Written by: Hannes Wagner, 28.08.2025
Sports and exercise are essential parts of a balanced student life. But expensive gym memberships and costly sports equipment can often be discouraging. The good news is that there are many affordable ways to stay active, even on a tight budget. In this article, we will show you how to exercise in an affordable way – from budget-friendly gyms to effective home workout options.
If you do not want to give up training at the gym, but want to avoid paying high membership fees, then it is worth having a closer look at affordable gyms. Many providers offer special promotions and attractive rates that can significantly lower the cost of the membership. This way, you will quickly find a student-friendly gym that fits your budget.
FitInn is one of the most affordable gym chains in Austria and offers attractive prices for students. The rates are not specifically student discounts, but are available year-round to everyone, regardless of education or job. If you are planning on signing a new gym contract, keep an eye out for seasonal promotions because you might be able to save a few extra euros. With 54 locations in all of Austria, including cities like Vienna, Linz, Graz, Innsbruck, Klagenfurt and Villach, FitInn gyms are equipped with the newest machines. They also feature women’s areas, a performance zone for functional training, as well as a drinking station and shower facilities.
Membership costs (minimum contract duration 12 months):
CleverFit has over 500 studios across Europe and is easily accessible through Austria. The gyms offer countless benefits, including classes like Pilates, Zumba, etc., functional training groups, vibration and circuit training, strength and cardio areas, a drinking station, optional personal training and more.
With prices starting at €29.90 per month, CleverFit is especially affordable for students and offers great value for money, even without a dedicated student discount. The chain frequently runs promotions, which can vary by location and time, so it’s definitely worth checking the website before signing a contract to snag a good deal.
Membership costs (minimum contract duration 11 months):
McFit is the most affordable gym on our list and has locations in Austria including Vienna, Graz, Linz, Klagenfurt and Innsbruck. Apart from the classic sports equipment and a large cardio area, McFit also offers a variety of classes such as Pilates, Zumba, yoga, pump etc. Shower use is also included in the membership.
This gym chain offers membership packages that are very student-budget friendly. With monthly membership fees starting at 24,90 McFit is even cheaper than the student discount offered by more expensive gym provider, making it a great value option for students. McFit also frequently runs promotions like summer or New Year’s deals, so it’s worth checking their website for current offers.
Membership costs:
Most fitness studios offer a trial workout session. This allows you to check out the pros and cons of a particular gym and decide whether it suits your needs. If you’re unsure, you can try out several gyms and compare them.
What to expect during a trial workout: You’ll typically schedule an appointment and bring along workout clothes, a water bottle, and a photo ID. At the studio, you’ll receive a short introduction, information about the training areas, and possibly a brief orientation on some of the equipment.
If you’re already working for a company, it’s worth checking whether they offer a fitness program. Many gyms have cooperations with businesses that allow employees to access gym memberships at discounted rates. If such a program doesn’t exist at your workplace yet, you might consider suggesting it to your supervisor.
You can not only train affordably but completely free if you live in a STUWO student dorm. Our residences feature in-house gyms equipped with workout machines, cardio equipment, and a free weights section. Since every gym is located right in the building, there’s no need to commute. So just grab your workout clothes, a towel, and a water bottle, and you’re ready to go. Use of the fitness studio is free for all STUWO residents, meaning there are no extra gym fees. Another big plus is that the access is limited to residents only, so the number of people in the gym remains manageable.
If a gym membership isn’t your thing, or you prefer to stay flexible, working out at home is a great alternative. Your own four walls can easily be turned into an effective gym, without the need for expensive equipment. For body weight training, HIIT (high-intensity interval training), and other workouts, you don’t need much at all.
You can easily fit your home workout into your daily routine – whether it’s before breakfast, between online lectures, or whenever you have time. Here you’ll find10 simple exercises for your at-home workout.
What do you need for your own home workout? That depends on the type of exercise you plan to do. You might consider coordinating with roommates or family members to share equipment and split the costs. Or, get creative and use household items as workout tools, like 1-liter bottles as dumbbells or a carpet as a yoga mat. Here’s a basic equipment checklist to turn your home into your own mini fitness studio:
You can easily complement your home workouts with fitness apps. They help keep you motivated, track your progress, and offer varied training plans, all without needing a gym. Here are the top 3 fitness apps for training at home:
An interval timer can also support your training. You can easily create your own workout routine by noting down exercises beforehand or following an online training sequence – then just start your session.
Advantages of fitness apps
Disadvantages of fitness apps
For many sports, you barely need any equipment or expensive subscriptions. How about running, for example? All you need are your running shoes, and you’re good to go. Here’s how to get started with your running training.
Another option is yoga or Pilates. With just a fitness mat and free YouTube videos, you’re ready for plenty of great sessions.
You could also do HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) or dance workouts right in your own home. For these, you might need a fitness mat and some exercises to include in your routine. If you want extra guidance or motivation, there are countless videos available on various platforms.
At the USI of the universities in Vienna, Graz, Innsbruck, Linz, Klagenfurt and Salzburg you can join sport classes at a discount with your student ID. From athletics to Pilates and karate, you can find everything. There are weekly courses as well as blocked sessions. Some courses are offered exclusively for students at the USI, while others provide discounted access to external university sports programs. You can sign up for classes at the beginning of each semester. It’s best to just have a look at the course program!
Fit Sport Austria is an initiative by Sportunion, ASKÖ, and ASVÖ that aims to promote physical activity in everyday life – offering a wide variety of sports programs across Austria. Whether you’re into yoga, bouldering, karate, or even Quidditch for the Harry Potter fans out there, there’s truly something for everyone. The courses usually take place weekly and are paid for on a semester or yearly basis, depending on the program. While there’s no specific student discount, the prices are generally very affordable, making them a great option for students on a budget.
Sport doesn’t have to be expensive and with these money-saving tips, nothing stands in the way of your new fitness routine. Here are some nutritional tips for active people, so that you can make the most of your workouts. And for smart savers, here are more tips to save money for students. We wish you lots of fun staying active!
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