Recent statistics showing that over 100 million Americans are currently overweight or obese may have something to do with the fact that more people are showing up at gyms around the country lately. More people are recognizing that the right combination of exercise and nutrition is conducive to fat loss, increased muscle strength and increased energy and that’s what they want from a gym membership. When people look and feel better, they are more confident, and their increased energy affects everything they do in a positive way.
For many Americans, the physical, mental and social rewards of working out at a gym are an attractive package of benefits, but before you sign on the dotted line for your own gym membership you might want to take a closer look at what the costs involved in pursuing your individual exercise needs and goals will actually be. It helps to remember than any membership is only valuable if you actually use it. This means you will need to look at the specific amenities a particular gym offers and determine whether or not it meets your particular needs. Most gyms will offer a free day or week trial membership to get you started and it is always a good idea to inspect each gym in person.
Remember that the closer a gym is to your work or home, the more likely you will be able to use it. Pool, spa, racquetball and squash facilities may not be included in the membership fee. You’ll need to find out what is included and what you will have to pay for extra services. If you have small children, some gyms will offer paid childcare only during certain hours, while others may completely absorb the costs of childcare in their membership fees.
Your basic choices will include several different styles of gyms to consider. General purpose gyms usually offer free weights, weight machines, cardio equipment and a variety of other specialized classes at a cost of around $30 to $60 per month. Gender specific gyms cater only to one sex or the other and generally employ short circuit training classes in an intimate atmosphere for around $25 to $35 dollars a month. The higher-end country club style gyms are always more expensive and may cost $50 to $200 per month for individuals and as much as $100 to $300 a month for a family membership. Of course, the high-end gyms will also usually feature full golf, tennis and racquetball privileges, as well as full service spas in a complete exercise and weight training facility.
Some of the gym membership payment options to consider include specialty memberships where you only participate in the activities you signed up for and you don’t pay for what you don’t use. Month-to-month payment options are usually more expensive than longer term contracts but offer the flexibility to leave without penalties. Short term memberships for terms of 3 to 6 months will cost somewhere between monthly and yearly membership fees. Yearly membership fee payments are lower in price, but require non-refundable payments up front. Multiyear membership contracts will cost less due to their longer contract terms, but may contain hidden fees for some extra services. Potential members will always need to make sure they will be able to get their money’s worth before pulling the trigger on a multiyear contract.