theres a golds very close to me. the only old school dungeon type gym i know of around me is kinda far and would cost 3 times as much. not worth it. im not that hard core to use chalk and all that stuff that would be a problem in most big chains.
not necessarily. if anything the best deals are more towards the middle of the year. they get a lot of newbs in for new years so no reason to give you a good deal.
your best bet is to find someone who is already going to the gym, and have them refer you and you both save that way.