Comments on: Ask The Readers: Evaluating a Gym Membership http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/ask-the-readers-evaluating-a-gym-membership/ Saving, Earning, and Investing Money Sat, 11 Feb 2012 03:58:23 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Gypsie http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/ask-the-readers-evaluating-a-gym-membership/comment-page-1/#comment-116185 Gypsie Sun, 23 Nov 2008 15:31:12 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/?p=1218#comment-116185 First, I work part time at a gym as a Group Exercise Instructor so my and my family's memberships are free as well as i get paid for my work there. But for me the big draw to a gym is the group exercise classes. I cannot seem to motivate myself to work hard enough when i am by myself. Put me in a group environment and I will work out harder and longer. I will always be willing to pay for a gym that offers a lot of group exercise classes! First, I work part time at a gym as a Group Exercise Instructor so my and my family’s memberships are free as well as i get paid for my work there.
But for me the big draw to a gym is the group exercise classes. I cannot seem to motivate myself to work hard enough when i am by myself. Put me in a group environment and I will work out harder and longer. I will always be willing to pay for a gym that offers a lot of group exercise classes!

]]> By: Lin http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/ask-the-readers-evaluating-a-gym-membership/comment-page-1/#comment-116113 Lin Sat, 22 Nov 2008 22:51:00 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/?p=1218#comment-116113 The timing for this post couldn't be better, as I'm also trying to decide if a gym membership is worthwhile. Since I really don't need to spend another dollar to work out (I do own new running shoes, all the clothes, an MP3 player and running is free), I wonder if "getting fit" isn't just a matter of straight laziness. I COULD get up a tiny little bit earlier every morning and run before work. OR, I could go to the local community gym: half-decent machines and only 4 blocks away. However, I had the chance to try a beautiful downtown gym two weeks ago, and it was great to be able to break up the work day with a run. It was downright enjoyable, in fact. However, the price tag is ridiculous: it's close to $100/month if I signed up for a month-to-month membership for 6 months. The salesperson was reluctant to give me absolute dollar terms, and now that I know what they're asking, I can see why. They really push for the annual membership. This comes in at $1001 for 12 months. I'm told I SAVE if I sign up for 24 months. But wait, that's not all - it's not enough to sign me up for a grand, it also seemed important to sign me up for personal training on top of it. A prudent consumer would set the alarm clock for 30 mins earlier and run around the neighborhood. Me? I think I'll go for the community centre: $5/visit. The timing for this post couldn’t be better, as I’m also trying to decide if a gym membership is worthwhile.

Since I really don’t need to spend another dollar to work out (I do own new running shoes, all the clothes, an MP3 player and running is free), I wonder if “getting fit” isn’t just a matter of straight laziness. I COULD get up a tiny little bit earlier every morning and run before work.

OR, I could go to the local community gym: half-decent machines and only 4 blocks away. However, I had the chance to try a beautiful downtown gym two weeks ago, and it was great to be able to break up the work day with a run. It was downright enjoyable, in fact. However, the price tag is ridiculous: it’s close to $100/month if I signed up for a month-to-month membership for 6 months. The salesperson was reluctant to give me absolute dollar terms, and now that I know what they’re asking, I can see why. They really push for the annual membership. This comes in at $1001 for 12 months. I’m told I SAVE if I sign up for 24 months. But wait, that’s not all – it’s not enough to sign me up for a grand, it also seemed important to sign me up for personal training on top of it.

A prudent consumer would set the alarm clock for 30 mins earlier and run around the neighborhood. Me? I think I’ll go for the community centre: $5/visit.

]]> By: Brandon http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/ask-the-readers-evaluating-a-gym-membership/comment-page-1/#comment-115903 Brandon Fri, 21 Nov 2008 18:02:41 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/?p=1218#comment-115903 I have a free gym at my work, but instead I pay $40/month (cdn) for a real gym membership for exactly the same reasons you wrote about. As for the cost ... it's a small price to pay for a longer, healthier life I have a free gym at my work, but instead I pay $40/month (cdn) for a real gym membership for exactly the same reasons you wrote about.

As for the cost … it’s a small price to pay for a longer, healthier life

]]> By: Curtis Ludlow http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/ask-the-readers-evaluating-a-gym-membership/comment-page-1/#comment-115811 Curtis Ludlow Thu, 20 Nov 2008 20:10:36 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/?p=1218#comment-115811 You don't need a gym membership. I think people need to do whatever fits their lifestyle goals. I have a membership at 24 hour fitness but rarely go. Instead I like to workout at home with a pull up bar and some dumbbells. It's just much more convenient for me. :) You don’t need a gym membership.

I think people need to do whatever fits their lifestyle goals. I have a membership at 24 hour fitness but rarely go. Instead I like to workout at home with a pull up bar and some dumbbells.

It’s just much more convenient for me.

:)

]]> By: Neko http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/ask-the-readers-evaluating-a-gym-membership/comment-page-1/#comment-115652 Neko Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:09:01 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/?p=1218#comment-115652 In the end, paying for a gym membership probably provides you with better value since the free gym is most likely very small and cramped, stocked full of older un-maintained equiptment, and lacks knowledgable staff to help you. Personally, I dish out $30 a month to use my local 24 Hour Fitness and even if I just go once a week I feel as if I get my moneys worth since they have trained staff, new equiptment, hot tub and sauna, and free towel service! - Neko In the end, paying for a gym membership probably provides you with better value since the free gym is most likely very small and cramped, stocked full of older un-maintained equiptment, and lacks knowledgable staff to help you.

Personally, I dish out $30 a month to use my local 24 Hour Fitness and even if I just go once a week I feel as if I get my moneys worth since they have trained staff, new equiptment, hot tub and sauna, and free towel service!

- Neko

]]> By: Writer's Coin http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/ask-the-readers-evaluating-a-gym-membership/comment-page-1/#comment-115650 Writer's Coin Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:24:44 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/?p=1218#comment-115650 I have a gym on the top floor of my building, it's free, and I STILL don't use it regularly. I guess I just haven't gotten to that point where I'm committing to going every other day or something. I have a gym on the top floor of my building, it’s free, and I STILL don’t use it regularly. I guess I just haven’t gotten to that point where I’m committing to going every other day or something.

]]> By: irina @ mylifeandart.typepad.com http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/ask-the-readers-evaluating-a-gym-membership/comment-page-1/#comment-115632 irina @ mylifeandart.typepad.com Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:47:03 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/?p=1218#comment-115632 I have a gym in my condo, but what I really found useful is my Yoga class at a local community college, the Miami-Dade Community College, for those who are in Miami. I swear, people who teach Yoga at the MDCC, Miami, FL at about $10 per class, give me a value at least the same as $1000-per-workshop Yoga retreat. The motivation, the inspiration, the workout.. I just feel so uplifted and I am not even a believer. Ask me, it is boring, I can't do it on my own at home, if someone doesn't lead me.. but with a teacher each week, I am motivated to do my very best... I have a gym in my condo, but what I really found useful is my Yoga class at a local community college, the Miami-Dade Community College, for those who are in Miami.

I swear, people who teach Yoga at the MDCC, Miami, FL at about $10 per class, give me a value at least the same as $1000-per-workshop Yoga retreat. The motivation, the inspiration, the workout..

I just feel so uplifted and I am not even a believer. Ask me, it is boring, I can’t do it on my own at home, if someone doesn’t lead me.. but with a teacher each week, I am motivated to do my very best…

]]> By: guinness416 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/ask-the-readers-evaluating-a-gym-membership/comment-page-1/#comment-115616 guinness416 Tue, 18 Nov 2008 18:26:28 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/?p=1218#comment-115616 Heh, thanks for the concern Karen. Fear not! He's more squeamish than I and his delicate wee feet never directly touch any floor surfaces. A decade of fungus-free gym going so far! But yes, add flip-flops to your gym budget lazy man. Heh, thanks for the concern Karen. Fear not! He’s more squeamish than I and his delicate wee feet never directly touch any floor surfaces. A decade of fungus-free gym going so far! But yes, add flip-flops to your gym budget lazy man.

]]> By: Lazy Man http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/ask-the-readers-evaluating-a-gym-membership/comment-page-1/#comment-115608 Lazy Man Tue, 18 Nov 2008 17:13:27 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/?p=1218#comment-115608 I lived in Boston where I paid $45/mo for membership. There were gyms that charged $145/month for a couple of people (actually where the Celtics practiced it was around $145 for one person), but I simply chose not to give them my business - I don't need the state of the art. I don't know if I'll get the $30 rate and my wife surely didn't get that when she first signed up (closer to $50 and two-year contract). I lived in Boston where I paid $45/mo for membership. There were gyms that charged $145/month for a couple of people (actually where the Celtics practiced it was around $145 for one person), but I simply chose not to give them my business – I don’t need the state of the art.

I don’t know if I’ll get the $30 rate and my wife surely didn’t get that when she first signed up (closer to $50 and two-year contract).

]]> By: DollarDream$ http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/ask-the-readers-evaluating-a-gym-membership/comment-page-1/#comment-115606 DollarDream$ Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:07:44 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/?p=1218#comment-115606 $30 per month with no contract ! You guys are lucky! This post is just in time for my dilemma about gym membership. Between me and my wife, we pay $145 / month for the gym! (Welcome to Connecticut). We are also stuck in one year contract.I know the charges are ridiculous; however I see some advantages - 1) It is one minute drive from my apartment. I already drive 42 miles one way to work every day and the last thing I want to do is drive 10 mins to go to the gym after I come home in the evening. 2) The equipments are brand new, state of the art, they also have nice flat screen TVs. 3) They have lots of classes like pilates, yoga, aqua exercises, group cycling etc included in the membership fees. 4) We wanted to some people since we recently moved to the area, my wife ended up meeting 2 good friends. Since both of us are trying to lose few pounds, for a while I am willing to pay this high price. But next year, I am planning to jog outside and quit the gym for at least 6 months. Being a single income family (no kids - YET), we can't afford to pay $145 per month for the gym all the time. $30 per month with no contract ! You guys are lucky!

This post is just in time for my dilemma about gym membership. Between me and my wife, we pay $145 / month for the gym! (Welcome to Connecticut). We are also stuck in one year contract.I know the charges are ridiculous; however I see some advantages – 1) It is one minute drive from my apartment. I already drive 42 miles one way to work every day and the last thing I want to do is drive 10 mins to go to the gym after I come home in the evening. 2) The equipments are brand new, state of the art, they also have nice flat screen TVs. 3) They have lots of classes like pilates, yoga, aqua exercises, group cycling etc included in the membership fees. 4) We wanted to some people since we recently moved to the area, my wife ended up meeting 2 good friends.

Since both of us are trying to lose few pounds, for a while I am willing to pay this high price. But next year, I am planning to jog outside and quit the gym for at least 6 months. Being a single income family (no kids – YET), we can’t afford to pay $145 per month for the gym all the time.

]]> By: Karen http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/ask-the-readers-evaluating-a-gym-membership/comment-page-1/#comment-115510 Karen Mon, 17 Nov 2008 22:43:50 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/?p=1218#comment-115510 @guiness416 Honey do not let your man shower at the gym! He is going to pick up plantar warts, fungi, and other bacteria and viruses on his feet and you'll get them too if you share the same bed! Gross!!! @guiness416

Honey do not let your man shower at the gym! He is going to pick up plantar warts, fungi, and other bacteria and viruses on his feet and you’ll get them too if you share the same bed! Gross!!!

]]> By: Miss M http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/ask-the-readers-evaluating-a-gym-membership/comment-page-1/#comment-115509 Miss M Mon, 17 Nov 2008 22:41:36 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/?p=1218#comment-115509 I went through the same sort of pro/con analysis a few months ago and decided to go for it. I knew keeping healthy and fit was important to me, but I wasn't doing anything about it. I wasn't thrilled about spending money on a membership but didn't have a lot of free alternatives. My gym is $30/month and doesn't have contracts, you can quit at any time. Here is what I wrote <a href="http://missmmoney.blogspot.com/2008/10/money-and-values-series-joining-gym.html" rel="nofollow">Money and Values Series – Joining a Gym</a>. Let us know what you decide Lazy Man. I went through the same sort of pro/con analysis a few months ago and decided to go for it. I knew keeping healthy and fit was important to me, but I wasn’t doing anything about it. I wasn’t thrilled about spending money on a membership but didn’t have a lot of free alternatives. My gym is $30/month and doesn’t have contracts, you can quit at any time. Here is what I wrote Money and Values Series – Joining a Gym. Let us know what you decide Lazy Man.

]]> By: Lazy Man http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/ask-the-readers-evaluating-a-gym-membership/comment-page-1/#comment-115506 Lazy Man Mon, 17 Nov 2008 21:28:12 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/?p=1218#comment-115506 I got to use the gym membership as a guest on Saturday, but I think we only get a couple of guest passes. I got to use the gym membership as a guest on Saturday, but I think we only get a couple of guest passes.

]]> By: CJ http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/ask-the-readers-evaluating-a-gym-membership/comment-page-1/#comment-115504 CJ Mon, 17 Nov 2008 21:17:07 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/?p=1218#comment-115504 Does your wife's gym have a guest policy? If they allow you to bring the same person over and over as a guest then there's no point in you having a separate membership, unless you guys work out at different times. I'd also look into a family membership. Does your wife’s gym have a guest policy? If they allow you to bring the same person over and over as a guest then there’s no point in you having a separate membership, unless you guys work out at different times. I’d also look into a family membership.

]]> By: Lazy Man http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/ask-the-readers-evaluating-a-gym-membership/comment-page-1/#comment-115502 Lazy Man Mon, 17 Nov 2008 20:58:19 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/?p=1218#comment-115502 Craig, I agree with the leaving the gym too early. That's what I was getting at with the free from distractions in the Pros. Guinness416, you are right about the range of equipment. I meant that as well when I said that my free gym doesn't have elliptical trainers. I probably should have worded it better or used the phrase superior selection and quality of equipment. I don't mind running into my condo neighbors. Since I work from home, I haven't run into that problem yet. Craig, I agree with the leaving the gym too early. That’s what I was getting at with the free from distractions in the Pros.

Guinness416, you are right about the range of equipment. I meant that as well when I said that my free gym doesn’t have elliptical trainers. I probably should have worded it better or used the phrase superior selection and quality of equipment.

I don’t mind running into my condo neighbors. Since I work from home, I haven’t run into that problem yet.

]]> By: guinness416 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/ask-the-readers-evaluating-a-gym-membership/comment-page-1/#comment-115500 guinness416 Mon, 17 Nov 2008 20:34:28 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/?p=1218#comment-115500 I'd add to superior equipment, range of equipment. It's hard to get bored when there's so many free weights, types of benches, machines and cardio options. And hell, even people around you giving you ideas for bodyweight exercises. A big plus for my husband is use of the steam room (and as he showers at the gym every day, we save on water too). Not running into your neighbours in the condo gym would probably be a pro in your case too. And I'd add salespeople to the cons - it can be exhausting fending off offers of training, "fitness tests", upgraded memberships, etc all the time. Negotiate hard! Gym membership people are scumbags, but they do want to sign you up. I got my current place down from $36/mo to $299 cash (ie no providing them with credit card details) for the year. I’d add to superior equipment, range of equipment. It’s hard to get bored when there’s so many free weights, types of benches, machines and cardio options. And hell, even people around you giving you ideas for bodyweight exercises. A big plus for my husband is use of the steam room (and as he showers at the gym every day, we save on water too). Not running into your neighbours in the condo gym would probably be a pro in your case too.

And I’d add salespeople to the cons – it can be exhausting fending off offers of training, “fitness tests”, upgraded memberships, etc all the time.

Negotiate hard! Gym membership people are scumbags, but they do want to sign you up. I got my current place down from $36/mo to $299 cash (ie no providing them with credit card details) for the year.

]]> By: Craig http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/ask-the-readers-evaluating-a-gym-membership/comment-page-1/#comment-115499 Craig Mon, 17 Nov 2008 20:30:50 +0000 http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/?p=1218#comment-115499 Your wife is getting a great deal on the gym and I can almost guarantee they would match the membership price for her. They want to add a new customer and once signed up are almost a guarantee to continue over time. With that price I don't think there are any cons to belonging to a gym. The price is right, if location is fine then stick with it. there are so many benefits you gain from belonging to a gym The location actually can work as a con for the free gym. Since it's only 3 minutes to get there, that means it's only 3 minutes to get back. Mentally it could have a negative affect and force you to become lazy and stop a workout short just to get back to your apt. Craig www.budgetpulse.com Your wife is getting a great deal on the gym and I can almost guarantee they would match the membership price for her. They want to add a new customer and once signed up are almost a guarantee to continue over time. With that price I don’t think there are any cons to belonging to a gym. The price is right, if location is fine then stick with it. there are so many benefits you gain from belonging to a gym

The location actually can work as a con for the free gym. Since it’s only 3 minutes to get there, that means it’s only 3 minutes to get back. Mentally it could have a negative affect and force you to become lazy and stop a workout short just to get back to your apt.

Craig
http://www.budgetpulse.com

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