What does a gym cost?

Therealobi1

my local gym is 46 pounds a month. lots of facilites but knowing me its a waste of my money. You tube has a be fit channel so many exercises to choose from. I am into the fitness blender workouts there are exercises for beginners and more advance ones. Just spent some money on some dumbells and thats it. I do though go once a week to a spinning class, but it still wont add up to the 46 pounds a month. if u going to spend the money just make sure u get your moneys worth.

Derpina7

For what's offered, that sounds a little bit like a rip-off.
My gym is $50/month, which is about average for the gyms around my city. I still think it's a little pricey, but I do feel they offer a lot of great options. It's a chain company with about 10 locations around the city, as well some in the next city, and my membership allows me to use any one of them (which is great when travelling, or meeting up with a workout buddy who's across the city). Several of the locations are 24 hours, and they are upkept pretty well. Seperate rooms for weights and cardio (they have at least 10-20 treadmill/eliptical machines) as well group workout classes that are also free with membership!

lilmisfit

I have 2 gym memberships - one for a free weight gym that I pay $600/year (so comes out to $50/mo) and one at Planet Fitness for $10/mo. I sometimes have to pay for parking at the free weight gym ($3.50/day) so if I add that into the cost, it comes out to over $100/mo, which is why I've been going to PF more these days. I also do occasional Barre classes elsewhere that are $18 each (I can buy a pack of classes for less, just haven't done it yet), and again, I have to pay for parking there, which is an additional $3.00 or so.

Getting in shape is expensive.

cathyfowler662

I pay $10.50 a month. There are lots of bikes, treadmills, elipticals, some classes, lots of weight machines and tons of free weights. $56 a month seems a little high for a no frill place.

Lisafrazier71

We have a fitness benefit through our insurance where we pay $27 a month and can go to any of the Snap Fitnesses, YMCA's and Urban Active gyms in the Nashville area. It is AWESOME. I love going to the gym, I think it's fun. We (hubby & myself) usually go to a small one near our home that is kinda old & run down because hardly anyone goes there & we end up having it mostly to ourselves. I wish I had known years ago that our insurance had this benefit! If you have insurance it is totally worth checking into to see if you have any kind of plan like this.

beetpoet

Everyone is so helpful! Your comments and observations have really helped me. I am going to actually take a look at some other gyms, even if I have to drive to them. I will not obsess over this either. I think I could start out by at least walking, for crumb sake. Thank you many times over!!

amberlykay1014

If I were you I'd invest $56/month in home gym equipment. Start out with free weights and a bench and go from there. By the end of a year, you'll thank yourself. Plus you can always sell it if you decide you don't stick with it.

Look around on craigslist and used sports stores for deals.

amberlykay1014

You can also probably get a 1 week free trial at most gyms. Visit a different one in your area each week and that'll give you a month of free workouts.

Flagirlof3

The Y here was charging me $51 a month so I quit and went to planet fitness for $10 a month. I buy my own workout dvds and do them at home. Crossfit use to cost me $110 a month!

SemperAnticus1643

I agree with the person that said it depends on what's the going rate in your area. 24 Hour Fitness and another gym called Biff's both are more expensive for a couple than the gym my husband and I have a membership to. We are in a semi small town outside of Oklahoma City. Our gym also provides a month to month payment or contract for 6 months to a year that will give you better rates. 55 or more is the going rate and none of the gyms have the sauna or pool stuff.

txsbbtc

I just joined the local rec center. $110 a year for access to the walking track and the exercise room (basic, has a little of everything, but nice and quiet).

HaywireII

I used to pay $10 a month for Planet Fitness until I bought some stuff for home. Now I can do the Elliptical in the basement while watching streaming shows on Netflix. Can't see paying $40 or $50 a month.

atoz133

Love Planet Fitness!!!! $10 is hard to beat.

SemperAnticus1643

OH!! Check into your community center to see if they have a fitness room that you can use for free! The hours may not be great (not 5 am-9pm ish) but it's still free. I know our town has one but they open after I go to work and I don't like to go to the gym after I get off work.

richh963

I pay $10 a month includes weight room and areobic equipment plus showers,lockers, sauana and steamroom plus a discount on classes, if i pay $29 a month, iget the above plus all classes become free , and I can use indoor basketball, handball & vollyball courts plus tanning rooms and towels are then included.

mlogantra76

I was doing pay as you go classes at various places in my area and just recently joined a gym. I basically chose between two gyms(only two that had classes in my area). There was a $10 dollar difference in cost between the two and the one that was $10 dollars more has an indoor and an outdoor pool. It also has classes on Friday evening and Sunday afternoon which is a plus. It is not a 24 hour gym but I don't have a schedule that would require me to use the gym late. It cost me $41 a month(they have a sliding scale based on income; the cost went up to $71 or as low as $32 depending on your income). For me, $41 is a bargain because for the month of Jan and Feb, I was shelling out up to $25 A WEEK for the pay as you go classes. Right now, the classes are what I'm into. What it comes down to is are you going to get your money's worth? In other words, how many times are you going to go a month? For me, I see myself taking so many classes in a month that they will cost about $1 a class.

All that to say, I don't think one needs a gym membership if they can't afford it or if they aren't going to use it consistently. When I lost 120 lbs, I did so without a gym. I walked/jogged/ran outside and now, with all the you tube videos, you can supplement with that. Don't feel like your desire to get healthy requires it:) $56 seems high. Are you going to use all the amenities? Are there other options?

justmyalias

I pay $10 a month. No frills or classes, but LOTS of equipment, clean locker rooms.... ALL I NEED!

^^^
this
my son pays $10 a month for his membership, no contract
nice and clean
24 hours except Fri - Sat nights

monicaanngregory

My husband and I just joined Planet Fitness last month. Lots of machines, no classes or hot tub/sauna....but it's only $10 a month and no commitment. So far we're very happy...

beetpoet

I can't thank everyone enough for all the advice and information. This really helps. I checked out other places in my (expensive) area and none appealed to me. No Planet Fitness here... wish there was something like that. I am going to walk and hike. I love hiking and we have a lot of beautiful trails around here. So that will be much more realistic, and more fun for sure. Plus hiking is free! Except for the annual pass we pay to the water district, which is well worth it and cheap. So onward!

sew3521

I did a quick yep search for gyms near Fairfax and I am pretty sure you are talking about 'Women's Fitness Center & Spa'. 106 to try and 56 with contract is INSANE. I know my mom loved going to Curves before I talked her into switching (more on that later) and it looks like there is one nearby. However I will give you the same advice I have given my mom and other females. Don't worry about a woman only gym. We guys are not worried about what you look like inside the gym... Don't get me wrong if I see a smoking hot girl I might discretely do a double take, but I have never seen a guy make fun of someone working out, and if they did I know many people would not be cool with that. The female only gyms are always MUCH more money because they are scamming you on your insecurities. I got my mom to join a mixed gender gym (she is mid 50's and wanted/needed to lose weight for health) and the first few times she didn't like having men around but with a week realized I was right. I would look into the "Fairfax Health Club & Aerobic Center". It sounds close to you and the reviews seem pretty good. It also sounds like they have a lot of regulars, which is awesome, because even though you might not talk much to others at a gym (if at all) it keeps down on the riff raff. Not being from that area though I don't know for sure.
But back to your questions:
Should I join a gym? - Yes! Please do.

Should I wait a while and stick with MFP daily food logging and walking? - I would say no. While these are great and help out a ton it is not enough. This might help you out some in seeing why:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/412867-exercise-routines-for-women-over-60/

Is $56/month high? (What are people paying these days?) - As I said before this is INSANE. I pay 29.99 for a gym with a wet and dry sauna, 3 lane lap pool, 3 indoor tennis courts, 4 racquet ball courts, and a 1/10 mile track.

Hope this helps some and good luck! I applaud you for wanting to get healthy in your 60's. Remember the first 3 weeks of a lifestyle change are the hardest!