Quitting the Gym

on March 11, 2009

Morning…. UGH! I overslept and missed my morning Shred. Something to do tonight after my cardio workout. I’m scheduled to cross train, but I think I’m going to swap Wednesday and Thursday workouts and run instead.

Brekkie was simple and delicious.

My oatmeal contained:

1/2 cup oatmeal
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup milk
1 sliced banana
Toppings: Grape Nuts, unsweetened coconut, chopped almonds

Everything tastes better with cute dishes and silverware!

Hopefully this will help keep me fueled through a 10 hour workday.

Quitting the Gym

For financial reasons, the Husband and I are trying to cut out a few unnecessary expenses. I’m the biggest offender of unnecessary expenses — too many dinners out! But we spend money in loads of other ways. For one, our weekends are filled with all these expensive activities (I just went to Tampa for the races, and Husband just went to Miami for a basketball game).

One of the things we were discussing last night is canceling our gym membership (GASP. I know!). I never thought I’d cancel our membership — I’ve been a member of a gym continuously since graduating from college.

Our family package is $75 a month. We’re spending $900 a YEAR on the gym (that’s nearly a rent payment!). I go twice a week, and Husband goes maybe three times. I pointed out to the Husband that we could buy him a used bike for the cost of 1 month’s membership (he’s not a runner).

I feel like I SHOULD cancel our expensive membership because we can just run, walk, or bike ride outside. Thanks to the 30 Day Shred, I know I can get a good strength workout in at home.

The average gym membership costs $50 a month. Do you belong to a gym? How much is your membership? Do you think it’s worth it? Or do you think you should ‘quit the gym’ in this economy?

{ 113 comments }

Erica March 11, 2009, 3:54 am
Great breakfast! I am VERY lucky in that teaching = a free membership and a discounted membership for my husband. Although the gym can be expensive, I think it would make more sense to skip two dinners out and keep the gym membership? Then again, I really love classes at the gym. Plus being able to workout indoors when its either super hot or cold outside is really nice.
Stephanie March 11, 2009, 4:13 am
I belong to a gym and it would be one of the last things to go if I was cutting expenses. I love it! I agree, I would cut 2 meals a month out or maybe cut down on driving to fill up the car one less time, etc. instead. BUT, for a gym to be worth it, you have to use it. If you’re not going, it’s definitely not worth it. I love the classes at the gym, and its invaluable for those of us who don’t like in FL– at least 1/-1/2 of the year it is WAY too cold to be exercising outside!
kilax March 11, 2009, 4:28 am
I think your reasons are very valid! We cannot justify a membership for what we want to use the gym for – strength training. We are both going to check out our office gyms, or get something for home. We are fortunate to own a treadmill.
Tami March 11, 2009, 4:35 am
as long as i go to the gym 8 times a month, our (fantastic) health insurance pays for it! BUT i am not sure I would have a membership otherwise. With one income and two kids…..there isn’t a lot of extra money floating around. But I DO LOVE MY GYM. It’s a family orientated place…..

but I do think you are making a good decision.
Apples, Auburn, and Ashley March 11, 2009, 4:35 am
I am a member of a gym that costs $30 a month. While that’s $30 more than I would pay to use my college’s facilities, lets just say that said ‘gym’ is the most disgusting, unclean, outdated gym ever (my school’s activity center was voted the worst in the SEC). I go almost every day and take at least 2 classes a week, so I feel I get my money’s worth. Your reasons do make sense though!
Mica March 11, 2009, 4:48 am
I think I paid some nominal fee for my membership when I did student fees at the university, but essentially, it’s free, which is nice. If it weren’t, I’m not sure if I’d pay for the membership. In my hometown, the YMCA did adjusted membership fees, depending on your level of income, whereas the ones like Golds were always a flat, pretty high rate. Maybe something to look into?
VeggieGirl March 11, 2009, 4:51 am
“Everything tastes better with cute dishes and silverware!”

Amen to that!! 😀

I DO belong to a gym, since I strength-train with my trainer 4 times per week.
Leanne March 11, 2009, 5:08 am
I tried cutting out my gym membership first semester because I was low on money and I regretted it.

I ran outside and in a sports complex (cold days) but I missed getting that good gym sweat from weight training and the whole nine yards.

This semester I started the membership up again and I spend less on everything else. I missed it so much!
bb March 11, 2009, 5:12 am
We belong to a gym called Fitness 19. They have very low membership costs and we were even allowed to negotiate a little with them. We pay $30 per month for the two of us, and Hubs’ work pays for half. So something like $15 a month.

I would check out a Fitness 19 in your area…their fees are so low because they don’t have any gym “extras” like a pool or classes.

BUT I totally see were your coming from…the weather is so nice in your neck of the woods, working-out outside is always an option for you…lucky!
Courtney (The Hungry Yogini) March 11, 2009, 5:13 am
Gym Shmym! You run outside so much that you don’t really need it! Plus, simple calisthenics and some 5 pound hand weights are all ya need! I quit the gym about a year ago and haven’t looked back!
RhodeyGirl/Sabrina March 11, 2009, 5:14 am
I don’t blame you Caitlin. I belong to a $50/month gym, but I don’t use it at all in the summer. All winter it is great because it is too cold and dark for me to run during the hours I am not working, but in the summer it is too hot and sweaty in there to not be enjoying the gorgeous sunshine. I will say though, that having access to gym classes has been a SAVIOR for getting over exercise boredom, but exercise DVDs can also take that role. To me though, it is just not the same as a group of 25 women sweating their bumbums off.
Balance, Joy and Delicias! March 11, 2009, 5:14 am
I go to the gym in campus which is part of the mandatory fee that I pay. But I know paying a gym membership in a tough economic time is not easy. And as you do a lot of workout by yourself, I think you’ll find your way to make up the workout.
have a nice day!
RhodeyGirl/Sabrina March 11, 2009, 5:15 am
I would also say that $75 a month is not that much if your husband is using it 3 times a week!! If you cut one $$ weekend activity a month or even 1 fancy dinner, that would equal your entire gym membership!
Heather March 11, 2009, 5:22 am
I pre-paid my membership at Gold’s for a year and it saved a LOT of money. The whole year only cost 300, so that averaged out to about 25/month! If you’re considering quitting, inquire about ways to make it cheaper, they’re likely to work with you on it.
jenn March 11, 2009, 5:26 am
mine was 150 to sign up and its 20 a month. there are no classes, but i have plenty of dvds. i live in nj, so the winters dont allow me to run outside. its definitely worth it for me and i know its by far cheaper than any place else in my area.
BUT they are putting in an LA Fitness 2 miles away and am considering switching b/c its closer and they have a pool and classes. anyone else use LA Fitness, do you like it? is it worth the money, and how much is it. i couldnt find a price online.
Lindsay March 11, 2009, 5:26 am
I am very thankful that we have access to a good dozen different facilities here on base. I had to pay for myself the 10 months we were out of college but I wasn’t yet a dependant. The gym was the nicest gym ever ( people in the DC area take gyms seriously, it was even 24 hr) but I hated paying for it. I don’t think the economy is bad enough for most people to cut out their “loves”. I think the average american is being shocked into cleaning up their act, as you seem to be. Your situation seems perfect for letting that cost go. Besides, you can always rejoin!
Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point March 11, 2009, 5:27 am
jenn- i belong to la fitness 🙂 they will way the initiation fee for most new members there. i like the gym a lot and if we werent broke i wouldnt be considering dropping my membership.
kara March 11, 2009, 5:27 am
If I had weather like yours I don’t think I would need a gym membership either!
Marie March 11, 2009, 5:33 am
my gym is $85/month…i live in nyc
teacherwoman March 11, 2009, 5:33 am
Yes, I belong to a gym! It costs about $47 a month, which I realize is probably a lot less then most gym memberships, but one needs to consider my location as well. I could not keep up with my running, cycling, or swimming without that gym membership. For sure. I have not run outside since November, and probably could have only done so a handful of days since then, when temps have reached above zero, but the ice and snow covered areas are too dangerous for me!

I have thought about cutting out things, but know that I could NEVER cut out my gym membership or I would go INSANE! Instead, I have really cut back on eating out and it has made a world of a difference.
Meghann March 11, 2009, 5:38 am
I say lose the gym membership. As much as it sucks that is a luxury that one can live without. I haven’t had a gym membership since college and though sometimes its a pain in the ass I have learned to live with out it. I use weights at home, I run outside for free, when its cold I use the treadmill at my apartment complex adn I ride the bike now.

I’m sorry you have to make the tough decisions. 🙁
*One Step at a Time* March 11, 2009, 5:44 am
I guess I am lucky because my gym is only $10 a month! Granted, they don’t offer classes but they have plenty of treadmills, ellipticals, bikes and weights so I am all set! 🙂 Maybe try to shop around for a cheaper gym?!
inmytummy March 11, 2009, 5:48 am
My gym is $35 a month. It adds up but I definitely go a lot, especially during the colder months.
Eliza March 11, 2009, 5:49 am
One of the things I miss most about college was the free gym and great classes! I live in a rural area in very northern New England. I just can’t get myself to run outside in the winter months when it is often below zero degrees, windy, snowy, and icy. I’ve been able to get my gym to agree to let me pay the monthly rate for November through April, and then in May I will stop using the gym and be running outside again (yay!) The strength stuff I do I can do at home, and I occasionally go to a yoga class, but will just pay out of pocket for those.
Melissa (Nibbles and Wiggles) March 11, 2009, 5:50 am
My gym membership (with my husband) is *ahem* $129 a month. BUT my husband actually goes, and he’s lost almost 100lbs and that is priceless.
jane March 11, 2009, 5:50 am
i think quitting the gym is a good idea. im not a member of a gym cause i hate treadmills and love running outside, so why would i need a gym? Plus, a lot of weight training you can do at home with a set of free weights. there are also plenty of muscle building exercises you can do where you don’t even need weights- you use the weight of your own body. i’m sure you could find books outlining routines like that (go to barnes and noble and browse for free- thats what i do haha)
and you found a video that allows you to do cardio without a gym. what more do you need?! you’re a runner girl, ditch the gym 😉
seesaraheat March 11, 2009, 5:52 am
Do they have the option to put your membership on “hold” so that you can come back when you are more financially prepared? A friend of mine did that recently. That way when she was ready to go back she didn’t have to “re-join.” I think since you run and can strength train at home, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to cut it out for a while, since it will save you so much!
girlrunningaround March 11, 2009, 5:56 am
We just had to make the same decision. We were paying about $50 a month for both of our gym memberships, but when we moved I decided not to get a new one. I’m going to make use of the good ole outdoors more and with a little research I found that the community center in our new city has 3 treadmills for the public to use for free! I’m sure you’ll be able to find cost effective alternatives.
Manderz March 11, 2009, 6:02 am
I belong to Planet Fitness and I have the lower price plan of $9.99 a month. I only joined the gym in December when it started snowing and the roads weren’t in the condition to run on.

Now that it’s getting nicer I think I am going to keep the membership since it is so cheap but if there comes a time that I need to cut some things out – the gym is the first to go. Like you said, you can get a great workout at home!

PS – Planet fitness doesnt have classes, one of the reasons its so cheap…
Carolina John March 11, 2009, 6:02 am
yea we pay $59 a month and i hate it. go organic in your workouts and it will pay dividends. Get hubs a nice road bike and he will love it! I only paid $550 for my Jamis road bike brand new.
Erin March 11, 2009, 6:04 am
Right now I’m in college so I have a free membership, yay! I would hate being without a gym membership, because I love going and getting some variety and strength training in. However, you seem to mostly run outside, so I don’t think its unreasonable to cut. I think you can get a good workout in at home, its just harder and you have to make sure to fit it in. I have trouble working out at home because of all the distractions.
Your gym membership does seem really high though! My parents have a year membership thats half that and even includes me when I’m home.
Dori March 11, 2009, 6:09 am
Since you live in Florida and exercising outside is possible all the time, I think quitting the gym is definitely an option for you. I pay $168/mo for my gym — a lot, I know, but it is literally next door to my apartment and I know I wouldn’t go to the gym nearly half as much if it was any farther! And I love the classes and the amenities… And it has saved my life during the times the bathroom in my apartment has not been working!

My boyfriend has a free gym in his building, so if I ever move in with him I’d save a lot of money – but I’d also miss spinning like crazy.

Um. my left ankle makes a loud crack every time I kick it up during the butt kicks in the Shred – do you think this is bad?
AshleyT March 11, 2009, 6:10 am
I think you should cancel your membership. I don’t belong to a gym either because everything I would do at the gym is available outside for free. I run every morning along the water and walk everywhere. I have weights in my room and do Exercise TV on demand whenever I need something else. I live in NYC so it’s harder to do the running thing then so I do get a package to Bikram Yoga but it’s only in the winter and worth it. I’m jealous you are in FL and can be outside almost everyday…take advantage of it! =)
Laura March 11, 2009, 6:11 am
I belong to two gyms. One is super close to my house and I pay $25/month (my sister trained there and got me a great deal). The other one is not quite as close, but they have a much better class schedule. I pay $50 there. Since I have a hard time staying motivated, it’s totally worth the expense to me. If I ran or did some other outdoor activity, it may not be as important to me.
Jen March 11, 2009, 6:11 am
I live in a colder climate and really only join the gym when it’s too cold for me to comfortable go outside. My gym sells three month memberships, so it’s very easy to do that. You’re entering the heat season down there, does that mean you go to the gym more often than twice a week once it’s too hot to be outside?
Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point March 11, 2009, 6:13 am
dori – UMMMM yes! that’s bad. is it painful?? have you tried stretching?

jen – good point… i could just transition to nighhttime running.
Brandi March 11, 2009, 6:13 am
I’ve had to quit gyms before and the GREAT thing is you can always join again later.

I would say it would be worth it if the things you do at the gym are things you can do at home/outside, especially since you live in Florida where it’s nice most of the time.

If you both went to classes every week that you couldn’t do at home, that would be one thing.
marie March 11, 2009, 6:14 am
I pay ~$85 per month for the gym, and it is worth every penny. If we had to cut back, it would be one of the last things to get axed. I go 5-6 times a week. I do Spinning, Pilates, and Body Pump. I also have a near-gym-quality elliptical at home, and I’ve done fitness tapes in the past, so I know I can workout at home. However, for me, the gym is better. I find that a lot of fitness tapes tend to be repetitive, whereas the classes mix things up, which is better for my fitness goals. The teachers also push me way harder than I push myself. The fact that I am paying a substantial amount for the gym also encourages me to go.

The gym is also a huge social thing for me. I’ve made a lot of friends there, and the knowledge that they’ll be in class is one more motivator.
Ali March 11, 2009, 6:21 am
I love your little leaf bowl…so cute! As far the the gym goes, my fiance and I have a membership the the YMCA. We have the “family plan” so it cost $60 a month for both of us not, each of us. I think it is worth it for us because we live in Boston to we don’t have as many opportunities to run or bike outside. It is cold most of the year and we get a lot of snow. So, for us it is worth it. Do you think you guys will miss the gym come summer when it is really hot in Florida?
fitforfree March 11, 2009, 6:22 am
I quit my gym membership a few months ago (and started a blog about it!), and it has been SO WONDERFUL. I spend so much more time outside and have rediscovered my love for walking for miles (my dog is happy about this) 🙂
Joy March 11, 2009, 6:28 am
I am a member of a gym but it’s only $10 a month. Granted there are no fancy things or extras (like a pool, track, etc. but they are getting spinning bikes!) but it’s still nice.

For me it’s “necessary” because here in new england it’s too cold in the winter to run/bike outside for cardio, and also i have a hard time making myself work out at home.
Lisa D. March 11, 2009, 6:30 am
That spoon is great! I’ve been eying it the past couple posts, where is it from? Also, I belong to a gym for 19$ a month but right now I’m really glad because as my knee starts to heal(ACL surgery) I’ll need a stationary bike!
Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point March 11, 2009, 6:31 am
lisa – crate and barrel!
Meg March 11, 2009, 6:32 am
I think I would quit to gym in this economy because I could find other ways to exercise. Luckily, my husband works out our gym, so we get free memberships.
jenn March 11, 2009, 6:34 am
thanks! i’ll definitely be looking into joining la fitness when they open it.
Emily March 11, 2009, 6:34 am
As a grad student, I have to pay gym membership as part of my tuition, but it’s not too expensive (about $80/3 months). If I weren’t a student, I think I would join the gym part of the year because in the winter, it’s just too cold to run outside.
Angie (Losing It and Loving It) March 11, 2009, 6:35 am
Yes, we belong to a gym and it’s $69.50 a month. It’s definitely worth it since hubby and I go to 4 spin classes a week and we use the cardio equipment and weights too. Oh and he loves the sauna!

Kev keeps talking about turning our garage into a home gym but that would take time to build up so until then, we’ll most likely keep our gym membership unless of course I find a sponsor who wants to do a garage to home gym makeover for us ha ha
aron March 11, 2009, 6:38 am
I just did this in January for the same reasons. My portion was 52 a month and I NEVER went. I did a post on it too 🙂

I just bought some free weights, I have a medicine ball, and with shred video I know I can get stuff done at home, and actually have been. I also have a treadmill at home just incase. Our gym you can go for a day for $10 so I figure if I HAVE to go, I can just pay the guest fee.
J March 11, 2009, 6:39 am
I want to tell you to stick with it because $75 for both of you seems so cheap to me! I live outside of Boston and the crappy gyms are probs around $50 a month, but decent gyms are at least around $90.

But if you think you can do it, go for it! You are lucky to live in a place where you don’t have to deal with snowy days when the gym is a necessity.
Amanda March 11, 2009, 6:40 am
I belong to LA Fitness, too. It is $35 a month which isn’t bad, but I recently re-kindled my love for yoga at this awesome studio where classes come out to about $25/week. I guess I am lucky enough to have low rent, rarely drive, pack all my lunches, etc. so this isn’t a huge deal, but I am thinking about putting my membership on hold during the warmer months (in PA I can’t imagine relying on outside exercise in the winter) and just running outside.

Have you checked out a YMCA or something cheaper in the area? Do you think you could negotiate something cheaper, especially if you said you were thinking of leaving? I doubt you would miss it, to be honest.
Shannon March 11, 2009, 6:41 am
my membership is $60.90 a month, just for me. if i had nice weather I would totally cancel it but is gets soooo cold here.
Rose March 11, 2009, 6:42 am
What do you do when you go to the gym? Is it something you could do at home (like you mentioned with the Shred DVD)? If so – then maybe you should give it up?

I was a member of the gym and quit in September due to financial reasons. I ended up re-joining in January because I just missed the weights so much, and I also missed the classes. My membership is $60 a month for one person.

I really think it depends on what you do at the gym. I wanted to go back because I really enjoy weight lifting and classes – and those are things I couldn’t do at home. But if you supplement something you were doing at the gym with something you can do (and like doing) at home, then I think it’s a good decision!

It’s tough with the economy – I certainly understand!

PS: I signed up for the half…
Bec March 11, 2009, 6:43 am
Love the plate 🙂 I have a membership at my school gym right now but in the summer I have always opted out of my gym membership in favor of outdoor exercise.
confessionsofablackbelt March 11, 2009, 6:44 am
Hey Caitlin…you guys should maybe check out Planet Fitness. Depending on what membership you get it’s either $10 or $20 a month-the $20 a month you can bring a buddy each time. I’m actually leaving my gym (Lifestyles) and starting up there the end of the month. Good luck!

-Raya
Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point March 11, 2009, 6:45 am
rose- OHMIGOD YAYYYYY

confessions- there’s a planet fitness near us and that’s definitely something we’ve discussed.
Dori March 11, 2009, 6:48 am
Caitlin, it isn’t painful at all! Just… loud. And I get very freaked out when people crack their knuckles or when I hear any bodily cracking, so I am more freaked out than anything else. My boyfriend says it’s probably nothing, but I don’t know! I sprained that ankle when I was in 4th grade, maybe that has something to do with it… I should consult an orthopedist. I don’t want to stop doing the butt kicks if I can help it..
Anonymous March 11, 2009, 6:48 am
I live in Maine and we pay 79 a month for my husband and I….the gym would be the LAST thing I would cut to save $$, but than again this is Maine and we can not count on being able to workout outside!
Brooke March 11, 2009, 6:57 am
Hi! I used to belong to a gym as well and went almost 5 times a week. But, I discovered that my cable company has exercise tv on demand, so I can get a workout anytime of the day I want (if you have time warner cable, check it out). Or, you can check out exercisetv.tv…they usually have one free workout a day. That has saved me tons of money! Plus, I swap fitness dvds with friends…its really helped me get through this cold winter! Good luck with whatever you decide!
emilydh211 March 11, 2009, 6:58 am
I dont think that I would pay for a gym membership. The only reason that I go is because my college lets students go for free. I already graduated, but I use my sisters ID. haha.
Dori March 11, 2009, 6:58 am
Okay last comment I promise — my boyfriend is a doctor and tonight he will watch me do the exercise and tomorrow he is going to talk to an orthopedist at his hospital and get a real answer for me. Phew!
thechiclife March 11, 2009, 7:00 am
I quit the gym about a year and a half ago because my fave teachers left and I followed the one who taught zumba because she started doing classes on her own out of random buildings instead of a single gym. Recently, I’ve been thinking about re-joining so I can use the weights and machines but I’m so-so on the decision. It is definitely a lot of money, so I’ve been working on getting creative with exercise. I’ve been walking the dog, jogging (attempting to, at least), and I’ve been thinking about getting a bike. I also got a couple free weights to do some arm-strengthening workouts. If I can go without, I will. I do still do zumba classes with my fave instructor via class-cards. That class is so fun! 🙂
MarlÃ¨ne March 11, 2009, 7:01 am
I used to belong to a posh Y, and with the locker rental and all, it came to $70 a month (just for me). When I started my new job, I was able to join their gym for $2 per paycheque.

Their gym sucks, though, and I never go. I run outside on my lunch hour and just use their shower. Sigh.

You would think with all this research about healthy lifestyles preventing cancer, the government would want to subsidize gym memberships!!!
Amy March 11, 2009, 7:14 am
I belong to a gym but I’m switching to a more inexpensive one as of April 1st. My old gym was $33 a month. It had classes that I never went to so I’m switching to the the brand new Planet Fitness for $10 a month! It’s a quick jog from my house and has way better equipment than my old gym. For me, this is one thing I can’t cut out to save money. I already made cuts elsewhere but living in Massachusetts, I need a gym during a lot of the year when the weather is too crappy to run outside.
Mary Beth March 11, 2009, 7:20 am
I belong to a gym called Planet Fitness and it’s VERY inexpensive. It’s different than other gyms in that they only offer gym equipment..i.e. no classes but that’s fine w me. I’m not sure if one is located around your part of Orlando… but it’s worth looking into if you are considering options. I pay $21/mth (includes tax).. and this is for their premium membership. They have one other membership also – $10/mth + tax. The difference b/t the two is the premium gives you: unlimited tanning, use of all locations, and unlimited guest privileges (which I think you may be able to use this for the husband and kinda be a little scadalous but.. hey, they promote it!). The $10 membership is strictly you get to walk in the gym and use the equipment. Both have a $50 start up fee for the year. I believe this is a fairly new franchise and most locations are very new. I enjoy it.
However, since it is Spring and Summer is coming soon.. you may just want to invest in a few free weights… like maybe the dumbells that you can slide weights on and off the bar. You could pretty much have a thorough workout with just that and a stability ball. Ahh.. wonderful thoughts of bicep curls, chest presses, tricep extensions have flowed through my mind! Plus the stability ball will work in some core strengthening, which is sometime I believe you’re looking more into these days. Free weights are also portable so you can take them outside now that the weather is beautiful! (BTW, I’m the Gasparilla runner from Deland) And have you seen the weather forecast? No rain predicted until next TUES.. yesss!!

PS – We do live close by.. maybe we can workout a run together! 🙂 sometime. 🙂
Mary Beth March 11, 2009, 7:21 am
Wow, apologies for the extremely LONG post. Then end.
Kristin March 11, 2009, 7:24 am
You should ask about teaching a class at your gym. I teach one spin class a week and get my membership for free. Totally worth on extra hour a week (especially since it means I also get PAID to workout!)
Danielle March 11, 2009, 7:24 am
My gym membership is only 20 bucks a month, but the gym does not offer classes, I do meet with a trainer there as well. If I lived in Florida I would be a lot less likely to belong to a gym. But if you want to stick with it I’m sure you can find something cheaper or cut a deal with them.
Kara March 11, 2009, 7:25 am
I have a free gym (my husband is military) but I pay extra to take classes (110 for unlimited six month pass). I would never go without a gym, I’d hate having to work out alone all the time. Also, since you work at home, it’s nice to go to the gym because then it’s easier to seperate “working out” time from “working” time.

Have you considered becoming a aerobics teacher? You get a discount on membership (or free membership) and it’s pretty easy to do!
Danielle March 11, 2009, 7:25 am
Unfortunately (or I guess, these days, fortunately) I’ve never really gotten into going to the gym. When I had a membership in Chile I loved it, but I can’t say I miss it in France… aside from the exercise classes. The good ol’ outdoors and a couple of exercise tapes do the trick for me. Good luck!
Meryl March 11, 2009, 7:27 am
I pay 20 bucks a month for my membership… no joining fee. they offer free childcare, tanning, classes and it’s open 24 hours a day.

the other thing i love it that it’s a women only gym.. nothing against the guys, but its a little more comfortable for me this way 🙂

anyways, i feel your pain with finances! the hubby and I are having one of those talks tonight, we may be making the same decision 🙁
Hi! I'm Erin March 11, 2009, 7:35 am
Living in the Midwest means that there are huge chunks of the year when I can’t exercise outside. When I lived in a smaller town I joined a gym that was $19.95 a month but it didn’t offer any classes. I took my fitness classes through the local park district. So, yes, I paid extra for classes on top of my gym membership. I never bothered to see if it would be more cost effective to join a different gym that included classes mostly because the gym location was super convenient and I loved the classes the park district offered.

Now that I live in a more metropolitan area (just outside Chicago), I joined the YMCA for $45 a month so that I can cross-train on the elliptical. But then I pay an additional $82 every six weeks for the Pilates class I like. If I wanted to save money, there are free classes I could take.

I do own my own treadmill and I have hand-weights, but I find I am much more likely to do strength training if I do it at the gym or in a class.
Whitney March 11, 2009, 7:36 am
Gyms in Chicago are VERY expensive. Student rates put you at 65 a month and normal are over 100. My building has a small workout room that I pay 12.50 a month access to, so I just use that. I was lucky this summer to win a 3 month membership to a nice gym that was just a little farther north.

My one question for you is if you have thought about how much of a pain it is going to be for you to workout without a gym in the middle of summer. I can totally understand wanting to save some money but just consider how much you hate running in the heat.
sweetandfit March 11, 2009, 7:38 am
I think you did the right think by quitting your gym membership – there are so many more enjoyable ways to get exercise outdoors – especially if you live in Florida! I belong to a gym, but I only pay $33/month – do its not too bad .
Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point March 11, 2009, 7:39 am
mary beth – email me so we can run together!!

kara – haha i would be a great running coach or a spin instructor, but the WORST aerobics instructor!!

whitney – you have a good point…. hmmmm
Victoria March 11, 2009, 7:41 am
Our membership to our local Y is about $60 a month for the both of us. We’ve talked about quitting it, but we chose to get rid of other unnecssaries before that. We cancelled cable last october, although I missed Tivo. In the Midwest, we NEED the gym.
Run Saraah March 11, 2009, 7:44 am
I don't have a gym membership – we prefer to exercise outside, and it's just too expensive right now with only 1 income, the economy, and saving for the wedding. I get just as much exercise & I just as good IMO, it just forces us to be more creative!
tfh March 11, 2009, 7:46 am
I should quit the gym. I used to at least use the pool and rowing machine, but now I just figure it’s not worth driving there…
Anonymous March 11, 2009, 7:47 am
I get a great discount ($20 off) through my health insurance by going at least 12 times a month. Plus I get a cheaper membership by being under 26. My membership ends up being about $23 a month and its worth every penny. I would never ever cancel my membership. I Take advantage of the pool and classes alot which are things I just can’t do outside. Also living in MN means more then half the year does not allow for much outdoor activity with such harsh weather. When I worked part time at a gym I got a year membership for $50 which was a steal! There are ways of getting a discounted membership. I would talk to your gym and see. Personally I would give up many other things before I gave up my membership…but thats just me.
Beth March 11, 2009, 7:50 am
My gym is free through work, but I hate going because it’s always so crowded and it stresses me out to fight for equipment! I agree that you can get a great strength workout at home. If you feel you need heavier weights, I strongly suggest the Reebok Speed Pac weights. They adjust and go from 5 – 25 lbs. I have a set and they were not that expensive.
eatingRD March 11, 2009, 7:54 am
Those dishes are so adorable! I need to invest in something like that, makes it more fun. I don’t think I could cut my gym membership. It’s $21/mo and I love to go take their classes at least 4-5 times per week so I would be lost without it!

-kristen
therunningaddict March 11, 2009, 8:00 am
I HAVE to belong to a gym because most months of the year its too cold to exercise outdoors. I pay approximately $50 a month which I guess is reasonable.
But since you are only spending two days there, then its definitely something to reconsider!
You are so lucky you live in a warm place!
Sarah March 11, 2009, 8:02 am
Hubby & I pay about $52/mo. I think that it's totally worth it for me! Living in Texas the summer heat can be brutal. My husband doesn't go too much, so I have wondered about cutting out his membership so that we pay less monthly.
Sarah (lovINmytummy) March 11, 2009, 8:11 am
I have a free membership due to some perks of my hubs job, but I just decided last night to quit personal training (I pay $100) and try to replicate it on my own as best I can for at least a few months. Jillian’s No More Trouble Zones actually convinced me that I can get a good workout on my own! I also have a treadmill and free weights at home.

Now if only I could get a naked elderly woman to shower and bend over naked in my bathroom.
Anonymous March 11, 2009, 8:17 am
Such cute dishes! We have no gym membership. Over time we have just build our own gym at home and it is wonderful. I live in a colder climate so in winter it is ideal! I do a lot of bodyweight exercises to get my heart going and it works awesome!
elise March 11, 2009, 8:20 am
wow. just reading others’ responses is making me feel guilty. i pay 75/month and thats with a MEGA discount. my boyfriend also pays the same, so we BOTH pay $150 every month. seem ridic? well, i would be a mess in the winter if the snow prevented me from exercising, so i consider it a non-negotiable. i go probably 250 days of the year, so i think thats worth it.
Hallie March 11, 2009, 8:24 am
Wow, lots of opinions here! My gym is $24 a month, and I think for some reason the thought of not having a gym membership is uncomfortable to me. I like having the variety of choices between the weights, bosu, foam roaller, machines, etc. And I like being able to go there when I don’t want to run/walk outside. I don’t think I’d pay more than $30 though…although I just bought a 25-session package at a yoga studio. My BF thinks I spend too much on fitness, but hey, it’s my money to spend, right?
Kelly March 11, 2009, 8:28 am
We belong to the Y but I rarely go. The kids go twice a week for PE though.

You might consider getting a used Bowflex or elliptical machine and have your own home gym. It would save money and time. Just an idea.
ksgoodeats March 11, 2009, 8:35 am
I agree that things taste better when eaten with cute silverware and dishes 🙂

I don’t belong to a gym and I don’t plan on joining one. It’s not worth the expense for me when I can easily walk/bike/run outside in my neighborhood and strength train at home.
Julia March 11, 2009, 8:35 am
Speaking from experience, I would NOT cut out the gym membership. I too, thought since I ran, did Jillian Michaels and other DVDs, I would be fine, but my workouts became repetitive and boring, and since I only own a little bit of fitness equipment at home, I stopped seeing results and put on weight! haha. I pay $60/month for my gym (Everything is super expensive where I live), and since I use the gym 4-5 times a week, I think it’s worth it.

But, because the gym and exercise is important to me, I cut back on my other expenses. I ride my bike to save gas $$, I hardly EVER go to restaurant/cafe/bars, pack my lunch to work, I don’t shop, I unplug all my electric appliances…. etc.
Sorry for long comment, but bottom line, in my opinion, the gym is worth keeping. However, you could shop around for cheaper memberships. If you ask, they are often likely to add perks/give you discounts.
BOBBI McCORMICK March 11, 2009, 8:54 am
wow thats an expensive gym I only pay $15 a month, but we dont have a pool:(
skinnyrunner.com March 11, 2009, 8:58 am
i have a corporate rate at 24 hour fitness for only $22 a month so thats sweet but i did cut my hubbys out, his was $34 a month, bc he never went.
Anonymous March 11, 2009, 8:59 am
I pay $29 a month for a 24 hour Super Sport. I will never quit…again. I did that once before I moved to the Bay Area and then I had to pay the $200 fees all over again. We cut back on cable and our blockbuster memberships.
Julie March 11, 2009, 9:02 am
I belong to a gym a I only pay $15 a month. I go six times a week so I use my membership. The only thing is, you get what you pay the $!5 for. No classes, no fun smoothie stand, no pool or basketball/tennis courts, but I don’t really care because I wouldn’t use any of that stuff anyway!
Jess March 11, 2009, 9:02 am
I’m lucky and get my gym membership for free because I teach my yoga class once a week. I’m not sure if I would pay to belong to one in this economy.
redheadedjournal March 11, 2009, 9:04 am
My husband and I pay $60 per month for both our memberships.
balancemycake March 11, 2009, 9:04 am
Well it’s a tough decision. While I’m at college, I have access to a lot of “free” gyms on campus (even though I pay for them through tuition). I also work part-time for a place that comes with a free YMCA membership, which is nice. However, not everyone has these perks, and when I visit home (breaks, summers, and soon to be permanently after graduation for awhile) I also am a member of Planet Fitness gym. It’s a simple, no frills gym…many ellipticals, treadmills, bikes, tons of weight machines and that’s about it. It’s a great gym and I only pay $15.00 a month! The start up fee was about 60 bucks, but that’s it, now it’s always 15/month. That’s just for me as a single member, but the “Black Card” membership they offer is only $20.00 month and you can bring whoever you want, whenever you want with you anytime and that’s included. Free tanning is also included if you’re into that kinda thing. I don’t know if they have Planet Fitness where you live, but if they do, I definitely encourage you to look into it…it’s worth it!

Hope this helps! 🙂
Michelle
Audrey March 11, 2009, 9:05 am
my gym is only $20 a month, there are some gyms closer to me but since i live in boston the cheapest one is about $70 a month which is def way out of my price range..you should look to see if there are any planet fitness gyms near you its $20/month but you have unlimited guests so you’re hubby could join and bring you with him for free!
Katie March 11, 2009, 9:21 am
That’s a tough decision to make, but sounds like you’re doing the right thing for our budget.

Our gym membership is $30/month for both of us. It’s cheap compared to other fees, but it’s a TEENY gym with just the basics. Still, I have thought about skipping the summer because my husband works 80-90 hours per week and doesn’t get home until late or stays out of town. I think I’d rather workout outside or at home if I’m on my own and save the cash.
Leila March 11, 2009, 9:23 am
my gym membership is about $50/month too. It is a bit daunting to look at the cost per year, but for me, the overall benefits of the gym (i.e. health both mental and physical) justify this cost for me. If I was in need of cutting back I would see if I could do so somewhere else before my gym membership.

It’s really a cost-benefit analysis. Can you justify the cost versus others you incur for the ensuing benefit?

Good luck in making this decision (I know it would be hard for me!)
Rebekah March 11, 2009, 9:24 am
I dropped my membership and my husband and I have been completely fine without. We are in NC so the weather never gets tooo hot or tooo cold. I would just much rather be outside.
Lara March 11, 2009, 9:32 am
I would never be able to drop my gym membership! I run outside most days too, but rely on the gym for weights, spinning, yoga… generally to kick me out of a rut.

I’d be afraid that you or husband would get out of the routine of finding time for the gym, and then you have kids… next thing you know it’s 20 years later!

FYI- I’m in Chicago. I have a free gym at work and one by my house that is $66/mo with deep work discount.
Colleen March 11, 2009, 9:38 am
I don’t have a gym membership, but I love being outside. Besides, if I did, I probably wouldn’t go because it would be quite a drive for me. Plus, my dog needs to be walked each day so I just do my workouts after taking her out and the weather here (in GA) is almost always okay for exercising outdoors.
Chez March 11, 2009, 9:48 am
I was able to get a 1-year membership for $200. When my year is up, I’ll either make them extend the same rate or I’ll have to quit. I definitely can’t afford $50 a month, but if I go to one yoga class a month, it’s cheaper than a yoga studio, so I think I’m getting a pretty good deal right now!
Sarah W. March 11, 2009, 10:00 am
my membership is a measly $33/mo. I keep it. I have asthma so when it gets too humid, I take my workouts indoors b/c its hard for me to breathe outside when its stuffy. also when its fridgid outside, the dry air doesnt work for my lungs either!!!

for my sanity my husband likes me to have my gym membership, its less than $400/year. plus I really do NEED those weights…HEAVY weights really are the way to go – while shred does provide adequate strength training, I feel that one does need actual heavy weights to improve their bone density and keep things healthy 🙂

stop eating out and keep your membership!
Vegan On Stage March 11, 2009, 10:16 am
my membership is 50 a month. Its kind of a lot i guess but i love my gym and have been going there since high school.. i cant bring myself to switch. I dont run outside so the gym is my best bet (i have issues with my knees as well and the pavement just kills me) but a treadmill does the trick.
Chic Runner March 11, 2009, 10:49 am
MMM I love your oatmeal. I could never give up the gym though, I love it, and rent for only 900. I’m jealous. 🙂 Plus the people watching there is phenomenal! 🙂
bhealthier March 11, 2009, 11:12 am
I go to planet fitness !! its only$10 for me a month and it works nicely if you dont want classes etc.

Since starting the shred and getting more into marathon training- I haven’t been going nearly as much and thinking of canceling too!

i couldnt figure out the widget code- but i did download the jpg photo you sent- thank you! i am somewhat illiterate when it comes to html code writing etc.
I’ll figure it out soon i hope- Thanks!!!
HangryPants March 11, 2009, 12:28 pm
I can’t believe your rent is nearly $900. I need to move.
Shea March 11, 2009, 3:48 pm
I belong to a gym with great equipment and wonderful classes and it’s free…if you don’t count my husband spending 15 months in Iraq a pretty hefty price for the “free” gym membership.
Anonymous March 11, 2009, 4:52 pm
I just bought a 2 year 24 hour fitness membership for $300 at Costco. The deal may still be on, check it out.
livelovelaugheatlearn March 11, 2009, 4:55 pm
I belong to a gym, but I only joined because it’s too cold to work out outside in the winter! I would maybe suggest looking at other things and see if you could cut those out instead and then if money is stil tight cut the gym. Also, if the gym offers you stress release and enjoyment you have to see if it benefits you more that way than saving the $75!
ChickPea March 11, 2009, 10:41 pm
Love the adorable plates and spoon! Where did you score such fabulous dishes?
Abby March 12, 2009, 9:39 am
I just happened upon your blog, and this post caught my eye.

I went through the same thing a few weeks ago; my gym membership was up and I was unsure of whether to renew. The only things I used consistently were the treadmill and the bike, and I was actually finding that the treadmill was exacerbating a running injury that I’ve been rehabbing. After lots of back-and-forth, I decided to take the plunge and not renew. It took a couple weeks for me to settle into a new routine (aided tremendously by the stationary bike that my husband and I bought at Dick’s Sporting Good – financially, a few months of the gym membership, but no interest, no financing for a year). But now I’ve settled into a nice rhythm of running outside and doing core work and biking at home. It’s worked out great!

What did you end up deciding to do?

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