In the last few decades, more and more people have been hitting the gym to stay fit and healthy. The positive impact of working out, especially regularly, is undeniable. Regular exercise helps prevent disease, improve blood pressure, reduce stress and depression, increase bone density, and much more. However, gyms aren’t cheap. Even if you join an affordable gym membership that offers discounts for first-timers or those who pay annually instead of monthly, it’s not easy on your pocket.
This article breaks down whether or not gym memberships are worth the cost. Then, we’ll examine why they’re so popular, what it costs to join a gym, and other ways to stay fit without spending more on membership. So keep reading to learn more about if gym memberships are worth the cost!
How Did Gyms Become So Popular?
As mentioned earlier, more and more people have been hitting the gym in the past few decades. So naturally, this has increased gym subscriptions. But why did this happen? What has caused people to want to join gyms and get fit suddenly? Well, there are a few reasons why it’s become so popular.
One of the most significant factors is that information is now more easily accessible. As a result, people are more aware of maintaining their health and physical fitness. Therefore, the gym has become increasingly popular as individuals become more conscious of the need to maintain their health and physical fitness.
Moreover, health-related companies encourage people to exercise regularly. This is because they see exercise as an essential part of preventative healthcare and something that could reduce the number of expensive health issues people face.
Another reason for the growing popularity of gyms is that more people are overweight than ever before. It’s estimated that almost two-thirds of the population is overweight or obese and at risk of developing severe health conditions later in life. So people have realized that they must do something about their health and fitness levels now or suffer the consequences later in life.
Why Are Gym Memberships Worth The Cost?
This is a question that most people don’t consider before joining a gym. Indeed the benefits of regular exercise are worth the cost, but memberships are expensive. However, despite the high prices, there are several reasons why gym memberships are worth the cost:
- Variety of Options:
Having more options to work out can be a lot easier. If you like cardio machines, the gym is full of them: the treadmill, elliptical, stair climber, stationary bike, rowing machine, and so on. You also have access to lift weights in different ways. You can use free weights, dumbbells, machines to bands, kettlebells, and more. The gym offers its members a wide variety of programs and exercises. A gym membership provides excellent flexibility because some fitness centers even offer membership discounts to help you save money.
- Certified trainers:
Gyms are places where you can work out with the help of certified fitness trainers. Gyms hire them to help people in achieving their fitness goals. In general, they are there to make your life easier. If you’re new to exercising, learning proper form is crucial. Here, trainers are an excellent resource for advice regarding appropriate techniques, nutrition, etc.
- Social Benefits:
Using the gym to exercise with other people is a great way to socialize. The time spent exercising becomes more interesting. You can learn many things from different people in the gym. Some people are less likely to stick to their exercise and fitness plans without the help of other people. Working out with friends or other people at the gym makes you more likely to stay committed and follow through with your goals. Gyms offer the perfect setting for those who enjoy learning in the company of others.
IS Gym Membership really Worth It?
This is something that only you can decide. But hopefully, these reasons have helped you decide whether a gym membership is worth the cost. It doesn’t matter if you run, walk, cycle or join a gym. What’s essential is that you stay active and do something to improve your health and fitness levels.
Let’s discuss some cons of joining a gym:
- Cost:
Gym memberships cost money, no matter where you go. There are fitness centers that charge upwards of $100 per month, and there are also some that charge upwards of $40 per month. However, quality is proportional to cost.
- Crowdy place:
The gym might not be the most excellent location for you if you have trouble concentrating when there are many other people around. By this, you can’t fully reap the benefits of joining the gym. Because the inability to give complete attention to your workout could reduce the benefits, you get from it and slow your growth.
- Rule-breakers:
The gym also has this feature: it’s always packed with people. Sometimes people don’t care about the regulations of the gym, for instance, by making phone calls that are way too loud, failing to properly re-rack their weights, leaving sweat stains on the gym equipment, or using cell phones while sitting on the equipment, etc. When it comes to gyms, this is something that most people dislike.
Other Ways to Maintain Fitness Without a Gym Membership
It’s also essential to remember that you don’t have to join a gym to stay active and fit. There are several other ways to keep fit without joining a gym. For example, you can opt for low-impact aerobic activities like walking, running, stair climbing, swimming, or cycling. Swimming is excellent for your muscles and joints and can be a low-impact activity. Cycling is another low-impact activity that can be done indoors or outdoors, depending on the weather. High-impact sports involve tennis, basketball, soccer, and hiking.
You can do high-impact exercises at home if you want to do high-impact exercises but don’t want to join a gym. You can buy equipment like weights, resistance bands, and jump ropes online and use them to do high-impact workouts in your home gym or backyard. You can also follow different workout plans from home, as many online fitness classes are available these days.
You don’t have to spend money on a gym membership if you don’t want to. Instead, you can use these other ways to stay active and fit. In the end, A membership to the gym is something you will never come to regret.
What does a gym membership cost?
Because of the wide range of prices that gyms offer, it cannot be easy to estimate how much it will cost to join a gym. For example, the most affordable fitness centers start at about $20 per month, while the most luxurious ones might cost $100 or more monthly. In addition, first-time gym members and customers who pay for an entire year at once are sometimes eligible for discounts at many fitness centers.
It is vital to do some research to choose a gym suitable for you and your financial situation. There are many ways to make the cost of a gym membership easier on your wallet. In addition, students, pensioners, and persons without jobs may be eligible for discounts at some gyms.
Things to Consider Before Joining a Gym
There are some things that you should make sure of before joining a gym. First, make sure it’s a gym that offers the type of training you want. Also, consider these things before joining a gym:
- You should also make sure that the gym is a safe, clean, and welcoming place to work out.
- If you are looking to enroll in a fitness-related course. Make sure classes are available at the fitness center.
- Don’t forget to check out its hours of operation, too.
- You don’t want to sign up for a gym that closes at 6:00 or 7:00 in the evening because some people often won’t be able to fit in a workout after work.
- If you want results after joining a gym, you must be disciplined about your nutrition and workouts.
The Bottom Line
To better one’s health, gyms can be excellent places to exercise. And gym memberships are worth the cost if you’re committed to staying fit. This is one reason why there are so many people that join gyms. However, they are eager to enhance their level of health and fitness.
Regardless of your decision regarding gym membership, it is essential to remember that physical activity is the key to longevity and a sharp mind.
