Guest Post by Iva Marjanovic. Iva is a writer for TotallyMoney which is a website that helps you compare loans for bad credit and bad credit credit cards. She also runs a popular personal finance blog where she shares money saving ideas and frugal tips.
First off, don’t read the headline and think I’m trying to dissuade you from exercising and living a healthy lifestyle, because I’m certainly not. Like many of you, I’m a firm believer in exercising and staying in shape, however, I don’t think you need to pay a huge monthly fee to do so.
Typically a gym membership costs between $30 and $50 per month, and you’re usually required to pay an initial one-time set up fee of between $50 and $200. Looking at all of these costs, over the course of your first year as a member, you’ll pay between $400 and $800.
That’s a pretty steep price, especially considering you can exercise for free by going outside and jogging or playing basketball, or doing push-ups, pull-ups and sit-ups in your living room.
If you feel the need to use the act of “going to the gym” as motivation to work out, be sure to not only shop around for the best deal, but also check out some other places before you lock yourself into a membership.
For example, many employers are recognizing the benefits of having a healthy workforce and are putting workout rooms in their facilities or offices, allowing employees to use these rooms for little or no cost. Also, many communities have a gym or workout room in their clubhouse – which is probably something you’re already paying for if you have HOA, condo or community fees.
Another thing worth considering would be taking the $400 to $800 you would be spending on a gym membership and putting it towards some small gym equipment to put in your home. That way you can get the gym like atmosphere without having to leave the house and you be stuck making monthly membership payments.
Long story short, find ways to get out and exercise, but check out other options before signing up for a gym membership.
