Comments on: Gym Memberships Still Worth It Despite Recession

By: Heather

Heather — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 12:33:36 +0000

I have tried many times the “home workout” routine, always unsuccessfully. The most I could ever afford, in terms of money and space, was one excersize machine, and even between that, video game workouts (EA Sports Active, Wii Fit, etc), excersize videos, and neighborhood walks, I was plagued by boredom. I dreaded the workout, and even 35 minutes was torture. I finally broke down and decided to join a local gym, and I agree, it was a recession-proof part of my budget. I go there for an hour that flies by while I have a huge selection of state-of-the-art machines that give me more info than my home machine ever did, both cardio and weight training. I can watch any of my favorite cable tv channels at the machine with some headphones(I could never watch tv while using my machine at home because it was so noisy!)Finally, a routine I can stick with that is not agonizingly boring! And no more “plateau” that you reach doing the same routines every day so in that way my workouts are more productive too.

By: Recession Sacrifices Only Go So Far | Americans-First.com

Recession Sacrifices Only Go So Far | Americans-First.com — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 10:36:58 +0000

[...] touched on this subject briefly when I recently wrote about not giving up my gym membership, even though it could save me about $30 a month, or $360 in 2009. To me, the benefits of [...]

By: Fern Greene

Fern Greene — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 21:10:35 +0000

Here’s another big perk – if your gym has a childcare center, it can be among the most cost-effective ways for a stay-at-home parent to get down time.

I joined a gym back when my husband was working out of town and I was left behind with a 2 y.o. A teenage babysitter for even a few hours could’ve cost $25 – and I’d have felt guilty getting a sitter when I wasn’t “doing anything.” I paid about $40/month for the membership. The gym’s child center was free, convenient and gave me an hour every day to read a book while riding an exercycle or chat with other adults.

And yes, I finally lost the baby weight.

By: So You Asked For A Raise And Got It, Now What | Frugal Dad

So You Asked For A Raise And Got It, Now What | Frugal Dad — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:12:10 +0000

[...] of your new raise. With the remaining half, go ahead and sign up for that Netflix account, or gym membership, or buy that new golf putter you’ve been eying. Success with personal finances is about [...]

By: Abigail

Abigail — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 00:08:24 +0000

For some, gym membership is the only way they’ll ever actually work out. So for those, it’s definitely worth it.

But if you’re nice and motivated, you can find cheap fitness magazines that will tell you how to do most exercises or workout routines from home/in the real world.

We had a membership, but with my chronic fatigue, we just weren’t going enough to make it worthwhile. Perhaps if we found a closer, affordable, gym we’d reconsider. But for now, the money goes toward debt.

By: Gretchen

Gretchen — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 20:02:11 +0000

Tammy – I don’t have a gym membership either! While it might be nice to go (I used to) I just don’t have the time anymore. I work constantly on my consulting and writing when I am not caring for my children. Until my youngest gets to first grade I will be juggling my schedule like this so I continue to bring in the big bucks _and_ care for my kids.

I still work out though! I go for regular speed walks that take 20 minutes and get me that all-important outside light that lifts the mood. I also supplement those with jogging in place while watching TV for 30 minutes as a break. Sometimes I even watch business videos on the web while jogging so I can learn/jog at the same time.

By: Tammy Brackett

Tammy Brackett — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 21:47:07 +0000

Gosh. Am i the only person in the world who doesn’t have a gym membership? (chuckle)
I run the stairs in my house, walk the dog and have workout videos as part of my On Demand portion of our basic cable.
I so admire those who can lace up and work out OUTSIDE of the home. KEEP IT UP!!!

By: Marcia

Marcia — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 21:24:43 +0000

I really enjoyed this post. We have considered doing this to save money. We did cut cable back to basic because we weren’t really watching the special channels.

My husband and I have been members of the same gym since 1997. Back then it was Gold’s. Just a basic gym. Then it got bought out by a fancier club line here, and it started getting…nicer. Upgraded equipment, towel service, all types of classes included (spin and pilates were extra before).

But our rates went from $60/month to $100/month for the two of us (gradually).

One of my friends switched a few years ago to a new 24-hour fitness. We tried it out. Decided it was okay.

We got a special on a holiday weekend: $1200/ 3 years, then $198 per year after that.

So it will pay for itself after one year, as we’re getting 3 years for the price of one. It’s not as nice, the classes aren’t convenient, and I miss my step and spin instructors. But I’m just as fit and now at least my gym is recession-proof. I’m paid up until May 2011.

And I have insomnia, so if I want to go at 3 am (which I’ve done, twice), I can.

I live in So. Cal, so I could make do with weights, running, walking, biking, and videos. I like the variety at the gym, and frankly, I work out at 5:30 am and it’s dark.

By: Leah Ingram

Leah Ingram — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 18:07:15 +0000

Sara:

If I had a 24-Hour Fitness near me, I would probably do what you did. There are times that I’ve wanted to work out at 10 p.m. but since the kids are in bed, even Exercise TV won’t do it for me. I’d make too much noise with my jumping around. Having a 24-hour gym would be awesome but the nearest location to me is in NYC and that’s two hours away. Plus, I’m a huge fan of “The Biggest Loser.”

By: Sara

Sara — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 17:32:24 +0000

I opted to invest a year ago and paid up front for the first 3 years of a 24 Hour Fitness membership. When you pay up front, they give you a price break, so it cost me $750($250/year). The great thing about this plan is that once the three years expire, the membership will only cost me $40 per year, lifetime. I’m glad I made the investment a year ago when I was more financially stable, although if I were put to the decision, I would still opt to keep my membership even if I were paying month-to-month despite the recession.