Looking for ways to cut expenses and your gym fees are at the top of the list? Or, maybe you’re on the fence about joining a gym. Before you take any action, you’ll want to read this article. Memberships to anything should be re-evaluated from time to time to make sure they are a good use of your money. Especially ones that usually come with monthly charges. Take a look at a few reasons why your gym membership might not be worth it and some tips on how to resolve each one.
1. YOU DON’T USE IT.
This seems simple but it is so true. How often are you really using your membership? To evaluate its worth, you’ll want to take the amount you pay monthly and divide it by how many days you attend the gym per month. For example, if you pay $25.00 per month for your gym membership and you attend the gym 2 times per week (estimating there are 4 weeks in the month), you can look at your gym membership costing you approximately $3.13 per visit for the month. That’s not a bad deal, right?
Obviously this is all relative to your income and where your other expenses lie however, in my opinion, that seems well worth your money. Especially when it comes to investing in your health. It should be noted that you’ll want to consider any contractual or enrollment fees you may have paid up front.
Conversely, if your gym membership is costing you $150 per month and you’re only attending once a week per month, you’re looking at a lot more money per visit. Essentially, do the math and see how the numbers fair against your current income situation and personal goals.
A gym membership should not be like your Netflix account. Don’t set it and forget it! Make it work for you and your goals. And if it’s not, I’d switch to a different low cost fitness option.
Here are some simple ways to navigate your gym membership if it costs too much or you don’t use it:
- Find a lower costing gym if you find yourself on the high end of gym membership fees.
- Try to go more often to make it more worth your investment.
- Put your account on hold if you can’t afford it but it’s a temporary situation (if the gym has this option.)
- Try at-home workouts all together if you really can’t find an option that works for you. Just keep in mind, that you’ll want to estimate expenses for equipment if you don’t have any.
Looking for somewhere to start? Try one of these free workout challenges that are short and sweet while requiring no equipment.
2. YOU WASTE TIME WHILE YOU’RE THERE.
Hear me out on this one. Everyone has different goals. Everyone has a different motivator. But if you’re going to the gym to just hang out in the corner and don’t actually do anything while you’re there, I’d argue there are cheaper places to do that than at a gym. But who am I to tell you what to do with your free time?
It’s okay to go to the gym and not have the greatest workout at times. Or, if your main goal is to just get started and stay committed, that’s fine too. Again, everyone has different goals. But over time, if you find that you’re not really sure why you are there, I’d recommend re-evaluating your gym membership.
When I hear about hesitation at the gym, it usually comes down to a few fixable things.
If you find yourself wasting time and just going through the motions, try these tactics:
- Identify what your purpose is at the gym. Are you there to workout, socializing/meeting people, building a mental mindset to consistently show up for yourself? Whatever it is, make sure it is worth a gym membership.
- Be honest about any setbacks or hurdles. Are you confident enough to use the equipment? Are you nervous to do a fitness class alone? If you find yourself in either of these situations, I recommend finding a workout partner or work with someone to help you establish confidence in the gym. Need help creating one? Let me know!
- Come up with a plan before you arrive. Don’t waste time (and your money) trying to figure out what to do once you’re there. Decide what your plan is so you can set yourself up for success. For some, the hardest part is getting to the gym. Don’t add to the brain power and energy by not knowing what to do once you get theree. Otherwise, you run the risk of wasting your time, energy and ultimately your money on a gym membership.
3. YOU CHOSE THE WRONG GYM FOR YOUR CURRENT SEASON.
Choosing the wrong gym can definitely make or break whether your gym membership is right for you. Find what the most important aspects of a gym are to you and go from there. Some of the most common items I hear are: child care, hours/locations, and variety of equipment. However, it really comes down to what’s most important to you. You want this gym membership to work for you, not against you.
I’ve had clients who look for new gyms and they specifically did not select a gym because of how dark it was inside. Some have left certain gyms because their schedule only allowed for attending the gym at a time where it was the most busy.
Again, find one that works for you and gives you the best opportunity to use it. If you live too far, don’t like the vibe, and can’t make it because there’s no one to watch the kids, then it begs the question – Why did you select this gym membership to begin with? Always re-evaluate and find one that works for you and not against you.
When looking for the right gym, here are a few questions to answer before finalizing a membership:
- The Location: How close is this to your home or work? Does it have multiple locations? Find one that makes working out easy and is not out of your way.
- The Equipment: What type of equipment do they have? How much of it will you use? Look for a place that aligns with what activities you’ll spend most of your time doing (fitness classes, weightlifting, etc.)
- The Amenities: Do they have child care? Will you be getting ready there? If so, do they have back up supplies, towels, etc.? Do they provide healthy food options? Decide what’s most important and make sure they have it.
- The Vibe: Don’t like fighting for equipment with the guys? Look for a women’s gym. Don’t like when people are constantly socializing or holding up equipment? Try a small business fitness studio.
There are so many options these days when it comes to deciding on a gym membership. The most important part though is finding one that works for you. Otherwise, it just isn’t worth it. You may find that even after following these steps, it still isn’t worth it for you right now. And that is okay too.
Lastly, don’t forget to explore options outside of a standard gym membership too. I work with clients whom I personal train in the comfort of their own home. I’ve provided custom workout programs for people who have minimal weights at home and those who have none! My own mother personally loves doing a YouTube video in the morning and evening. That’s what works for her right now and I’m proud she found something she enjoys and is motivated to do. Just remember, a gym membership is just one way to help you reach your goals.
In the end, it really is what you make of it. Why spend the money if you aren’t getting the value out of it? Let this check list be a reminder that your time, money, and efforts should all be aligned. And if they aren’t, find a place where they do.
