Do I need a gym membership? What you should consider when making your decision.

Gyms can be intimidating. If you’ve never been in one, looking at all the equipment can be overwhelming. You will see all ranges of people from beginners to beefed-up bodybuilders who grunt with every rep.  And depending on the facility, there might be someone to help you figure things out or you might have to do it alone. 

No gym is the same.  Even the big chain ones: some are managed better than others and shopping around will pay off in more ways than one. This is a very personal investment of your health. 

Let’s go over the 3 basics of what you need to consider: Affordability, Availability, Atmosphere. 

Affordability

Free Options:
Take a look at your stock.  Dust off the old equipment or ask dad to dig his out of the garage.  You might have a gym available already at no extra cost!

Sometimes there are other free community weight rooms or they may be included with another membership. Take advantage! Even if the facility is in poor shape, an old 15 lb weight works the same as a new one.  Plus,d the more a facility is used, the more inclined the management could be to update the equipment. Consider requesting new yoga mats or stability balls. You never know until you ask.

If you’re in school, often the gym membership is included in your tuition. 

It’s a small token of thanks for your contribution to the athletics department. In fact, it may give you access to multiple campuses!

In some workplaces, they have a beautiful facility for employees and immediate family members to use. Sometimes they have fitness classes and a staff wellness program. If your workplace does not have such amenities, it doesn’t hurt to send your HR or staff services a message and see what is available to you.

Paid Options

Health budgets are different for every person. And honestly, cheaper isn’t better. Consider creating your own budget for health every month that includes fitness, food, wellness services like therapies and coaching.

Sometimes an online subscription or 2 is just as much as gym fees. 1 month of Weight Watchers, Noom or Peloton range from $15-40 a month. I use the Peloton app myself, with an older NordicTrack spin bike, not a Peloton brand unit.

Gyms are crazy affordable. They start at free, $10, $30 and $50 a month. There are some beautiful gyms for $70-200 and beyond.  

The gyms that have paid memberships often involve contracts, may have a tiered system and additional fees. Pay close attention to the fine print to avoid surprises.

Often a base fee covers equipment and bathroom use. Sometimes, classes, showers, and lockers are included or there is an upcharge.  For a smaller community atmosphere, you may want to choose a studio membership instead. Studios are smaller businesses that usually have 1 or 2 room facilities and only run small classes and occasionally, personal training. Take your time looking at the list of services and start with what you need; it’s easier to upgrade than it is to reduce your package.

If it seems totally unaffordable, is there something in your life you would be willing to trade? Not getting takeout for a week could equal the cost of a gym membership. Canceling two out of your seven online subscriptions could equal the cost of an online or gym membership.

Availability 

This is probably the most key area in order to make your new commitment stick.

Is the location convenient? Let’s face it. If it’s difficult to get to, you’re less likely to go. If you know parking is a nightmare, you’re likely to avoid it. If you hate crowds, but you have to go through the mall to get there… you get the point. 

Approach this like a new relationship you want to make work. Make sure their hours reflect your schedule. If you are interested in classes or personal training, check those schedules as well. To be successful with your new gym routine, you need to make a plan that appeals to you.

Atmosphere, Community and Team

This one is probably the hardest to scope out but, in my opinion, it is the most important. 

Check out the reviews online or ask someone you know that goes to that gym about the atmosphere and staff. If you know someone who goes to that gym, ask if you could go at the same time as them or maybe park your mat beside them in a class so you don’t feel alone. My first gym experience was when I was offered a reception job at a women’s gym called Fitness Alive. The owner and staff were like family and made an exceptional effort to welcome every woman and her goals when they entered, myself included. From the local high school rowing team, to the ladies in their 70’s in the aerobics class, everyone was encouraged and loved no matter what size or shape their body was. 

I’m grateful that 10 years later, I have found a very intimate community in online coaching where women cheer each other on and celebrate every milestone. I’m sad to say I have not experienced this in any of the big box gyms I’ve tried over the years. It seems to be a jewel of the small business world. If you can find a facility or program that also blesses you with a community of support when it comes to your health, you’re more likely to create and sustain your health success, no matter what your goals are.

Bottom line: Find what works for you. Find what you will enjoy. What works for your schedule so you can sustain your commitment to taking care of your body? Make room in your budget for your health.  Make room in your budget for a gym membership, an online membership, coaching, personal training or equipment. The greatest wealth is health.