In the midst of late-night food runs and fast food cravings, SMU students try to maintain a normal exercise routine to keep the “freshman 15” far away from their own lives. The task is not always an easy one as fitness classes, gym memberships and specialty classes run for as high as $175 per month for unlimited use.

Online and television ads often downplay the price of costs and services to these facilities, which know that losing weight typically equates to spending large amounts of money. According to StatisticBrain.com, over 45 million Americans have gym memberships to 29,750 health clubs nationwide. This number usually spikes during the New Year when Americans are making resolutions. According to Marketdata Enterprises, Americans spend more than $60 billion annually trying to lose weight through gym memberships, weight loss programs or even diet soda.

However, starting a new fitness program should not break the bank. Most facilities in the Highland Park area offer student discount for monthly memberships and free-trials.

At Equniox, SMU students get zero initiation fees and about $100 off per month for their membership.

“A lot of my monthly expenses goes to my gym membership,” junior and Equinox member Hayley Young said. “It’s more of a motivation for me to go to classes since it is so expensive.”

Young values the upscale, athletic training atmosphere Equinox provides and is willing to pay for the membership because of the various amenities available to clients. However, without the student discount of 30 percent off, Young would not continue going to the gym.

“Without the discount, membership is around $150 per month and I would not be willing to pay that much,” Young said.

Students can also make use of flexible payment options at 24 Hour Fitness, the largest gym in the country. Monthly dues range from $25 to $50 per month depending on sport level, in addition to the initiation fees of $40 to $100.

Life Time Fitness offers a similar discount with month-to-month membership options so members can fluctuate their usage of the facilities.

Members can also save money by making use of the discounts at hotels, retailers and entertainment venues like AMC and Best Buy with their monthly membership fees of $134.

“With this fee members get access to the entire facility, group fitness classes and about 95 percent of locations nationwide,” Life Time Fitness worker Jessica, who declined to give her full name, said.

Students often prefer to exercise at specialty classes as well like Pure Bar, Beyond Pedaling and City Surf Fitness, whose single classes run for $20 each. All of these facilities offer student discounts as well.

Junior Bryce Nayden chose to purchase a Beyond Pedaling membership of 10 classes because it was half price at $100 and because she enjoys the class atmosphere.

“I just went to Dedman for the first two years of college but I like this a lot more than going to the gym,” Nayden said.

Pure Barre employee Holly Cogan knows that the price tag of classes are hard for students to work with, where one month of unlimited classes is $175.

“People definitely do pay a decent amount for it but it’s worth the investment,” Cogan said.

Students who have trouble paying for fitness classes can opt for pay-as-you-go plans, no commitment passes or negotiate prices with owners. Those who cannot afford gym memberships can visit community recreation centers or perform at-home exercises by using on-demand workout videos or YouTube videos.

Despite the price tag on fitness classes, health professionals and students agree that the benefits outweigh the costs. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, students will save future money on doctor’s bills and future surgeries. Sometimes grocery bills go down as well because students will eat less to stay full throughout the day.

The Dedman Recreation Center on campus offers free admission with an SMU ID. Students can climb the rock wall, swim in the lap pool, lift weights or run on the indoor track or a treadmill. With a useful monthly budget and use of discounts, SMU students can get fit outside of the classroom and not break the bank.