Do you belong to a gym? How much do you pay?

[disneysteve]

My wife wants to join a gym. She'd like me to join, too, so we can go together when that works out. It really wasn't something that was on my radar to do. I do exercise regularly at home and I walk/run outdoors but there are definitely times (like in the winter or heat of summer) when I skip it for various reasons. It would be nice to have the option of shooting over to the gym and using the track or hopping on a treadmill instead, as well as having access to the pool and all of the other equipment.

She had looked around at a couple of local places on her own but didn't really like what she was finding. So today we went over to the health and wellness center associated with the hospital system I work for. They have 3 centers, 2 of which are convenient for us. The closest one is a 10-minute drive and maybe 15 minutes for the other.

We got a tour, learned about the facility and all that they offer, and discussed membership. As an employee, I get a 60% discount off the usual rate, making my cost $31/month for my wife, as the secondary person on my account, it is $49/month. So bottom line is $80/month for the two of us. That covers everything except a few special classes. All regular classes are included in the fee.

It's a very nice, well-maintained facility that attracts all types from moms taking their little ones for swim lessons to seniors and everything in between. I don't think either of us would feel out of place there, as we would in some gyms. They gave us a few free day passes so we can go over and actually use the facilities before we decide. We'll try and get there one night this week maybe.

Does $80/month for 2 people sound pretty reasonable?

[creditcardfree]

Yes, this is probably a fair price. We've always paid for the year (or more) upfront in order to get a better deal on a per month basis. You might ask about that option, although as a first time member it may be better to see if you actually use the gym. So many people obligate themselves and then don't go to the gym!

[QuarterMillionMan]

It depends, if let's say you go twice a week that'll be $5 per day for each of you. I found myself slacking at times and only went once a week which made it $10 per day so I cancelled due to not getting my money's worth my fault actually but the more often you go the better for you.

[moneybags]

I just joined the gym run by our park district, $45/month for one person, no classes included. The key is to use it (got to keep telling myself that)!

[MonkeyMama]

$15/month, for one person.

We have too many discount gyms around here, which have everything I could possibly want or need.

[Jluke]

Do you have/did you already look at a Planet Fitness nearby?

[disneysteve]

We have some discount gyms here, too. They don't necessarily have all of the stuff we'd want, though, and the membership often doesn't include class fees. I'm not particularly interested in classes but she is. And I'd really like a place with a track and a pool. A lot of the cheap gyms have neither as they tend to be smaller strip-center sorts of places.

[disneysteve]

Yes, this is probably a fair price. We've always paid for the year (or more) upfront in order to get a better deal on a per month basis.

Their deal is pay for 12 months upfront and get the 13th month free. I'm not willing to make that commitment now just to save $80 a year from now.

[snafu]

DH has been buying an annual membership at a full service gym nearby for many years. He says the day doesn't go well if he misses his hour at the gym. The value is 'what will you use, how much will you use it'? For example...
DH is an early riser and routinely meets the same group of guys at 6:15 AM, M-F. The personal trainer[s] have developed a routine for their clients to target their particular issue and they work one-on-one for a set time every other visit. DH 'rewards' himself swimming lengths or 20 minutes in the hot tub if he completes his program within his self imposed time frame.

The issue with our gym is that it's full of moms & little kiddos 10-Noon and ridiculously busy 3:30 - 9 PM. The small group of early risers nearly have the parking lot, building and trainers to themselves until 8 AM.

[~bs]

$20 a year at 24hour fitness. I'm grandfathered into an old contract they were advertising back when they were expanding. I go on cycles of using and not using it. But I keep paying it because once I terminate membership, I'd be in the same $30-40 a month boat as everyone else.

[disneysteve]

The issue with our gym is that it's full of moms & little kiddos 10-Noon and ridiculously busy 3:30 - 9 PM.

At least according to the person who we met with today, because I asked that question, they are busiest from 9a-12p, though more so at the pool than in the gym, and then from 4p-7p with folks who come straight from work. DW probably won't use the pool much so as long as she can get on a treadmill or elliptical or even just walk on the track, she's fine. And I wouldn't typically be going before 6pm on days I work and can easily go in the afternoon on days I'm off if that's a calmer time there.

[Snydley]

I pay $100/year for Planet Fitness. I really like it and I'm so happy that my DH joined in Jan as well. No classes but lots of machines, treadmills, etc and we can meet and work with a trainer too for no additional cost.

[QuarterMillionMan]

Curious does Planet have a pool?

[bjl584]

Yes.
Fee is $29 per month. 24 hour access. It's a locally owned gym.

My employer reimburses me $20 a month through their health and wellness program, so I end up paying $9 a month for my membership.

I'm a pretty avid weight lifter and make it there 5 or 6 days a week.

[FLA]

I used to belong to the Y then it got to be too expensive. Now I have a Medicare advantage plan and a Y membership is included, unfortunately, I am too disabled to use it yet but look forward to the day that I can. I really liked the circuit of weights.