Are Gym Memberships worth it?

[mcmuffinpilot]

I've got 2 girlfriends trying to get me to join their 3 gyms ..ha! Giving me guest passes and free classes, you'd think that they worked for the gyms !
I'm a very active person and I do attend specifc/organized exercise classes , but a membership would cause me not to "want to go" does that make sense?
Having a tiny budget right now helps with my decision on not to join but my girlfriends are really pressuring me to go cause "they need a gym partner and an encourager "

Is it worth it you think??

[TheWife]

I had a membership for about 5 months. I would say NO it's not, but I guess it depends on your gym. Mine had childcare, which was reasonably priced, and the only way I could go was to bring the kids. But I wanted to get it done early in the a.m. and it was really a struggle to get them ready to go that early. Occasionally the childcare was full, and you'd pretty much have to just sit there until someone else was done working out and came to get their kids. Then there was the problem of machine hoggers. It seemed like all the machines I wanted to use, were the ones that would have "one of those people" on them, the kind that would sit there, stare off into space, adjust their ipod band, fix their socks, tighten their ponytail, etc. Then they'd do a few reps, and then sit and rest. And basically they'd be on the same machine for 10-15 minutes, despite the signs that recommend you do a rotation of 1 or 2 sets per machine and then rotate, so that everyone had a chance. So I'd basically end up having to find different machines to use, or sit around and wait. Then there is the ick factor of other people's sweaty bodies all over the machines. Like wiping with a towel really makes a difference. My kids got a lot of sniffles while in the childcare and I got the only 2 colds I've had all year while I was going to the gym, and I'm sure that's where I picked it up at. In the end, I didn't lose any more than by working out at home with a few different pilates/strength training dvd's. So for me, it was not worth the money, gas, time, and germs.

[SeatClutcher]

I think it depends on whether you prefer the company of others when you exercise, what kind of equipment you like...

Seems to be an atmosphere preference, really. I've been staying in shape for a few years by using my living room floor as an exercise mat. My sister goes to the gym.

Can't your girlfriends, plural, be one anothers' gym partner? It doesn't sound like they're going singly. They "need" another partner? What for?

Don't give in to peer pressure!!

[SeatClutcher]

Originally Posted by TheWife

I had a membership for about 5 months. I would say NO it's not, but I guess it depends on your gym. Mine had childcare, which was reasonably priced, and the only way I could go was to bring the kids. But I wanted to get it done early in the a.m. and it was really a struggle to get them ready to go that early. Occasionally the childcare was full, and you'd pretty much have to just sit there until someone else was done working out and came to get their kids. Then there was the problem of machine hoggers. It seemed like all the machines I wanted to use, were the ones that would have "one of those people" on them, the kind that would sit there, stare off into space, adjust their ipod band, fix their socks, tighten their ponytail, etc. Then they'd do a few reps, and then sit and rest. And basically they'd be on the same machine for 10-15 minutes, despite the signs that recommend you do a rotation of 1 or 2 sets per machine and then rotate, so that everyone had a chance. So I'd basically end up having to find different machines to use, or sit around and wait. Then there is the ick factor of other people's sweaty bodies all over the machines. Like wiping with a towel really makes a difference. My kids got a lot of sniffles while in the childcare and I got the only 2 colds I've had all year while I was going to the gym, and I'm sure that's where I picked it up at. In the end, I didn't lose any more than by working out at home with a few different pilates/strength training dvd's. So for me, it was not worth the money, gas, time, and germs.

Michelle -

Would you mind breaking up your paragraphs a little? Reading condensed type makes my eyes go buggy, so half the time I can't even read your full posts!

[roz]

I prefer to exercise at home. I get intimidated by the 20 somethings looking at me, the old lady in the gym. I do it while on the road because I have to, but I don't like it one bit!

[UKcats06]

I had one for a little while and I never went. Personally for me I would have benefited from buying a treadmill with the money that went to the gym. I would like to have a place to go do classes and things like that, though. And a swimming pool is always nice if you like that kind of thing, or if it's even offered.

I guess its all a matter of personal preference! Check out the gyms with the free passes. If you just can't live without one, then go for it. Make sure you READ the contract if you have to sign one. Thats the one thing I have learned from ADT! Haha

[SeatClutcher]

Originally Posted by UKcats06

I had one for a little while and I never went. Personally for me I would have benefited from buying a treadmill with the money that went to the gym. I would like to have a place to go do classes and things like that, though. And a swimming pool is always nice if you like that kind of thing, or if it's even offered.

I guess its all a matter of personal preference! Check out the gyms with the free passes. If you just can't live without one, then go for it. Make sure you READ the contract if you have to sign one. Thats the one thing I have learned from ADT! Haha

A treadmill is the only piece of exercise equipment I know I would use if I had one at home. Man, I'd love to have a treadmill.

(Of course, I could just go for a WALK... I really need to get out more.)

[UKcats06]

Originally Posted by SeatClutcher

A treadmill is the only piece of exercise equipment I know I would use if I had one at home. Man, I'd love to have a treadmill.

(Of course, I could just go for a WALK... I really need to get out more.)

Yeah me, too. Its too hot in FL right now, and I'm afriad the snakes will get me. I guess I should learn how to run better haha

[Kristie]

I'm using my elliptical at home more than i ever did in a gym...and i think it's just because i'm not as intimidated as i would be in a gym...i used to have a gym membership but realized they only really work (for me) if they're on the actual route to home/work.

I found that my elliptical, altho expensive, has already been paid off just by the use of it at home (compared to gym memberships).

I also have a treadmill but only use it to offset the elliptical time since my knees aren't all that great.

I wlll say that the gym is a good place to build "routine", to meet people and get a well revolved workout. you can work cardio and weights which is a plus.

but don't give into the peer pressure of "i need a buddy" because unless you both are willing and dedicated to go to the gym at the same time all the time, it'll never work.

[Amanda]

It's worth the money if you're actually going to go!
I'm one of those people who needs others to stay motivated so I understand the buddy thing!

In AZ though I found the most amazing gym- $75/YEAR! - and I went religiously 4 days/week. It was well worth the money and I loved it because it was no-frills and had an amazing kickboxing class I loved. I was motivated on my own to go! In fact I'm a bit depressed here because I can't find anything that comes close (especially money wise). I fell in love wirh kickboxing b/c it felt like I wasn't really working out. I got toned everywhere and felt good about myself.

Bally's is the closest gym to me that is reasonably priced but I really don't like the atmosphere at all. There is Curves For Women but there is nobody there younger than 90. Unfortunately I am out of shape now and don't feel very good. I started to run since it was free and something I could do whenever (the weather here allows me to run outside most days). The running is good but I haven't seen a huge difference plus now my knee is hurting! I need to do something fast because I don't like what's staring me back in the mirror.

Sorry about rambling and turning this into a "me" thread Tara!
There are a lot more gyms in your area but don't join any of them unless you are actually going to go!