The Gym -- Should I join or not?

So I have been going to the gym but on a month to month contract.... I was only allowed to do so for 3 months... and no more. Now, if I want to keep going, I must either sign a yearly contract or pay $15 each time I go as a guest :unsure:

To join right now is $20 (a special they have until then end of the month, then it will go up to $175) and it would be about $30 a month. I do not know the early termination fee but I'm guess it will probably be around $200 if I decide to terminate my contract early :faint2:

My dilema is.... I don't go to the gym as much as I should.... so should I change my attitude and join by signing the dreaded contract lol

Or should I work out at home... although I do admit the workouts at the gym are more affective than doing some home exercise videos.... but I would save $30 a month which I could use... but then my health would not be so good because I know I won't be working out as I should... aaaarrrgh! lol

What is your advice to me? :shifty:

I persoanlly would not go to the gym, where I can do it for free at home..........yeah I know I'm cheap LOL. Making a commitment is the hardest part. I work out at home..........without any videos. I put on my music and do my stuff. But, I don't do it for time, I do it for numbers. In other words, I tell myself to do 50 situps, I would do it until I reach my 50th situp, pushups, squatting and so forth. I find it boring if I do it for the time which enable me to quit easily. Like Marilyn said, whichever decision you make, make the commitment and stick to it. Good luck, Carol!!

Lily wrote:

I persoanlly would not go to the gym, where I can do it for free at home..........yeah I know I'm cheap LOL. Making a commitment is the hardest part. I work out at home..........without any videos. I put on my music and do my stuff. But, I don't do it for time, I do it for numbers. In other words, I tell myself to do 50 situps, I would do it until I reach my 50th situp, pushups, squatting and so forth. I find it boring if I do it for the time which enable me to quit easily. Like Marilyn said, whichever decision you make, make the commitment and stick to it. Good luck, Carol!!

I agree.

I can only tell you my opinion from my own experience.

I've done the workout at home thing. I've done videos, machines, my own workout routine (much like Lily does)but, I never stick to it. For me, it's to easy to say, "I'll do it later." Or, "I'll just do it tomorrow." But then I never end up doing it. I'm great about sticking to a routine for the first few weeks or so, then I slack off.

2 1/2 years ago I joined Curves. I pay $30 a month to work out there. For me, having to pay the money ended up being my motivator. I have to pay the $30 whether I go or not, so rather than have that money go to waste, I go. I'm still going 3 - 5 times a week after 2 1/2 years and I have met some wonderful people.

But, some people are different. I know two people who have bought lifetime memberships to gyms and never go. You just have to decide which way would suit you best.

Thanks everyone for your thoughts
Well I guess the early termination fee is not so bad... $100 if I cancel within the first 6 months and only $50 if I cancel after the 6 months.

I decided to take off some movie channels from my program package since I don't really see those channels that much, that's $13 dollars extra I'll have and I decided to cancel this music internet thing that I hardly listen to, that's $8 extra... together that's $21... so $9 dollars more would be my $30 a month.... I say put my money to better use.

I decided to join the gym as I know the workouts I have there really effect me and seeing all the people sort of motivate me.... although I will continue to do the cindy crawford workout tape at home once in a while

Thanks everyone, I will try my best to stick with my routine!

I've been going to the gym for years now, Carol. I never thought the gym would be for me. I used to just go to classes and paid as I used them. Then I tried out at the gym and found not only that I enjoyed it but that if I was paying for it I was more inclined to use it. It's easy to say exercising at home is free but how many of us really bother. I certainly get my money's worth from my gym. If I only went 6 times a month and paid for individual sessions, it would cost me what I pay now for a month's membership. I'm going sometimes 5 times a week so the membership works for me. Just make sure you WILL use it before making th decision to join. and good luck woth whatever you decide.

LIWnut wrote:

Whichever way you choose, you need to make a commitment to yourself AND KEEP IT!!! If you go to the gym, then you must go 3 times a week. You will be feeling better and saving $$ by not going out for fast food and snacks. If you choose to work out at home, you must make yourself a promise that you will stick to the routine that you set out for yourself. Making a decision is only one part of the problem, the other part is living and being satisfied with that decision and making it work. Personally, I think you would be better off becoming a member and working out with others who will help you keep on track. It might be easier.
(Now aren't you glad you asked, lol. I'll get off the soapbox now!)

This is my opinion too, Carol. Marilyn is very wise.

Vanesa.

Carol wrote:

Thanks everyone for your thoughts
Well I guess the early termination fee is not so bad... $100 if I cancel within the first 6 months and only $50 if I cancel after the 6 months.

I decided to take off some movie channels from my program package since I don't really see those channels that much, that's $13 dollars extra I'll have and I decided to cancel this music internet thing that I hardly listen to, that's $8 extra... together that's $21... so $9 dollars more would be my $30 a month.... I say put my money to better use.

I decided to join the gym as I know the workouts I have there really effect me and seeing all the people sort of motivate me.... although I will continue to do the cindy crawford workout tape at home once in a while

Thanks everyone, I will try my best to stick with my routine!

Good for you!! You can do it!