from toothpastefordinner.com

Due to a move to the BF’s place and the long summer days, my previously well-regimented workout schedule was upended for a few months.  I’ve been spending more time outside when I can, but that’s going to draw to a close fairly soon. As the days are getting shorter and I’m now waking up while it’s still dark (!), I figured I would try to motivate myself to get to the gym more often.

There are definitely advantages and disadvantages to gym memberships, so hopefully this brief rundown of my considerations will help clarify the various elements that add value to your life– and how you can get around the things that don’t give you as much bang for your buck.

1. Motivation – Well, you’re exercising, right?  Good for you!  However, to get the most consistent results, look for a place where you can match your workout to your personality.  If you get bored easily, you may want to mix it up throughout the week, or nix the gym in favor of a boot camp class.   I like structure, so the gym was a reasonable choice for me– I’ll do cardio/weights in various combos throughout the week, with some classes added in, but basically my routine doesn’t change much.

2. Accessibility – My theory is, the easier it is to get to, the more you’ll go.  Nuff said.  If you’re looking at a long-term membership, consider your travel habits and whether it may be worth slightly more to get access to more clubs.

3. Hygiene - A big one! I get so grossed out by gyms that have inadequate ventilation and a lack of basic amenities like soap in the dispensers.  If you don’t feel comfortable, don’t sign up.

4. Last but not least.  $$$ – This is often one of the major considerations, usually a negative.  First, you’ve got a membership fee, plus monthly dues, plus fees for classes, and then what about a personal trainer?  It quickly snowballs into towel service, locker fees, laundry, etc.

Best solution:  If you have free access to workout equipment or you can run/bike outside in a safe area, that’s great!  I’d definitely suggest that avenue.

Also highly recommended:  Shop smart– most gyms give out free trial passes like candy either at the front desk or on their website. You’ll have to take a tour and listen to their ptich, but in the end you get a week (or 10 days, or whatever) of access.  Take advantage of this time to figure out whether the club is right for you!

So, after all this, what did I end up going with?

My considerations:  I needed gym access at fairly late hours, and being a small girl, I’m not that comfortable running in strange neighborhoods at night. Also, inhaling exhaust and brake dust by running on a busy street has been shown to have a detrimental effect on your lungs. I also greatly prefer swimming as my (low-impact!) cardio workout of choice. With those 4 counts against the free outdoor exercise route, and the school gym offering limited hours, I decided it was worth it to pony up the cash for a place where I could work out in safety when I needed to.  I also felt I could pay a little more up front in order to have greater access when traveling or when I moved.

After a fair amount of research, I joined 24Hr Fitness because it fit all my criteria for the lowest average price, compared to the YMCA, Bally, and various local boutique-y health clubs.

While I confess to paying a rather exorbitant (to me) upfront fee of $800 at the time, because I saw it as something I could use in perpetuity,  6 years later, I feel the membership has definitely paid off. Obviously your options will vary locally, but try to choose the most economical for the duration you’ll need it for.

My plan: The $800 covered 1 year of dues plus membership initiation fees, 2 additional years of free membership with no dues or renewal fees, and then $20/year renewal after that.  Not a typo, that’s one Jackson every 365 days for access to all the clubs except the super-posh top tier ones.  Quite a good investment in my health, if you ask me.  Total costs for 6 years: $860, which works out to just under $12/month.  Now, if you had signed up on a $25 monthly plan, you would’ve broken even at 32 months, or just under that 3rd year. For the 72 months I’ve been using my membership, I’d be $1800 out of  pocket by now.

Extras: I can add on VIP access (bring a friend) for $10/month and cancel whenever I want.  To have a 2nd individual on my membership month-to-month, it’s $25.  Compare this to an a la carte membership where monthly dues are around $40 now…

Here are some other articles I found helpful:

ABC News ran an article about how to exercise frugally.

SmartMoney discloses 10 things your gym won’t tell you.

RealSimple offers a series of articles on getting fit for life, including workout plans,
motivational articles, and helpful hints on evaluating health clubs.

Anyone else trying to get back on track for the winter?