In this blog post, we’re going to discuss gym memberships. More specifically, we’ll compare monthly and annual memberships and discuss the pros and cons of each. It’s important to consider all the factors involved before deciding which gym to join. Ideally, any gym people choose should have reasonable membership fees, lots of equipment, a variety of fitness class offerings, friendly staff, clean facilities, and much more! With that, let’s take a closer look at how much gym memberships typically cost.
Monthly
Monthly gym memberships are usually the most expensive option over time, but they do offer some flexibility. If people only want to go to the gym for a few months, or if their schedules vary monthly, a monthly membership might be the best option. However, monthly memberships can add up over time, so people should ensure they’re using their membership enough to justify the cost.
You can find memberships as low as $10 per month at places like Planet Fitness, but ideally, you want to be in the $20-$50 per month range to get the most out of your money. Anywhere in that range is considered a reasonable monthly membership fee. The average gym membership cost hovers around that range at places like Anytime Fitness. However, that’s a chain, and it’s really great when you can find a local, more boutique-style gym at that price, like Fitness Evolution in Bellingham.
With places like LA Fitness, you can start getting on the high end of that price range. This isn’t to say that Planet Fitness, LA Fitness, and Anytime fitness are bad. It really just depends on what you’re looking for.
Annual Fee Gym or Health Club Membership Costs
Annual memberships are usually cheaper in the long run but require a bigger upfront investment. So, if you’re just starting out on a fitness journey, or you haven’t been a consistent gym person before, then you may want to scale back and try out a monthly membership for a while to see if you’re actually committed to going to the gym every week.
An annual membership can be a great option for people who are confident they’ll use their gym membership regularly. Just be sure to factor in any sign-up fees or cancellation penalties before deciding.
Membership Price Discounts
There are often discounts available for seniors, students, and military personnel. Sometimes gyms will offer promotions or coupons, so it’s always worth checking around to see what’s available. A local gym also might offer you a free day pass to check out the facilities and see if you like the space and amenities. One such place that does this is Fitness Evolution in Bellingham. Go online to get your free day pass today.
What Qualities Make a Gym Worth Your Time and Money?
Now that we’ve looked at average gym membership costs, let’s talk about what qualities make a gym worth your money. And what qualities will make you feel good about returning again and again.
Variety of Group Fitness Classes
Most gym memberships include access to some amount of fitness classes, which can be a great way to mix up your workout routine. Many people find that they’re more motivated to go to the gym when they have a class to look forward to. Fitness classes can also be a great way to meet new people and make friends. Having access to fitness classes so you can learn from a trainer and get motivated by others can make the cost of a gym membership worth it for many people.
Well-Maintained Exercise Equipment
Of course, one of the most important factors in choosing a gym is the quality and quantity of gym equipment available. If you like to lift free weights, you’ll want to ensure there are enough free weights and weight-lifting machines to go around. If you prefer cardio equipment, like treadmills or ellipticals, over free weights, you’ll want to make sure the gym has enough of those for everyone.
Friendly Staff
The staff at a gym can really make or break the experience. You want to be sure that the staff is friendly and helpful and that they’re always available to answer any questions you might have.
Cleanliness
Nobody likes working out in a dirty gym. Be sure to check out the facilities before you commit to anything, and make sure they’re clean and well-maintained.
Personal Trainers
If you’re serious about getting in shape, or if you’re new to working out and need some guidance, you might want to look for a gym that offers a personal trainer. A personal trainer can be an excellent resource for learning new exercises, staying motivated, and achieving your fitness goals. Personal training can get really expensive, but not if you go to the right place, so do your research and find a gym with reasonable pricing for gym members.
Nutrition Coaching
Some gyms also offer nutrition coaching, which can be a great way to learn about healthy eating habits and how to fuel your body properly. Typically, nutrition coaching and personal training go hand-in-hand. Where you find one, you’ll likely find the other.
Proximity
Last but not least, you’ll want to choose a gym that’s conveniently located near your home or office. There’s no point in signing up for a gym an hour away from where you live – you’re much less likely to go if it’s not close by.
Find Your Perfect Membership Today!
As you can see, there are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a gym. Whether you’re trying to get fit, train for an event, lose weight or improve overall health, there’s a perfect gym membership for you. If you take the time to find a place with everything you’re looking for, it’ll be well worth the investment. And you’ll be more likely actually to use your membership and see results.
Still not sure where to start? Check out some gyms in Bellingham, like Fitness Evolution. They offer affordable gym memberships and tons of great amenities. Plus, you can get a free day pass by visiting their website and requesting one. With everything from personal training to group fitness classes, we’ve got you covered.
Get started on your fitness journey today!
