Gym membership or buy a treadmill?

bearinthebigbluehouse
bearinthebigbluehouse Posts: 43 Member
edited September 30 in Fitness and Exercise
My husband gave me the option of joining 24 hour fitness or buying a treadmill for the house. I am thinking a treadmill because I may not like the gym. If I choose the gym I will have to bring my kids and my daughter is at the max age for the child watch. I can get a deal through costco for a 2 year membership but if I don't like it then I lose all of that money. Plus I don't like the bigger chain gyms, I the smaller ones like my old Ymca. What would you do?
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Replies

  • aflane
    aflane Posts: 625 Member
    Most gyms offer a 7 day or 14 day free trial. Why not try it out before committing.
  • killagb
    killagb Posts: 3,280 Member
    I went the treadmill route myself, because I know myself all too well. Having to actually get up and get ready to go to the gym etc, plus it being more around other people...too many reasons to put it off. With the treadmill right at home...it's just a matter of putting your shoes on and getting busy!
  • jlewis2896
    jlewis2896 Posts: 763 Member
    I would try the gym out first. A treadmill could get you stuck in a rut. I not-so-lovingly refer to mine as my 'dreadmill'.
  • run_momma_run
    run_momma_run Posts: 319
    Good suggestion about the free trial. I second that.

    Personally, I OWN a gym and I never go. Mostly because I have 2 kids and I can't fit it in. So this year, I bought a treadmill for my basement. I now get up at 5am so I can go downstairs before the kids wake up. I can get in a killer workout before my hubby gets up for work! I love it.
  • ukhennin
    ukhennin Posts: 221 Member
    I would suggest the gym, and see if you can try it out before you get the membership. Eventually you'll realize that you'll want to do more than just run. Also, chances are the gym has higher quality machines than what you'll purchase on your own. So you'll get better equipment, the option to do more than just run, and all for a monthly fee instead of one big investment.
  • conchita962
    conchita962 Posts: 327 Member
    I would look into a DVD workout program..much cheaper than both options and you will work out alot harder and they take up no room!! Try Beachbody.com I recommend Turbo Fire!! Friend me if you have questions... :)
  • gsnap30
    gsnap30 Posts: 67
    I go to the gym because it works with my life style. I love it. It's open 24/7 so I can always go (when I'm feeling the energy boost that is). Go with what works for your life style and TIME. But if you pick the treadmill make sur you hop on it! Good luck!
  • Valechka
    Valechka Posts: 192
    Take a class at local class, ask them for guest pass. Classes are amazing and really make me work hard. I would not do cycling for an hr with great intensity and lots of hills myself. Or do ZUmba for an hr. Or do Body sculpt for and hr. I am little lazy by myself. In the gym more and enjoying it!
  • Enigmatica
    Enigmatica Posts: 879 Member
    Unless you really enjoy the gym environment and have one that's easy for you to get to on a regular basis, I'd go with in-home options. I recently acquired a small elliptical trainer for home and I use the heck out of that thing =)
  • springtrio
    springtrio Posts: 429 Member
    I'd just buy a treadmill. I live in the suburbs near a bunch of trails (I prefer the trails & hills to the treadmill, but I do live in Pennsylvania and it snows and I refuse to run in the snow because of something that happend to me in the past) so I prefer it. Tried to gym, and IMO, I can't stand the enviorment of a gym. I'm too much of an introvert anyway. I'd rather run, or bike outside or swim in a lake.
  • lesley12345
    lesley12345 Posts: 89 Member
    It really depends on you. In the beginning when I first started going to the gym, all I ever did was go on the treadmill and wondered why I just didn't purchase a treadmill at home. But after a while, I wasn't losing weight and I needed to change up my workout routine and cardio routine. So now I love my gym membership because I have the option of getting on the elliptical, spin bike, or the treadmill and do weights. Plus I get bored doing the same thing everyday.
  • demonNIИ
    demonNIИ Posts: 187
    I would go with the gym option.. I find I get really bored with doing the same thing day in and day out. I love all the available equipment and groups to join in on with other people. I am half introverted/half extroverted myself so all depends on how happy I am each day.
  • amysj303
    amysj303 Posts: 5,086 Member
    That's tough, a 2-year membership is a big commitment to find out it's not for you, but that 2-year costco membership is a great deal. I am a member and I am tempted to cancel and wait and get a two-year cost-co membership!
    A treadmill just isn't as versatile as the gym. I've had my membership for almost 10 years and I have changed so much, from the beginning where I took yoga and did the eliptical. Then I went to lifting and body pump classes, now I am doing more strength training. I can still do home workouts like 30 Day Shred and I did Couch to 5k, mostly outside so I just have never wanted a treadmill at my house.
    just things to think about!
  • ♥_Ellybean_♥
    ♥_Ellybean_♥ Posts: 1,646 Member
    I love the gym because I get variety! .. I don't have to walk everyday, I can do the elliptical, bike etc. Also they have strength training machines, which generally is when all the weight comes off...
  • wonnder1
    wonnder1 Posts: 460
    For me, I just don't do it at home. Ask the ab rollers or the thighmasters etc etc. that live under my bed.

    I started out with a 2 week trial at my gym, and fell in love. The only thing I have at home is an exercise ball for those exercises that are so awesome for you, and very awkward looking. A treadmill in my house would only take up space and be used as a clothesline.

    I use my gym time as a "get away from people time." But that won't work for everyone.

    I say, ask about a trial and see how it works for you.
  • sarahazelnut99
    sarahazelnut99 Posts: 307 Member
    if you get a treadmill...which you should...you may want to invest in a small TV unless music works for you. my parnets bought a treadmill and a small flat screen which was SO fun until i moved out
  • melizerd
    melizerd Posts: 870 Member
    I own both a treadmill and an elliptical machine. *I* would not go to a gym. I don't have time, or babysitting etc. At home when I have 30-40 min that's all I have, so I can use ALL of it, I don't waste even 5 min driving somewhere.

    I work out when my son is in bed, after I'm done with class (Nursing student) or when my husband is making dinner etc. So I need to squeeze it in when I can.

    I'd try out the gym with a free trial if it's offered to see if it works for you, some people NEED to GO somewhere to workout. I just invested in the gear myself and now my husband uses them too!
  • gioisa75
    gioisa75 Posts: 242 Member
    I like the gym cause it gives you options on what equipment you want to use. Plus you can also take the different classes as well. I enjoy doing a Spin class every once in a while.
  • gioisa75
    gioisa75 Posts: 242 Member
    I like the gym cause it gives you options on what equipment you want to use. Plus you can also take the different classes as well. I enjoy doing a Spin class every once in a while.
  • lilRicki
    lilRicki Posts: 4,555 Member
    I love the gym...I tried working out at home during the past winter and I sucked at it...it gives you "out of the house" time...maybe look into a leisure centre so you can put your daughter into a camp, or swim lessons, my son has no problems hanging out with his DS or a book for an hour while I work out. Next year he'll be able to come with me into the gym...but like everyone else said, take a 2 week trial and then think it over...
  • sleepygiraffes
    sleepygiraffes Posts: 35 Member
    DO NOT DO NOT DO NOT buy a Gym Membership. Only do this if you plan on working buy yourself. I'm saying this from personal experience with a gym right beside my house. I was working with a PT for several months, paying a set amount of $130. She then told me that she was being promoted so I would have to pay more money per month because she would be charging more for her sessions. (I was in a contract with this set price, under age, and what did her promotion have to do with me?) Needless to say, I was being charged $180 (her new price) and $130 at the same time. I got ripped off, got called every day saying I owed the gym $3000 because I was smart enough to put a stop on my bank account.

    I say just buy a treadmill! There are tons of workouts you can do and find online. I never thought I would be able to do it without all the equipment but honestly I'm starting to notice a big difference in my endurance and my strength just from working out at home. I think in the long run, a treadmill would just be cheaper for you and then you can always buy a couple weights and start your own routine right at home.
  • mislove68
    mislove68 Posts: 240
    I would say gym. I started out doing dvd's and it was great in the beginning. But I needed the extra challenge. Its great to switch up your cardio. Now i only do strength training since cardio is great for the heart but doesnt do much for looking tone.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,956 Member
    I have both obviously, but let me say that most home equipment ends up being expensive "clothes racks". Why not try walking/jogging/running outside for a couple of weeks. If you can't stay consistent with that, then chances are you probably won't with home equipment.
    At least with a gym you have many more options than just using a treadmill.

    Everyone is different though. Heck you might even enjoy ballroom dancing more than a treadmill and learn to dance better. There are so many more options out there, so check them out.
  • JanieKelley
    JanieKelley Posts: 32 Member
    I like the gym. And I don't care what I look like when I go. I'm there to workout. I've had exercise equipment at home before and I ended up using it for hanging up my laundry.
  • ladybg81
    ladybg81 Posts: 1,553 Member
    I got myself a treadmill because I've tried gyms in the last and was never comfortable.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,956 Member
    DO NOT DO NOT DO NOT buy a Gym Membership. Only do this if you plan on working buy yourself. I'm saying this from personal experience with a gym right beside my house. I was working with a PT for several months, paying a set amount of $130. She then told me that she was being promoted so I would have to pay more money per month because she would be charging more for her sessions. (I was in a contract with this set price, under age, and what did her promotion have to do with me?) Needless to say, I was being charged $180 (her new price) and $130 at the same time. I got ripped off, got called every day saying I owed the gym $3000 because I was smart enough to put a stop on my bank account.

    I say just buy a treadmill! There are tons of workouts you can do and find online. I never thought I would be able to do it without all the equipment but honestly I'm starting to notice a big difference in my endurance and my strength just from working out at home. I think in the long run, a treadmill would just be cheaper for you and then you can always buy a couple weights and start your own routine right at home.
    Just because you had a bad experience with this gym doesn't mean it would happen to you at another. Don't base how all gyms run on this experience.
  • SunshineKisses_2012
    SunshineKisses_2012 Posts: 471 Member
    I'd opt for an elliptical. Me and treadmills are not friends, nor do I have intentions of making friends with any of them any time soon. I'm heavy footed and tend to make the belt slide forward when I try to even walk. Jogging/running won't go over any better and I don't want to land on my face.

    I'm not a gym person. I have access to an onsite gym at my apartment community that I don't use because their elliptical is not safe to be on and creepy people walk in and out. I don't mind gyms, but I always get a membership and let it go. Waste of money. I'd love to be able to afford an elliptical for my house, but for now, I opt to walk outside with my son. :)
  • thkelly
    thkelly Posts: 466 Member
    DO NOT DO NOT DO NOT buy a Gym Membership. Only do this if you plan on working buy yourself. I'm saying this from personal experience with a gym right beside my house. I was working with a PT for several months, paying a set amount of $130. She then told me that she was being promoted so I would have to pay more money per month because she would be charging more for her sessions. (I was in a contract with this set price, under age, and what did her promotion have to do with me?) Needless to say, I was being charged $180 (her new price) and $130 at the same time. I got ripped off, got called every day saying I owed the gym $3000 because I was smart enough to put a stop on my bank account.

    I say just buy a treadmill! There are tons of workouts you can do and find online. I never thought I would be able to do it without all the equipment but honestly I'm starting to notice a big difference in my endurance and my strength just from working out at home. I think in the long run, a treadmill would just be cheaper for you and then you can always buy a couple weights and start your own routine right at home.

    this is not a typical gym story and shouldn't be used as an example to everyone why people shouldn't join a gym.
  • killagb
    killagb Posts: 3,280 Member
    The main thing is to go with what you know you can stick to. If you opt for a treadmill, you might check out garage sales and Craig's List for used ones so it's not so expensive. I got a good deal on mine brand new, it was on sale from Nordictrack for about $600, many are over $1k new. Knowing how many people get them and give up on them though, you're sure to be able to find a deal on someone who just wants it out of their house.
  • lilRicki
    lilRicki Posts: 4,555 Member
    DO NOT DO NOT DO NOT buy a Gym Membership. Only do this if you plan on working buy yourself. I'm saying this from personal experience with a gym right beside my house. I was working with a PT for several months, paying a set amount of $130. She then told me that she was being promoted so I would have to pay more money per month because she would be charging more for her sessions. (I was in a contract with this set price, under age, and what did her promotion have to do with me?) Needless to say, I was being charged $180 (her new price) and $130 at the same time. I got ripped off, got called every day saying I owed the gym $3000 because I was smart enough to put a stop on my bank account.

    I say just buy a treadmill! There are tons of workouts you can do and find online. I never thought I would be able to do it without all the equipment but honestly I'm starting to notice a big difference in my endurance and my strength just from working out at home. I think in the long run, a treadmill would just be cheaper for you and then you can always buy a couple weights and start your own routine right at home.

    this is not a typical gym story and shouldn't be used as an example to everyone why people shouldn't join a gym.

    no doubt...I've been to many gyms in my life (due to moving around a lot) and I've never been ripped off...
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