Gym Memberships vs. Personal Trainers
If you’re trying to decide between signing up for a gym membership or hiring a personal trainer, we’ve got a few things for you to consider. Depending on the gym or fitness studio, a free session or two might be included with your gym membership. Additionally, many facilities employ trainers to work the floor and offer assistance to members. While not the same as personal training, this help may be all you need. Hiring a personal trainer is significantly more expensive than a gym membership. It’s also limited in time. That said, working individually with a trainer can do wonders for your workouts. Want the best of both worlds? Look for a gym that offers a membership deal that includes a few personal training sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Do Gym Memberships Cost?
Gym memberships range from approximately $10 to $300+ a month. Sometimes, there are discounts available for longer subscriptions. Prices vary based on the equipment, hours of operation, number of classes offered, quality of instructors and workouts, included amenities and services, and access to other locations.
Is a Gym Membership Worth It?
If you’re committed to a regular exercise routine, a gym membership can help you improve your physical and mental health, lose weight, expand your social circle, and give you access to lots of exercise equipment and amenities. Whether paying for a gym membership is worth it comes down to your lifestyle, preferences for exercise, and schedule. People who don’t have space or the budget for a robust home gym may decide that joining a gym or health club is the most convenient way for them to exercise. If you’re the type of person who needs to work out with others, you’ll benefit from the motivation you get from going to the gym.
Can Joining a Gym Help Me Lose Weight?
Regular exercise can definitely help with weight loss efforts, especially if you meet or exceed the recommended amount of weekly exercise to lose weight. At a gym, you’ll have access to a variety of cardio machines, free weights, weight machines, and classes that may motivate you to do different types of workouts. However, signing up for a gym membership doesn’t guarantee that you’ll exercise on a regular basis. Some people have the best intentions to go to the gym frequently, but find themselves too busy or just not motivated to fit in exercise.
What Should I Wear to the Gym?
Workout clothing should be made from fabrics that are light, breathable, and moisture-wicking, such as spandex and polyester blends. Working out could lead to profuse sweating, so technical fabrics will help keep you dry and chafe-free. Whether you wear loose or tight-fitting is your personal preference, as long as your clothes are comfortable and allow for a full range of motion.
Methodology
We researched over a dozen gym memberships nationwide. To make the final list, we considered membership costs, enrollment fees, contracts, sign-up fees, hours of operation, exercise class offerings, cardio equipment, weight machines and equipment, locker rooms, customer reviews, and employee assistance. When vetting companies for this list, we focused on well-established gyms with a variety of locations and brand reputation.