Is A Gym Membership Worth It?
This is a collaborative post
It’s no secret that regular exercise is good for your physical and mental health. The NHS calls exercise ‘the miracle cure we’ve all been waiting for’, pointing to how it can reduce the risk of major illnesses and early death. And signing up for a gym is one way to get lots of it.
But with almost everything getting more expensive right now, it’s important to question whether a gym membership is worth it. The last thing you want is for it to become another unused subscription or something about which you start to feel guilty. After all, there are lots of ways to become happier and healthier – and they don’t all come with a monthly membership fee.
Here are four questions to ask yourself when considering becoming a gym member.
Is It Within Your Budget?
Firstly, can you afford a membership alongside your regular outgoings? If you’re unsure, consult your budget and calculate how much you have left over each month after covering essentials like rent or mortgage payments, food and bills.
The answer will depend in part on your choice of gym. Basic monthly gym memberships can start in the mid-teens, with more premium options costing triple figures.
Do You Have Enough Time And Energy?
Secondly, do you have the spare time and mental capacity to get value out of it? This question is especially important if you haven’t committed to regular exercise before, as it’s as much about mindset as it is about logistics.
Those points still matter, though, so if work or home life is extra busy right now or you’re planning to travel, now might not be the right time to sign up.
Does It Offer The Facilities That You Want?
Thirdly, your chosen gym must offer the equipment and facilities that you want. That might include basic weights and cardio machines or extend to more specialist items and instructor-led classes, as well as amenities such as pools, saunas and physios.
Some gyms have unique selling points, too, like female-only areas. Make sure to take a tour or try a free session before you commit to a contract.
Could You Get A Similar Workout Elsewhere?
Lastly, consider whether you could reap the same rewards elsewhere. That could mean running, hiking or cycling, for example, or quick and easy home workouts. It might not even cost too much to build a small home gym, though you’d still be wise to check your finances first.
One bonus tip is to check the kind of contract into which you’re entering. Some gyms allow you to sign up on introductory offers, pay monthly and even pause your membership when you don’t need it, whereas others have stricter rules around payment and cancellation.
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