Tired of gym fees?

ryenday

I swim therefore I gym.

Alidecker

collectingblues wrote: »

Nope, not really -- I actually happily work a few side jobs to cover these expenses.

Like, I prefer running outside, but I need pool access, and if it's an 86-degree heat index, or if it's raining, I want to run inside. So there's the gym membership.

My gym doesn't offer barre, and there's a studio about 20 minutes from my house with fantastic instructors. And I feel *good* about my body in barre class, which is priceless. So there's that studio membership.

I also hate my gym's spin classes. The bikes don't have clips, and the schedule doesn't work with my schedule. So there's Cyclebar.

I figure I don't go to restaurants often, and my other hobbies aren't all that expensive. I'll work the extra jobs to keep these things in my budget that make me feel good about the useful things my body can do.

You sound like me. I have my Anytime Fitness membership, which is only $20/month. I use that a lot, its very convenient, but right now they don't have any live classes, so I have a 9Rounds membership, which I use a lot. Not really a classes, since you can start your workout at anything. However there are other people in there and trainers helping you out. Then I also joined another gym for the pool, I could drop Anytime, but the gym with the pool is crowded in the free weight area and I just don't like that part. I look at as an investment in my health.

not_a_runner

evilpoptart63 wrote: »

I stopped going to the gym and invested in a home gym 2 years ago. My membership was only $35/month and its going to take years to break even on that with the amount of money I have put into equipment. It was very much worth it for me because I have kids and I love being able to work out when I want, not just when I can find someone to watch them.

Same, I spent a lot of money on my home gym. And I continue to to add things- like the in between sizes of dumbbells that my wellness center didn't have.
"Cheaper" was certainly not my motivation for working out at home, but I don't mind. I have much nicer lifting equipment than the gym did, aside from some machines I used basically out of convenience. Between a variety of dumbbells and barbells, and a cable set up I can easily replace those movements.

I can think of pros and cons for each (public gym- had great cardio options, I liked some of the people, wasn't open 24/7, and a 20 min drive each way, etc).
You can certainly do a lot at home with little to no equipment, but for me to do the workouts I want at home I had to spend some money.

twinkles4

evilpoptart63 wrote: »

I stopped going to the gym and invested in a home gym 2 years ago. My membership was only $35/month and its going to take years to break even on that with the amount of money I have put into equipment. It was very much worth it for me because I have kids and I love being able to work out when I want, not just when I can find someone to watch them.

Same, I bought the equipment I actually use for at home and have no regrets. Although it will take me only 8 months to break even on the investment. I was paying $96.00/mo. and that was the cheapest in town.

Plus DH wanted to come with me but is self-conscious working out around other people and wouldn't go if I wasn't with him.

Okiludy

Gym is free for me as part of work. Locker fee is $25 a year.

To build a home gym that I would use would cost at least $3000 and likely more. I need at least 500lbs in plates right now, a bench, high-quality bar, power rack, a platform, deadlift jack, and likely chains needed soon. If I needed to pay gym fees I would consider it. With free gym access to a gym that has everything I need I'll deal with the slight inconvenience of driving 20min.

thereshegoesagain

At home I have a treadmill, elliptical, Pilates machine and some hand weights. Each morning I do about 45 minutes of stretching and yoga, then go do cardio for 60-90.minutes and use the weights a few times per week. I swim 2-3 miles daily during the summer months when the high school pool is open to the public and stop the dedicated walking.
I love having the availability at home but wanted to mix it up a bit and recently joined a Jazzercise class at $40 per month and enjoy the group setting.
Now I'm thinking about checking out our 2 local gyms to see what classes and when they are offered.

Unknown

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MekaP97

I hate paying for the gym as well but honestly even it if were free I probably wouldn't go LOL I enjoy work out videos and now there are so many on YouTube and other place for free there is no reason to leave my basement. I have invested in weights and mats etc. I also enjoy going for walks with my friends at the trail in the park...
My husband does not go to the gym either, he does 100% body weight strength training and has really bulked up his chest and arms just from push ups and the pull up bar he bought that hangs in the door frame...
I think it's a personal preference though...

with_trish

Exactly what I do!!! Totally agree!!

rainbow198

I think it's great that so many people have found what works for them.

I slowly added things and equipment to my workout space at home. I thought I would eventually get a gym membership, but before I knew it I had a room filled with everything I need to get in a great workout and was very happy with my setup. I'm the only one that uses my things, I can blast whatever music I want and I have a lot of variety. Plus I'm always adding new toys and equipment.

I sometimes take classes like pole fitness or barre, but I enjoy and have seen awesome results working out at home/outside whenever I can.

I'm getting ready to get in a good workout on my Pilates Reformer machine which is a 1 minute commute. I love it!

kgeyser

tinkerbellang83 wrote: »

I quit the gym last year, cost and enjoyment being my main motivators, gym was always busy, waiting around for equipment, etc. I have a nice little set up at home now, work through Youtube videos (HASFIT, BodyCoach, etc), I run outside and walk to/from work for my cardio and do some yoga before bed.

It has Pros and Cons,

• I don't have all the equipment I would have at the gym available, but I have enough to get a good workout. I can add things as I go.
• I have the luxury of a big space in my living room, if I move at any point I might have to reconsider.
• I don't have to motivate myself to go back out on an evening it's all there at home.
• Now that I have been doing this for over a year, it's now cost effective, I initially invested about £200 in weights, mats, resistance bands, etc, I add the odd piece of equipment now and again, like some extra weight plates, but that is maybe £30 1-2 times per year compared to the £35 per month I was paying for the gym and rarely using it.

Do you have any youtube recommendations for weights? I'm a runner, so cardio is covered, but I just find myself having no motivation with weights lately. I need something to inspire me to want to do those workouts again.

ritzvin

kgeyser wrote: »

tinkerbellang83 wrote: »

I quit the gym last year, cost and enjoyment being my main motivators, gym was always busy, waiting around for equipment, etc. I have a nice little set up at home now, work through Youtube videos (HASFIT, BodyCoach, etc), I run outside and walk to/from work for my cardio and do some yoga before bed.

It has Pros and Cons,

• I don't have all the equipment I would have at the gym available, but I have enough to get a good workout. I can add things as I go.
• I have the luxury of a big space in my living room, if I move at any point I might have to reconsider.
• I don't have to motivate myself to go back out on an evening it's all there at home.
• Now that I have been doing this for over a year, it's now cost effective, I initially invested about £200 in weights, mats, resistance bands, etc, I add the odd piece of equipment now and again, like some extra weight plates, but that is maybe £30 1-2 times per year compared to the £35 per month I was paying for the gym and rarely using it.

Do you have any youtube recommendations for weights? I'm a runner, so cardio is covered, but I just find myself having no motivation with weights lately. I need something to inspire me to want to do those workouts again.

As a runner, kicking someone's *kitten* on an uphill (when they are usually a much faster runner) is always pretty good inspiration to keep up those deadlifts.

DISCIPLINEEQUALSFREEDOM

Not me, I like to pay them.

Momepro

Hate the fees, but really like the gym. But since their place would suck if there were no employees, upkeep, equipment and such, I suppose paying fees is a part of life, lol. It's much easier to stay motivated and actually work if I have a specific place to do it, and no way I could afford or have space for more than the really cheap rower I have nat home.
I've been to a few places, but the one I go to now is really nice. MUCH nicer tbam any others I've deakt with, for the price I(as ling as you wait fora good salle, lol). Indoor/outdoor pools, massage vhaies, hot tub, therapy pool, 30 min circuit, and seperate areas for power users and a "no judment" area, (although I have never seen anyone give attitude) another room for free weights, another for "core" work, a couple areas for stretvhing and calithenics, tons of classes and massage chairs, tv's and wifi for $20 a month. And since there are a ton of other gyms in our area, they recently switched to no contract and have always been no hassle when you need to quit (which I had to do for a while when I changed jobs and couldn't afford luxeries), and stopped charging extra for "vip" status for towels, massage, and various other add-ons.
And it's clean and pleasant!

ninerbuff

Well I haven't paid for gym fees in 30 years and have learned to love the gym atmosphere. There are a lot of acquaintances in the gym that'd I'd likely never meet any other time.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

magster4isu

For me it was a matter of prioritizing. Spending money on a gym membership now has a higher priority than the extra cable tv packages and ording pizza frequently. Not spending any more money a month, just spending it healthier.

megs_1985

kgeyser wrote: »

I also quit due to the cost. My gym made some major overhauls, which would make most people say "Yay! New equipment! New workout areas! Same price!", but it actually had the opposite effect for me. I found I was waiting longer for equipment, the trainers started bringing their clients all over the gym instead of sticking to certain areas like they used to, and more people meant more kids in the childcare area and my kid getting sick every other week. I was paying to basically cut my workouts short because I didn't have time to wait around, or to sit at home with my sick child.

Now I'm back at home and trying to figure out a workout plan that I like. I have a bad case of "I'm bored with that workout" at the moment.

Similar here. I was going to the Y but it is small here and i was the only one going and dropping my daughter off at the childcare so I had to pay the family rate of $78/month. I also got tired of the production of getting ready and going then coming home and showering which took longer. I also always felt lost in knowing what to do there. Lift some weights, cardio machines bore me after 15 minutes. Now I workout at home with Fitness Blender workouts. It takes me less than an hour and I can wear my ugliest sweats and my baby is happier at home and I can easily pause the workout if she needs something. I bought power blocks for $150 and a yoga mat. I have no desire to become "built" and needing more then power blocks to lift. You can buy cheap equipment on Craigslist too. I do like to swim occasionally but then I just pay the daily $10 fee or drive further where I have access to a free gym/pool at the military base. (No childcare which is why I don't go there)

VegasFit

I could never give up my gyms! There is no way I could get the same experience at home or the variety of equipment. I currently rotate between two. One for boot camp style classes and boxing and one for strictly weightlifting. The small group classes are a fraction of what I would pay for personal training. And I love the friendships I have made.

justlog

rainbow198 wrote: »

I'm getting ready to get in a good workout on my Pilates Reformer machine which is a 1 minute commute. I love it!

Reformer rocks!

Ironandwine69

Nope. I love going to the gym. It's not only working out for me, it's my mental escape. I can't be interrupted at the gym to be told someone can't find socks.
But I also go to the gym very early in the morning when it's not crowded. I would hate it if I went at 6pm when it's super crowded and a meat market

slimyslimgym

I hate the gym but mine has a pool and kids are free. Swimming is my favorite activity so I can take my 2 year old with me to exercise AND have fun. I am never, ever, ever dragging *kitten* to get to the gym now that I go for swimming.

ccruz985

I love working out at home! I have a gym membership I've been meaning to cancel. The gym is good for when I'm traveling since I can go to any branch but I definitely prefer my Beachbody on Demand. So many workouts to choose from and when I'm done, I'm already home!

Lean59man

Gyms are good.
Home gyms are good.
It's all good.

justlog

All depends on the individual. Wife refuses to work out unless it's in a gym. I workout at home, unless I'm with a PT. Whatever works.

spartan_d

Gym fees are nothing compared to the cost of illness and being out of shape. You might save a good chunk of cash each month, but you'll probably wind up paying more down the road.

This is why going for a dirt cheap gym usually isn't a sound investment. I understand the appeal of the so-called "judgment free" gyms (which are actually pretty judgmental, for reasons that have been discussed before). It's still possible to get a decent workout there, but their silly rules, limited equipment, and misinformation will generally be a hindrance. It's worth the extra money to go someplace where you can get better results, especially if you're out of shape.