Are 24 months cheaper than 12 months?

Per month, usually yes: the base membership is often lower on a 24-month term, and one-off costs like the joining fee are spread over more months. But you commit for twice as long — if training falls away (moving, lack of time), you keep paying anyway.

How long can a gym contract run at most?

Since the 2022 reform, the initial term may be no longer than 24 months (§ 309 No. 9 BGB). If the contract renews automatically, it is then cancellable monthly with no more than one month's notice.

Is a flexible monthly contract worth it?

Flex tariffs (monthly cancellable) cost the most per month but give you maximum freedom. They're worth it if you're unsure whether you'll stick with it, or only want to train for a short while.

Gym contract: 12 or 24 months' term?

Updated: 11.06.2026

Almost every studio offers its best price only with a long commitment. But the cheapest term on paper isn't automatically the best one for you. Here's the honest trade-off.

The trade-off in brief

Term	Price/month	Flexibility	Risk
24 months	cheapest	low	high (locked in for 2 years)
12 months	medium	medium	medium
Flex (monthly)	most expensive	maximum	low

What really matters

The decisive question is an honest one: How sure are you that you'll stick with it? If you train regularly and don't move, 24 months is the cheapest. If you're starting for the first time or are unsure about your job or location, 12 months or flex costs more per month — but you don't risk paying a whole year for a dead membership.

Important: always compare the real effective cost — we spread one-off fees fairly over at least 12 months so that short terms don't look unfairly expensive.

The legal situation since 2022

For contracts signed on or after 1 March 2022: the initial term may be no longer than 24 months. After that the contract may only extend indefinitely and is cancellable monthly with no more than one month's notice (§ 309 No. 9 BGB). So you're no longer automatically stuck in another 12-month extension. Here's how to cancel properly.

Frequently asked questions

Are 24 months cheaper than 12 months?: Per month, usually yes: the base membership is often lower on a 24-month term, and one-off costs like the joining fee are spread over more months. But you commit for twice as long — if training falls away (moving, lack of time), you keep paying anyway.
How long can a gym contract run at most?: Since the 2022 reform, the initial term may be no longer than 24 months (§ 309 No. 9 BGB). If the contract renews automatically, it is then cancellable monthly with no more than one month's notice.
Is a flexible monthly contract worth it?: Flex tariffs (monthly cancellable) cost the most per month but give you maximum freedom. They're worth it if you're unsure whether you'll stick with it, or only want to train for a short while.

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