Gym Membership - the Pros and Cons

So here you are at the beginning of a new year and all of the gyms in your area are offering a special joining fee or maybe no joining fee, along with a low monthly rate. Is it worth checking out? or should you work out at home? Obviously, that’s an individual decision because there are many thing things to consider when joining a gym (or creating one at home) The first item to consider is, can you afford the gym? But also, are you comfortable going to the gym during a pandemic? Do you think you’ll stick to it? 
In this post I’m going to explore the pros and cons of a gym membership. But watch for future posts regarding home gym equipment, nutrition, types of workouts, and more!

The pros of a gym membership include the following:

•    You can work with a professional trainer who can help if you have any pre-existing injuries. He/she can also create a specialized workout to meet your needs.
•    Working out in a group setting can be motivational and offer the opportunity to create new friendships. When I was working out at a gym on a regular basis, I made “gym friends” that I would connect with outside of the gym. There was a sense of camaraderie.
•    Access to more workout options and equipment. If you join a gym you will most likely have access to classes, trainers, and definitely a variety of exercise equipment. This makes it easier to change up your workout on a regular basis.
•    Joining a gym creates a dedicated time to work out with no distractions as opposed to home, which may bring a long list of distractions! 

The cons of a gym membership include the following:

•    The monthly cost of joining a gym.
•    The cleanliness of the gym or lack of (lower cost may mean less time spent maintaining the space). 
•    Is the local gym convenient? 
•    Does a gym feel like a safe environment for you? During a pandemic, many people are trying to avoid the crowds and indoor space. 
•    Are you living in an area where weather makes it tough to get to the gym (or provides you with a regular excuse not to go?) 
•    Lack of privacy – you may not feel comfortable working out in front of other people.
•    It can be difficult to cancel a gym membership, as I have experienced in the past. Many gyms work with a third party billing company. 

Again, joining a gym is a very personal decision. You need to factor in what you will need to be successful and stick to a routine. For some, working at home is much more cost effective and provides a flexible schedule while others enjoy the group setting and the options provided at a gym. Whatever you decide, make a commitment, and try to stick with it. Once you start noticing the benefits of working out, you will want to continue! 

Photo by Ketut Subiyanto from Pexels

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