Superb Advice on Joining a Gym

                                       

May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. If you type in the word “gym” it returns over 610 million search results. This shows that many people are concerned about health and physical fitness. Gym is slang for gymnasium. According to Webster’s dictionary the definition of gymnasium is:

A building or room designed and equipped for indoor sports, exercise, or physical education.

There are several benefits of joining a gym.

Benefits

1. Several options available for physical activity
2. You get to meet new people
3. You get to socialize with like-minded people
4. Increases the production of endorphins and improves your mood
5. Helps you lose weight and reduce or eliminate health issues
6. Some gyms are kid friendly
7. Releases stress, anxiety and tension
8. Increases energy
9. Improves mental health
10. Improve heart health
11. Improve cognitive abilities
12. Improves focus and helps reduce procrastination
13. Helps improve sex life

Costs

According to research from International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association and Bureau of Labor Statistics the average person goes to the gym twice a week. The average cost of a gym membership is $58 per month but prices can range from $10 to $100 per month. Approximately 58 million people go to a gyms or health clubs.

How to Select a Gym/Health Club

1. Read the agreement. Some gyms offer extra services that are included in your membership, take advantage of them.
2. Join after the New Year. Join the gym in February or March when most new customers slowly stop going to the gym or at the end of the month to get a better deal.
3. Ask for a guest pass to try out the facilities before joining.
4. Negotiate. Research competitor rates and ask the gym to match the lowest price.
5. Pay as you go. Find pay-as-you-go facilities or trainers. Those who paid per visit instead of paying monthly saved an average of $600. Members who paid at each visit were 17% more likely to stay enrolled past 1 year compared to members who committed to a 1 year upfront.
6. Ask for discounts. Some gyms offer discounts if you join with your spouse, friend, family member or co-worker. Some employees may receive discounts when family members join. Ask about discount for corporations, members of a society or organization.
7. Ask about discounted packages. Some gyms offer packages, ask about features to find the package right for you.
8. Comparison shop. Look for deals for memberships online and use coupons from Groupon or Living Social.
9. Pay in cash. You may be able to get fees waived or reduced if you pay cash.
10. Avoid extras. Avoid buying extra membership services, most are never used.
11. Put on hold. If you go on vacation or out of town on business for more than a few days ask if you can put your membership to save money.

 Cost of a Personal Trainer

1. According NBFE, the average hourly rate for a personal trainer is $60 - $70 per session. However, some trainers can charge as low as $20 per hour.
2. Rates vary based on where you live (urban vs rural), demand, experience of trainer, and services provided.
3. There is a small cost difference between using a personal trainer at a gym and paying for a private session at your home. Private trainers bring their own equipment, show you how to maximize using the equipment you already own or can provide recommendations on equipment to purchase.

 How You Can Pay

1. Month-to-month. The gym will make automatic withdrawals every month from your bank account and is usually the most expensive option.
2. Short Term. Some gyms will offer three to six month memberships.
3. Yearly. If you pay by the year you can save anywhere from 20% – 40%.
4. Multiyear. Some gyms let you sign contracts for a few years in advance.