Giving up the Gym?

linnipopz
linnipopz Posts: 20 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hello

I am just looked for opinions......I go to the gym 3 times week - well I Try. Recently its been twice or once a week, have still had decent losses though. Im now considering giving up the gym to save money even though I do enjoy it once I am there its just getting there and I am starting to walk to work in the morning and night and do other activities.

Do you think its worthwhile keeping my gym membership? or do people have good losses just doing general walking?

Thanks! :D

Replies

  • Always_Belle
    Always_Belle Posts: 73 Member
    Part of having a gym membership is the financial investment which spurs some people to get their moneys worth. That said, some people don't mind wasting money and will go intermittently based on their time and other obligations (or just giving up). If it has been a success for you, do you 100% know deep down inside that you will continue being active outside the gym? Only you know that answer. As far as weight loss from walking alone - guess it depends on your pace and weight. I would recommend doing other things in addition to just walking or you may grow bored. Throw in some cycling (outdoors) and indoors as well try doing yoga and calisthenics or rent dvd's.
  • norcalskater
    norcalskater Posts: 194 Member
    I quit a couple years ago. I was paying around $420 a year so instead I took that money and invested in a bench press, free weights, pull up bar, and some other equipment. Then for cardio I just run outside. I love it. Gyms are cool but I like that I can workout at home. I would get off work and come to the gym then have to wait while some clown is texting while on the machine I want to use
  • SnuggleSmacks
    SnuggleSmacks Posts: 3,731 Member
    What things are you doing at your gym that you could not do at home? Do you lift? Do you have access to weights outside the gym? Do you use the cardio equipment? Is there a safe/convenient replacement, such as walking or running on a nearby track? Are there extras that your gym offers which keep you motivated that you might miss? For example, my gym has a sauna, steam room, and whirlpool which I use as rewards for a good workout. Do you have plans for putting the money to use if you do quit, such as investing in dumbbells or bands or something to use at home?

    Just some things to think about before you decide.
  • jkwolly
    jkwolly Posts: 3,049 Member
    I quit a couple years ago. I was paying around $420 a year so instead I took that money and invested in a bench press, free weights, pull up bar, and some other equipment. Then for cardio I just run outside. I love it. Gyms are cool but I like that I can workout at home. I would get off work and come to the gym then have to wait while some clown is texting while on the machine I want to use
    This is exactly what I did!

    Love working out from home, and now every year I can add more with the money I saved!
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    I quit a couple years ago. I was paying around $420 a year so instead I took that money and invested in a bench press, free weights, pull up bar, and some other equipment. Then for cardio I just run outside. I love it. Gyms are cool but I like that I can workout at home. I would get off work and come to the gym then have to wait while some clown is texting while on the machine I want to use

    I have thought about that- since I know a fair number of people who do that- and are quiet happy.

    But I honestly and admittedly hate working out at home.

    I get no satisfaction from it- I much prefer the gym.

    But there is no right or wrong answer- only will you have the motivation/dedication to keep doing what you are doing without the gym aspect.
  • SezxyStef
    SezxyStef Posts: 15,267 Member
    our gym membership would be 120$ a month...imagine...almost 1500 a year...

    I workout at home...I don't have access to as much equipment but I am okay with that...I have my bench, squat rack and plates and bars so I am good.

    ETA: to the OP if it helps stay at the gym but if you find you aren't going why bother paying for something you don't use...
  • DianeinCA
    DianeinCA Posts: 307 Member
    our gym membership would be 120$ a month...imagine...almost 1500 a year...

    <lives in Silicon Valley>
    <goes to nice gym>
    <cries at the thought of $120/month>
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    I pay 360 a year for my gym- no way I could pay over 40 a month- much less 120.
    nope no way- not happening.
  • No_Finish_Line
    No_Finish_Line Posts: 3,661 Member
    buy a rack from roguefitness.com and your entire order ships free!!!!!!!!!!

    that could easily be a $1000 dollar savings if you buy a lot of equipment/weight
  • contingencyplan
    contingencyplan Posts: 3,639 Member
    You don't need a gym membership, but walking alone is not enough. You need a form of strength training in your regimen. Without it, you're only cheating yourself.
  • DianeinCA
    DianeinCA Posts: 307 Member
    You don't need a gym membership, but walking alone is not enough. You need a form of strength training in your regimen. Without it, you're only cheating yourself.

    QFT.

    (Walking is still great, however.)
  • vms4evr
    vms4evr Posts: 106 Member
    I've never had a gym membership. I spent the money on training programs, like the whole P90X# programs, Body Beast, and so on. Bought bands, pull up bar, push up stands, dumb bells, ez bar, bench, balance ball, etc... I do it all at home or outdoors biking and such.

    Other than needing special equipment to handle some specific exercise function or recovery from injury. I see no need for me. Big free weights, smith rack, and maybe some unique machines would be nice. I'm building a smith rack to put in my garage...

    The biggest issue is MOTIVATION and DISCIPLINE. Will you do what you are supposed to do and follow the system on your own??? I've been doing it this way since about 2008/9 and continue to do so.
  • linnipopz
    linnipopz Posts: 20 Member
    Thanks for the replies guys, defiantly something to consider. I will eventually go jogging I need to get over the fear of going outside first.

    I have free weights in the house but nothing massive. I never use the weights at the gym anyway as I am to intimidated by the posers in the mirrors and the big body builders! LOL sad I know :)

    Think I will give it another month and see how I go. Its going to the gym and walking in alone thats the hard part.
  • dancingj2
    dancingj2 Posts: 4,572 Member
    If you have some type of exercise that you enjoy doing and will do on your own, I think you could save some money and give up your membership. I know for me I really like biking and do enjoy my treadmill too so I know I do not need a gym membership to keep exercising.
  • Pusarah
    Pusarah Posts: 124 Member
    I gave up my membership at least for the summer. I have to drive to the gym tho as we live in a rural area so a 13 min drive each way, it just wasn't cost effective...I do miss it tho, esp the strength training equipment but I've been doing body weight exercise and will try and soon invest in some weights and things I can do here to help out. Will revisit the gym in the fall when the weather starts to turn and outside cardio is more difficult. I think its all a really personal decision tho, but lots of factors contribute. Good luck :)

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