Is Your Gym Membership Worth It?

Posted by admin on Mar 27, 2010 in News Feed | Comments Off

In the recent tough economic times, people are asking themselves where they can cut back on expenses. Many people have told me they are cutting back on their daily Starbuck’s or choosing to pass on luxuries such as eating out, or salon/spa treatments. When looking over their budget, they may also wonder if they can afford their monthly membership to the gym. I hate to say it, but some of us in the fitness business have witness these cutbacks in our membership. But I have to ask, how can you afford not to have your gym membership? Let’s be objective and compare these two choices. You may have even been faced with this yourself; which will you choose…

Your date night out or your monthly gym membership?

A casual dinner for two at a restaurant will probably run you at least $30, not including drinks or cocktails. And if you were to add on movie tickets costing an average of $10-12 per ticket, you’re looking at another $20 to $30 depending if you decide to get any drinks or popcorn. By the end of the evening, you have probably invested at least $50 to $60 into the date. And it’s all over in a few hours. In just one night, although you might have thoroughly enjoyed yourself, you have spent your investment.

Now let’s look at your total gym membership. Let’s say a gym membership costs thirty dollars a month. That amounts to about a dollar a day. For just a dollar a day you  will be investing in your overall health, improved fitness level; strength, endurance, flexibility, heart health, plus appearance, balanced emotional state, active lifestyle and longevity. Not to mention you could be saving yourself hundreds even thousands of dollars in medical or doctor expenses, prescriptions and preventing lost wages from missed work. That’s a pretty good return on your investment.

Let’s go back to the average date night, going out to dinner and a movie. That one evening could buy you 2 months of membership to the gym. Which is the better return on your investment? The benefits of regular exercise not only lowers your risk of chronic disease, but it helps you maintain a healthy weight, improves sleep, decreases anxiety and stress, improves mood and self esteem, and possibly increases cognitive functioning (basically improved brain power). Physical activity directly and positively affects the quantity and quality of life.

How can you afford not to exercise?

And what would happen if you were to decide to still forgo your gym membership to enjoy the fun of dining or eating out? The risk of obesity will rise and all those benefits of regular exercise I just stated could slowly disappear for you and soon be out of your reach. Listen, I understand times are tough – for all of us! Is your gym membership worth it? Yes, I think so.  Think of it this way, your gym membership is a cheap form of great entertainment and a great investment.

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