Is Your Gym Membership Worth It?
March 27, 2010 by Joe Gigantino
I
n 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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Hey Joe – This is a great question and you make some really great points in your post.
It COULD be argued that if a member is not using his or her membership then it might be a candidate for a ‘budget’ cut….After-all the value of any membership increases with use over time.
But there is another,more subtle but no less significant “value” perspective worth noting.
A recent international survey of the most successful people in business revealed 6 key traits that contribute to the generation of success. They are, in this order:
1. Creativity
2. Independence and Self Reliance
3. Discipline and Determination
4. High Energy and Physically Fit
5. Risk Inclined
6. Excellent Communicator
CHECK IT OUT!
Physical fitness is the 4th most significant trait of the most successful people!
(It is obvious even higher on the list if you are actually in the fitness industry)
The point is…next time you think you do not have time to go to the gym….think about what it costing you NOT just in terms of your health fitness…but in your success potential.
USE your gym membership and you will be more successful in all other areas of life…
What could be more simple?
And, as Joe points out, it can be fun if you let it.
Thanks Joe for remaining so committed to others success.
Steve Little
Founder, ThePerfectBizFinder
Great blog Joe…
Joe,
I have been a member of your Freedom Fitness gym in Prescott since it opened in January 2006. I enjoy the classes like Zumba, but mainly the 0630 Yoga class taught by Rian.
He is a wonderful, versatile instructor.I have had a hip replacement 5 years ago, never thought I would be as functional as I am. Without Yoga, I would not be in the shape that I am in now,and feeling as good. It has really invigorated me after being immobile for years, but thanks to the class, I am feeling alive again! Unfortunately, after 2 2/1 years, there has been a cut in classes from 3 (Mon-Wed-Fri) to 2,(Mon-Wed). It would be great if the Friday class could be re-instated, as we are the faithful handful (between 5-9, growing in the summertime)that like the early morning workout and also some of us have to go to work, and that is the only chance we have for the great class.
Wishing you much success, and hoping that you may even GROW in your business; there is nothing better one can do for one’s well being then stay fit. I rather frequent the gym then go out for dinner!!!
Sincerely, # 1055 in Prescott, AZ