> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.uplifter.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# What is a membership?

> A membership is a time-bound access product you buy for one athlete.

<Note>
  **Must know**

  * Memberships are time-bound: an annual or seasonal window, or a recurring monthly/yearly plan.
  * A recurring membership shows an **Auto-renews** badge and bills automatically each cycle.
  * Each membership is assigned to one athlete, so you buy one per child.
  * Holding a membership can be required to register for certain programs. Memberships only appear if your gym offers them.
</Note>

A membership is something you buy for one of your athletes that gives them access for a set period of time. Your gym decides what each membership includes and how long it lasts.

Memberships come in two shapes:

* **Annual or seasonal** — a one-time purchase that covers a fixed window, then simply ends with no further charges.
* **Recurring** — a monthly or yearly plan that keeps renewing on its own. On your gym's site these carry an **Auto-renews** badge so you know they'll bill again automatically.

A membership always belongs to a specific athlete, so if you have more than one child you buy a membership for each one. When you shop, a membership card may also show badges for age ranges or levels — those tell you who the membership is meant for, and each athlete is checked against them before you can add it.

Some programs and events **require** a membership before an athlete can register. If that's the case for something you're signing up for, adding the right membership to the same cart clears the requirement.

To buy one, sign in and open the **Memberships** page on your gym's website.

**Related:** [How do I buy a membership?](/families/families-memberships-passes/how-to-buy-a-membership) · [When does my membership renew and what am I charged?](/families/families-memberships-passes/membership-renewal-and-charges) · [How do I check my athletes' memberships and payments?](/families/families-memberships-passes/view-membership-status) · [Why does a program require a pass or membership?](/families/families-memberships-passes/program-requires-pass-or-membership)