Gym memberships? Yes no?

It is for me, but it may not be for everyone.

Worth it for me, but many people succeed without having gym memberships. To me, there is something about going to a gym and having many others working out around me that keeps me motivated. Some people would much rather exercise in the comfort of their home, or outdoors if possible. Find what works best for you!

I would say it depends on what you're looking for whether or not it's worth it.

For me, I have joined a CrossFit gym. I need the scheduled classes. I need the support of others. I need the attention of a trainer making sure I'm doing things correctly and offering suggestions so that I can progress as I want to.

Something like this isn't for everyone.

Some people just want a place that has machines they can go pound out a workout on.
Some people just want a place that offers classes like zumba and spinning.
Some people want the attention of a personal trainer.
Some people want a place that offers child care.

It all depends on what you want and what you want to get out of it. If you have a place nearby that fits in your budget that offers what you want and _that_you_will_use_ then I think it's worth it.

I think it depends on the person. When I workout at home, I find I'm lazier and don't put forth as much effort.

When I workout at the gym, I push myself harder because I don't want people to think I'm a fat wimp. I also find that I compete against people I see there, trying to match their running pace for example. It pushes me beyond what I think I can do.

Also, a gym is nice because it introduces you to different equipment and thus keeps your body from adapting to particular routines, that way you don't plateau as often.

Lastly, I like the gym because I like meeting new people and finding workout buddies. I met my best friend, Barb, there and we still workout sometimes! Of course, we do our own thing sometimes too.

From my own personal history: I went to the gym 5-6 days a week for five years. Then, I dropped my membership to workout at home and spend more time with my now-husband. I gained back all the weight I had lost in a year and a half.... so I know if i want to work it off and keep it off, I have to keep going!


Shannon

For me it wouldn't be, because I wouldn't go. If I were considering a gym, I'd find one that had a free week or two to test it out.

All depends on the person. I used to be a gym member but started slacking- I find weight machines boring so I was just doing cardio which got old quickly. I found what works best for me is a small group setting instead of a show up whenever you want gym. I will be honest, if I am not paying money and someone doesn't expect to see me, I get lazy when it comes to strength training. I now go to a pilates class 2x/week for an hour at a clip. For me it also comes down to finding something you love to do, not just going through the motions because you *have* to workout.

The gym is something that has always helped to motivate me to make good choices regarding working out. I feel like I work hard for my money, so when I purchanse a membership, which is usually not a really cheap investment, I feel guilty if I waste the money. Plus, you can find really good support at the gym. It is a community of people who share similar goals and has similar interets as you. If said gym has classes, take advantage of that too. I love the group classes at the gym!

Is it worth the money to join a gym?

It's a personal choice, you have to see if it works for you. To that end, the best way to join a gym is to get either a month-to-month membership (i.e. no long term contract) for at least a month or two so that you can see if it's something that works for you and something you can stick to. If that's not available, look to get at least a one month trial. One to two weeks is not enough. After a month the novelty starts to wear off and then you'll find out if you're really committed to keeping at it.

I like having a gym membership for a number of reasons. First, my gym is open 24 hrs 5 days a week and 12 hours each day on the weekend, so I have the flexibility to go whenever I want. Second, since I have to make a trip to get there and it's a dedicated facility to only fitness I ensure that I will not get distracted into other things while I'm working out (I never take my cell phone out on the floor with me). Third the availability of many pieces of equipment I could never afford on my own is great. This allows me to try new exercises/movements and keep things fresh. Fourth, being there working out with other people is a helpful motivator to me. I see the same people each day so it's a form of peer pressure that I know if they don't see me on a particular day or for a few days in a row they'll know I've fallen off the wagon. Also, seeing people that look like where I used to be or look like what I want to get to helps keep me going too.

it's like college. you get out of it what you put in.

Is it worth the money to join a gym?

Yes? No? Maybe?