I bought my first gym membership in April or May of this year. This was my first time ever going to a commercial gym. I’m not trying to lose weight, I’m trying to get more toned, defined abs, look healthy and so on.
My bill is only $10 a month because I signed on through my BF and we have a family plan, so together it costs us $32 a month. I know this price is super cheap, especially compared to other gyms, but I haven’t worked out even once at the gym since the beginning of June. At first I went to the gym nearly every other day, then the days I went just kept on dwindling down.
I constantly wonder if paying this amount is worth it, even though it’s such a small amount. Me and the BF constantly wish that we would have just invested in a home gym (such as weights and ab stuff). I’m starting to also think it’s a waste because instead of running at the gym, I could just be going for a run with my dogs, so I also feel like I’m neglecting them.
Your turn: Do you work out at the gym? How much is your membership? Do you think it’s worth it?
BTHappyHomeowner says
I cannot wait until my contract is up and I can cancel my membership. This was the first and only time I've paid for a gym membership, and I learned an expensive lesson to not do it again! I bike to/from work, I run, and I sneak in strength moves from time to time in the park, etc–I don't need the gym!
Michelle Parker says
Yeah, I don't think I will be renewing next year!
Shoe.Gal says
I have the exact same issue! I pay $29 for my membership and get unlimited Hot Yoga. It is an amazing deal and I would never be able to get it again if I cancel. But I haven't been there in months, but when I do get back into it I use it a lot. I will likely end up keeping it just because even the few times I do use it make it worthwhile rather than paying the drop in fees of $15 a visit.
Eric Finlay says
I definitely stay home for my workouts. Don't even need that much equipment – a kettlebell works wonders and is far easier to store than those "easy to store" massive contraptions.
Michelle Parker says
@ShoeGal, I am the same way! Once I get into it, I'll go a lot, but once I stop, then I pretty much just stop. There is no in between for me.@Eric, all I need are weights. I run outside and can do push ups, crunches, etc. And I follow the P90x program, so I don't really need any ab machines or anything. I have no clue why I even got a membership.
Rhitter94 says
My work has a gym and there is one where I live. So, I don't pay anything.
Days says
We have a fitness center and pool at our apartment complex. I haven't used it yet but plan to.
Makky's Mom says
I have never owned a gym membership and can't see getting one for myself.However, when the new YMCA opens down the road from us, I *might* get a membership for my 3 kids so they can take swimming lessons and participate in various activities there. Still, I'm having a tough time justifying $70-ish per month on a YMCA membership for them…Not sure what to do…
Michelle Parker says
I wish my work had a gym, we are a very small company though.$70 is a lot. It could still be worth it though. I don't know of anyone who goes to the YMCA, or I would try and help you with your decision.
South County Girl says
I have a free gym membership at my work… but a lot of the time I just can't imagine spending more time there voluntarily…For me, it just makes more sense to put my dollars towards things I can do at home. More recently we are thinking about getting a bike for me… but before we do i'll try and borrow my sisters to make sure its something i'll actually use before I buy it.
Anonymous says
Just make sure if you purchase anything for home you actually use it. We canceled our membership thinking we would save money and after the newness wore off the treadmill and weights are all just sitting there reminding us of mistake 🙂 I enjoy to run with other people to get my exercise so i belong to a free run group that go out 3 times a week together.
laura@nomorespending says
$32 a month doesn't seem too expensive for both of you….if you're using it. I haven't wasted much money on gyms over the years as I much prefered to play sports than exercise on my own.
Stephanie says
I pay $10/month at my gym, plus a $25 a year to lock in that rate (so if they raise their rates for new members to, say, $15, I get to keep the $10 rate, so really it's like $12 and change a month). Definitely worth it since I consistently go 2-3 times a week. Plus, if I get there 75 times this year by October 15, my employer will reimburse me $75 through the wellness program. So really, I'd be paying a total of $70/YEAR for my gym membership. 🙂
Michelle Parker says
I think if I went more often, then the membership would be worth it. I need to work out anyways. @Stephanie, I'm so jealous that you have a wellness program!
Red says
I go to the gym on a fairly regular (5-6 days a week) basis. But my gym membership is "free" (built into our tuition), so it's definitely worth the "price" for me. 😉 When I graduate, I can get a membership for $60 for the year, which is pretty great. Mom has also offered to let me use her student ID since she pays the gym fee but never goes. I dread the day when Mom and Mr. Red graduate. Then I'll have to purchase a membership at a public gym or buy equipment for myself. Boo.