We’re all familiar with the annual ritual of setting New Year’s Resolutions, often revolving around improving our physical fitness. The common path is to procure gym membership. However, is such a commitment truly beneficial in the long term?
KEY MOTIVATORS
If your resolution is to shape up or shed weight, you may be pondering whether a gym membership is the need of the hour. A more beneficial inquiry would be: why?
Why would subscribing to a gym bring about a lasting transformation that has been elusive so far?
Why is a gym membership perceived as the singular means to fitness or weight loss?
Why is now the best time to initiate this action?
There is no harm in delving into these questions. In fact, they are crucial if you’re genuinely seeking a positive shift. Your preferred modality of transformation is your decision.
ASSESSING THE VALUE
Having discerned your motivation, the next step is to evaluate the overall worth of the gym membership. Some relevant considerations could be:
WHAT WILL BE THE MONTHLY EXPENDITURE ON THE GYM MEMBERSHIP?
The mainstream gym membership costs around $58 per month, which adds up to $696 annually, subtracting a substantial chunk from your budget that could be allocated elsewhere. This could parallel the expense of a short trip.
IS YOUR BUDGET CAPABLE OF ACCOMMODATING THIS ADDITIONAL COST?
Your financial plan for the new year should accommodate this new expenditure. If your spare monthly budget doesn’t extend to $58, gym membership might be unfeasible. There are various cost-free alternatives, like hiking, cycling, using free workout apps, or speed walking.
WILL YOUR SCHEDULE ALLOW FREQUENT GYM USE?
Do you have the bandwidth to fit regular gym sessions into your existing schedule? Even for me, a gym trip involves additional time for the commute, the workout, and post-workout grooming. On busier days, sparing this time becomes challenging, especially with children’s school schedules. I might manage to visit the gym once or twice a week, but for me, this doesn’t suffice for the investment given the numerous time-efficient home workout options available.
WHAT LONG-TERM BENEFITS DO YOU EXPECT FROM THE GYM MEMBERSHIP?
Is your objective a short-term weight loss goal? In that case, a gym subscription might offer an initial boost. For financial suitability, try opting for a few months’ payment upfront to avoid recurring charges. According to statistics, a whopping 67% of gym subscribers rarely use their membership. This results in considerable money drained, lying unused.
GYM COMMUNITY
The gym community can be a robust support network, fostering accountability and thus enhancing success rates. According to an American Society of Training and Development study, this accountability can increase success rates by 65%. If peer motivation is a necessary catalyst, explore how to create this gym environment.
IS GYM MEMBERSHIP WORTHWHILE?
Ultimately, it’s a personal decision. If fitness or weight loss is your resolution, carefully consider the following:
Do you have compelling reasons to join a gym?
Are you ready to incur the monthly gym expense?
Can your budget bear this extra cost?
What alternatives exist that incur no expenses?
What long-term goals do you have for a gym membership?
Do you need accountability to maintain motivation?
After thorough introspection, you would be clearer about the most suitable decision. As for me, it doesn’t seem cost-effective. I would probably end up as part of the 67% membership community squandering money on unused services.
We keenly welcome your experience if you’ve embraced gym membership on account of a New Year resolution. Has it turned out to be worthwhile?
