Do you belong to a gym?

Why do we say that anyway, "I BELONG to Ballys, wanna workout?  I can spot you."  In a way, maybe we do.  Have you ever tried quitting the gym?  Friends did an entire episode on Chandler trying to quit the gym.  Harder than you think.  Anyway, I would never say that I belong to American Express or that I belong to Countrywide Mortgage, although either of those are probably more correct than the gym statement.

So, if you do, how much do you pay?  Did you sign a contract?  Do you use it regularly?  In short, are you happy that you are receiving adequate value for your money?

I go to LA Fitness, where I pay something like $260/year, and prepay each year at a time.  I feel like it's a pretty good deal, especially compared to some of the outrageous amount that I have heard other people pay for their gyms.  Even worse, I know people who belong to the same gym and pay over thirty five bucks per month!  Same product, nearly 75% higher cost.  That's why the gym salespeople are second only to car salespeople on my list.  You know the list.

Comments

[frankyj]

I'm not a member of a gym, but my company reimburses us for medical expenditures (i.e. gym, fitness equipment) and I believe my health insurance reimburses me as well. So why haven't I joined? With two kids and another on the way, when am I going to have time?

That being said, I really do need to start eating better and doing a modicum of exercise. I have a predeliction for hypertension as well as diabetes, so that's going to be important later on in my life. I'm just glad I have health insurance.

[Amanda]

I'm lucky enough to have a fully stocked gym in our new building, so I recently cancelled my existing gym membership. However, when I did go, I paid $75/month - and that was with my company subsidy. Not only that, but when I registered I had to plunk down like an extra $250 "registration fee". The benefit was that I could go to any one of the gyms 10 locations in Chicago, one of which was in my office building, so that was pretty convenient. However, that being said, I've been pretty happy to save that $75/month since quitting, and they were pretty easy going about me cancelling my membership. (This was with the Multiplex clubs in Chicago, which is a part of Fitness Formula clubs).

[TADollar]

I remember that Friends episode -- pretty funny! Your gym fees are super low. Here in DC, at least in the District itself and not the suburbs, gym memberships usually cost $75 and up for individuals. My husband and I are members of Washington Sports Club and have a family membership where we can use any gym in the network. I think together we spend about $130 per month. It's a lot, but we use it. We're both very active and especially in the winter, it's great being able to work out during my lunch hour. No excuses!

[Brian]

I am a member of a local gym. We have a pretty sweet deal with them. My company has a corporate partnership, so we get some good benefits: no contract, no initiation fee, $35 per month (which my company pays half of), and it's taken right out of my check. I go 4 or 5 days a week during my lunch break.

[klauss]

I was able to snag a lifetime membership at 24 hour for $695. Good deal if the place does not go under. Bad thing is that I have not been in months. Have been jogging outdoors a few times a week and skiing every weekend. We will see if I can get the motivation to get pumped up again.

[lamoneyguy]

Wow, I guess I do have a pretty good deal. Not like Klauss' $695 for life! Now that's a great deal! Now I just need to get my butt in there more often.

[mapgirl]

TADollar! What are you doing going to WSC??!?! The Thomas Jefferson Community Center is like $75 a year through the city of Arlington!

I never go to the gym, but my neighbor swears by TJ. There are tennis courts, soccer fields, gravel track, and paved jogging path with nice trees. I like walking over there every once in a while, doing a lap around and walk home. TJ has some swim classes offered through Washington & Lee. You should check that out since WL is closer to the WSC than TJ.

I prefer sports and activity to 'working out'. I find gyms to be boring and meat markets. I like exercise, but I also have health issues that preclude a lot of strenuous activity. I have to be DOING something and not just repeating things over and over.