GYMS around the country have told new year's dieters they are "open to haggling", in an effort to drum up declining business.

A survey conducted by the Sunday Tribune found that five out of 10 gyms were prepared to negotiate on competitors' offers.

Those who refused claimed they were already operating on the cheapest and best terms available.

In Dublin, prices for a year's membership range from €320 to €800.

The most expensive gym is Jackie Skelly, at a monthly rate of €69. When queried on whether it would negotiate if a customer got cheaper offers from other centres, a spokesman suggested that potential customers come in "and we can go through all options".

Despite the willingness to drop prices, many gyms continue to operate contracts which do not allow for any refund of membership.

In Blackrock's Newpark gym, one of the best priced in the country, any membership fee paid is "completely non refundable", even with advance notice of intention to terminate the contract.

Meanwhile, the National Consumer Agency (NCA) says it has received over 400 complaints in the last year from consumers about gyms and contracts across Ireland.

According to the chief executive of the NCA, Ann Fitzgerald, "consumers should be vigilant when signing up for gym membership and should take time to consider all aspects of the contract.

"Despite our new year's resolutions, our enthusiasm for going to the gym may ease off as the year progresses. Therefore, it is important that potential members are aware of the termination clauses before committing to a contract."

In Cork, the price of an annual membership ranges from €399 to €550, while a year's membership in the state-of-the-art Kingfisher gym in Galway costs €499, but a spokeswoman there said that "if you find a better offer, come back to us and we will talk. We are open to haggling."

The Galway City gym also said that if a customer found a better price elsewhere, it would "of course look to match or do a better price, and offer a discount".

Despite the efforts to lower prices and beat competition, home-fitness equipment stores have reported a rise in sales, as homeowners fit out their own gyms. Liam Shanley of fitness equipment store VJs says he has put on extra staff to deal with the increased demand. "We are seeing huge sales in our home gym equipment. Sales have really begun to pick up, and we are seeing a rise on this time last year.

"We are also seeing a lot of families coming in who are deciding to do away with going to the gym, opting instead to create their own and save money in 2010. We have had to put extra staff on to deal with the fresh demand, as well as opening for extra hours," said Shanley.

The NCA has urged those taking up a new contract this year to be aware of all conditions.

"The gym operator would be within their legal rights to follow up on non-payments until such time as the contract is properly terminated. Consumers should clarify any queries or concerns with the operator in the event that they wish to end their contract with the gym," said Fitzgerald.

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIPS

Jackie Skelly, Dublin €828
Crunch Fitness, Dublin €730
Sanovitae Centre, Cork €630
Pat Henry, Dublin €625
Riverview Health and Fitness, Cork €550
Kingfisher, Galway €499
Source Health and Fitness, Cork €450
Galway City Gym €440
The Vaults Fitness Centre, Cork €399
Newpark Gym, Blackrock €330