literal hours of waiting on hold. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8
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Asher Levin
AuthorThanks for the Active&Fit Direct tip! $25/month might work for my budget. And yeah, calling CalFresh has been a nightmare lately - I'll check out that service if I need to reach them again. My recertification is coming up in a few months and I always struggle getting through.
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Justin Trejo
They dont give discounts for EBT at most places cause its WELFARE money!!! Your supposed to spend that on FOOD not gym memberships!!! 🙄 This is why the system is broken people trying to use benefits for non-essential stuff. The taxpayers shouldn't be paying for your workout routine when some people cant even afford groceries!!!!
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Issac Nightingale
The OP isn't asking to pay for a gym WITH their EBT benefits - that's not allowed and wouldn't work anyway. They're asking if showing proof of receiving CalFresh can qualify them for discounted rates, which many assistance programs use as income verification. Many organizations offer sliding scale fees based on income, and being a CalFresh recipient is simply proof of meeting certain income guidelines.
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Asher Levin
AuthorI think you misunderstood my question. I'm not trying to pay for a gym WITH my EBT card. I was asking if having CalFresh benefits could qualify me for discounted rates at gyms, just like it does for some museums and other places. I spend my benefits only on food for my family.
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Serene Snow
dude chill they just asking about discounts not spending the actual benefits lol 🤣
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Alana Willis
I work at a community center, and many public recreation centers do offer income-based discounts that CalFresh recipients automatically qualify for. Bring your benefit approval letter to your local city/county recreation department and ask about their fee reduction programs. You can often get 30-70% off fitness classes and gym access. Beyond that, check out: 1. SNAP-Ed programs often partner with community organizations for free fitness classes 2. Community colleges offer very affordable gym access if you sign up for a fitness class (sometimes as low as $20-30 for the semester) 3. Some public health departments have free fitness programs for low-income residents Lastly, the Museum for All program that gives EBT cardholders discounted museum access sometimes includes recreation centers in certain cities - worth looking into for your specific location.
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Asher Levin
AuthorThank you so much for these detailed suggestions! I hadn't thought about community college classes - that's brilliant. And I'll definitely check with our parks department. I appreciate you taking the time to list all these options!
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Tyler Murphy
have u tried youtube workout videos? that's what i do since can't afford gym membership. lots of free ones that are pretty good honestly. saved me $$$$ and don't need to go anywhere just need some space in your living room.
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Romeo Barrett
I do these too!!! FitnessBlender has awesome free videos. But sometimes its nice to get out of the house ya know?
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Asher Levin
AuthorI've tried home workouts but I struggle with motivation when I'm at home. Too many distractions and it's hard to stay consistent. I do better in a gym environment with equipment and other people around. But thanks for the suggestion!
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Marina Hendrix
One more option - if you have kids, some gyms offer childcare and family discounts for low-income families. The Family Fitness Programs through county health departments sometimes provide vouchers too. When I worked at the county, we had a program specifically targeting health outcomes for CalFresh families that included fitness center access. Might be worth asking your caseworker if there are any health incentive programs linked to your benefits.
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Asher Levin
Update: I called my local YMCA and showed them my CalFresh approval letter. They gave me a 60% discount! Instead of $65/month, I'm paying $26. Just wanted to share in case anyone else is looking. They said any current proof of benefits works - SAR7, benefit letter, or even my online account showing active benefits. Thanks everyone for the helpful suggestions!
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Romeo Barrett
OMG that's amazing!!! I'm gonna try this at my Y tomorrow!!!! Thank you for updating us!!!
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Issac Nightingale
That's fantastic! The YMCA is really good about their financial assistance program. And $26/month for everything they offer is an excellent value. Glad you found a solution that works for your budget.
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Ravi Choudhury
That's such great news! Thanks for sharing the update - it's really helpful to know that the YMCA discount worked out so well for you. $26/month is such a reasonable price for all the amenities they typically offer. I hope this helps other people in similar situations know that it's worth asking about these programs. Good luck with your fitness goals and managing your blood pressure naturally!
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