Gym membership or treadmill?

cyndispot
cyndispot Posts: 135
in Fitness and Exercise
Okay, I have to do something. My treadmill died last week and it's not usable AT ALL. So I was going to replace it. I found one that I like - NordicTrak 1750 - it would cost me around $1800 for everything. But then I got to thinking - maybe I should join the Y or Anytime Fitness in my town instead....what would your opinons be?

A couple of things to note - I don't do fitness classes - just can't take the messing around by those one or two people. I would use treadmill and elliptical for machines at the gym and maybe weights - also, gym membership looks to be around $3-400 annually in my area depending on the gym.

What would you maybe choose? And why?
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Replies

  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,988 Member
    You can do basically 2 things on a treadmill...............walk and run. You can do several hundred different exercises in a gym.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • aryastark8
    aryastark8 Posts: 57 Member
    I think it really depends on your personality. Do you prefer to work out alone or have people around you? Are you more likely to stick with it if you can workout at home or if you have paid a gym membership? In my opinion, having just a treadmill and some weights at home, you can get as good a workout as anywhere. There is the added bonus that it's very easy to take a half hour break from whatever you are doing and do a quick workout, no need to go anywhere. But then gym offers more variety, and having more people around, which could be a plus or a minus depending on your personality.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    For me personally, the gym...but only because I like to lift. If I could, I'd have all of my equipment at home.
  • BruteSquad
    BruteSquad Posts: 373 Member
    If you use a treadmill, and wear it out. I say get a treadmill and weights and use them. Assuming you NEEEEEED a treadmill.

    I have started walking and running outside, and bought clothing for cold and wet instead of a treadmill and I do body weight, sandbag, and lifting workouts. So to say what I would do is to say buy clothing, weights, a sandbag, and get your strength on.
  • rainx03
    rainx03 Posts: 16
    Well for me, I would prefer to have my own treadmill but right now my only option is the gym.
    Have you been a member of a gym before?
  • tmos512
    tmos512 Posts: 119 Member
    Do you think you would actually go to the gym?
  • SideSteel
    SideSteel Posts: 11,068 Member
    You can do basically 2 things on a treadmill...............walk and run. You can do several hundred different exercises in a gym.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

    ^^ This.
  • sunflowerhippi
    sunflowerhippi Posts: 1,099 Member
    I hate the gym, I do really, but I have found I work out harder if I am there vs at home doing a workout. I am not distracted and all over and I actually put forth much more effort at the gym.
  • pet1127
    pet1127 Posts: 572 Member
    If you use a treadmill, and wear it out. I say get a treadmill and weights and use them. Assuming you NEEEEEED a treadmill.

    I have started walking and running outside, and bought clothing for cold and wet instead of a treadmill and I do body weight, sandbag, and lifting workouts. So to say what I would do is to say buy clothing, weights, a sandbag, and get your strength on.

    same here
    loving running outside and my job gives me lifting daily
    small town small gym big gosip hate the gym in our town
  • dantrick
    dantrick Posts: 369 Member
    I would say get a gym membership. if you have a 24 hour fitness around you you can get a 2 year membership from Costco for 360. then if you feel like relaxing in the sauna, steam-room, jacuzzi you can. plus like others have said there is more equipment, like stair-masters, ellipticals, treadmills, row machines. you can really break up your cardio workouts. oh yeah and you don't have to maintain the machines, the club does.
  • SavageFeast
    SavageFeast Posts: 325 Member
    Gym, if you are willing and able to go often and take advantage of the membership.
    Treadmill if not.
  • Juliejustsaying
    Juliejustsaying Posts: 2,332 Member
    Gym membership...strength training!!!!
  • JustJennie1
    JustJennie1 Posts: 3,749 Member
    $1,800 for a treadmill vs $3-$400 annually for a gym membership? That's a no brainer IMO. Gym membership definitely. Unless you really want the TM because it does sound like you used it a lot however $1,800 is a lot to spend.
  • carrietehbear
    carrietehbear Posts: 384 Member
    I personally would op for the gym. I had a treadmill "at home" until I moved to a new city/state. I find that I actually workout harder at the gym. I've also added more variety to my workout by going to the gym!
  • ball858
    ball858 Posts: 395 Member
    as stated above, you can do 2 things on a treadmill run or walk!

    I say, save money and do it outside (just a thought)
  • BusyRaeNOTBusty
    BusyRaeNOTBusty Posts: 7,166 Member
    Gym.

    Or find a cheaper, used piece of equipment for home. Or both. (I do both. I have kids and can't always make it the gym so it's nice to have the workout at home option).
  • FitBeto
    FitBeto Posts: 2,121 Member
    Buy a home gym, barbell and some weights/bench is all you need!
  • Espressocycle
    Espressocycle Posts: 2,245 Member
    Find a used treadmill on Craigslist. Additionally, you may be able to just replace the motor on yours. If all you are going to do is use the treadmill, buy another. If you want to add resistance training, join a gym or buy a Bowflex.
  • Crankstr
    Crankstr Posts: 3,958 Member
    gymgymgymgymgym!
  • JustJennie1
    JustJennie1 Posts: 3,749 Member
    Find a used treadmill on Craigslist. Additionally, you may be able to just replace the motor on yours. If all you are going to do is use the treadmill, buy another. If you want to add resistance training, join a gym or buy a Bowflex.

    Motors are very expensive and chances are good that the belt has to be replaced as well which is why the motor blew. It would be cheaper to buy a new TM then replace everything on it.

    ETA: While I am all for finding cheap and buying used on CL, I'd be apprehensive about buying a treadmill off of it because of the fact that it could be old and not taken care of that well even if it looks to be in great shape you don't know what condition the motor is in etc.
  • carliekitty
    carliekitty Posts: 303 Member
    I bought a house and lost my awesome gym that the apt complex had, and the HoA gym here is small and very busy. I didn't feel like spending 40 a month for a gym membership in my new town cause the gyms about 15 mins away. I started running outside and i have to tell you the workout is harder due to hills and wind resistance and i am sooooo much happier. Love being outside. I love the birds singing and the smell of fresh air. Also i know i am not getting covered in those nasty germs gyms offer.
  • mygrl4meee
    mygrl4meee Posts: 943 Member
    I personally rather have a gym membership. I have had stuff at home and just won't use it. I need to be away from home and I treat it as 'me' time.
  • BiggyFuzz
    BiggyFuzz Posts: 511 Member
    Gym or both

    - you have an outing (escape)

    - you get to see how other people workout as well as see some people transform their bodies.

    - you can do alot more exercises at the gym (weight training, elliptical, bike or classes)

    - you push yourself to train harder than the person next to you

    As for both, no need to get an expensive machine a simple stationary bike or basic treadmill is all you need. I live in the northeast so it gets really cold in the winter, therefore, i'm at the gym alot more for 4,5 months.

    hope this helps =)
  • lydia_the_tattooed_lady
    lydia_the_tattooed_lady Posts: 324 Member
    If you use a treadmill, and wear it out. I say get a treadmill and weights and use them. Assuming you NEEEEEED a treadmill.

    I have started walking and running outside, and bought clothing for cold and wet instead of a treadmill and I do body weight, sandbag, and lifting workouts. So to say what I would do is to say buy clothing, weights, a sandbag, and get your strength on.

    What he said ^^^ it's free, more challenging, and you get FRESH air :)
  • DontStopB_Leakin
    DontStopB_Leakin Posts: 3,863 Member
    I'd personally spend money on neither. I lift at home and I run outisde..


    However, for you, I'd have to agree with pretty much everyone else. Gym membership.
  • EatClean_WashUrNuts
    EatClean_WashUrNuts Posts: 1,590 Member
    BOTH
  • oldernotwiser
    oldernotwiser Posts: 175 Member
    I like Anytime Fitness because I can go there any time of day or night. You are given a key fob to gain entrance and mine is staffed just a few hours in the middle of the day. It's $33 per month and after 1 month your fob will admit you to any Anytime Fitness in the world. You commitment is, initially, for a 1 year contract and after that is month to month.
  • strongmind_strongbody
    strongmind_strongbody Posts: 82
    There is no question...the gym wins Every. Single. Time. You won't get 1/10th the results from a treadmill that you would get from a balanced program of lifting, cardio, and nutrition. Learn to love the gym...and it'll love you back.
  • sarahrbraun
    sarahrbraun Posts: 2,261 Member
    I would say get a gym membership. if you have a 24 hour fitness around you you can get a 2 year membership from Costco for 360. then if you feel like relaxing in the sauna, steam-room, jacuzzi you can. plus like others have said there is more equipment, like stair-masters, ellipticals, treadmills, row machines. you can really break up your cardio workouts. oh yeah and you don't have to maintain the machines, the club does.

    THIS^^^

    if stuff breaks, you can still work out!

    If you feel like trying something new, you CAN.

    I joined the Y earlier this year basically for the treadmill. After a month i decided to go over and use a few machines in the strength area. About 3 months ago I was inspired by a regular to go over in the free weight area and use a certain leg press. next thing you know I am doing barbell squats!!

    A few weeks ago I sprained my calf. it hurt like crazy, and swelled up like nobody's business. The ER doc told me to apply heat after the first day or so. I drug my butt to the Y the day after I got hurt, did an upper body workout ON CRUTCHES, then went down and dangled the injured limb in the whirlpool for a few minutes. I could feel the difference immediately. The next 2 times I went to the Y, I did my upper body work, then I went and sat in the whirlpool for like 20-30 minutes. I did my stretches in there. I fully believe that the reason I was back at 100% within a week is because I was able to use the whirlpool.
  • Jesea
    Jesea Posts: 376 Member
    I have two small boys and a husband that travels for business. We bought a used Treadclimber and stationary bike, and I have a TV and DVD player set up in an area of our basement. I have a few free weights (just got 10lb ones for Christmas), a resistance band, and a jump rope. I also re-purposed a huge mirror we took out of our bathroom, and put down those foam blocks from Walmart. That's my home gym! I use it whenever I can. Sometimes while the boys are at school, sometimes after lunch, sometimes after they go to bed. It just makes more sense for me to have easy access, I tried going to the gym when my oldest was a toddler, but every time I'd get into a rhythm, he'd catch something from another kid in the babysitting room and we'd be out for two weeks.

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