Lesson 45
Have you ever heard that nothing in this world is free? Last I checked, that usually included gym memberships. Well, today’s essay is on the least expensive (and most expensive) ways to get in shape.
The Hustle states this,
“In the United States, 60.8 million people (~1 in 5 adults) have some kind of membership to one of the country’s 38k gyms and health clubs and pay an annual, monthly, or daily fee to work out. Collectively, gyms rake in $30B+ in revenue on an annual basis.”
That’s a lot of people and a lot of money! Not only are the costs of the memberships expensive, but transportation to a gym can be expensive as well.
Also, not everyone always gets the most out of the money they spend on a membership. This is because if they have a busy week (or day), get sick, or just don’t feel like going to the gym that day, that is money wasted.
If you get injured at the gym on one of those new, fancy machines, there might be the costs of medical help.
Speaking of help, even if you have the membership, who is going to tell you what you need to do? Some people may seek the help of a trainer, but this, too, adds on additional costs.
Are there other options? If so, are they better?
Frankly, and happily, yes! It is not that hard to purchase some of the equipment you would have used at the gym. Sure, there is the cost of buying the equipment and sometimes the cost of going to get it, but if you were planning to keep exercising for the next few years, financially speaking, you actually might come out on top (especially if you buy the equipment used). Besides, the fact that you save money on transportation, you can have something to sell when you are done with the equipment. That way, you can get back some of the money you spent on purchasing it.
Plus, if you’re at home you don’t have to worry about what you look like or what other people think.
Also, you may be more motivated to go and exercise if it’s right there…in your living room…in front of your TV!
In conclusion, gym memberships may not be worth as much as people think. As a whole, they can be costly, and they are not all that private. The good news is that there are other options. You can buy your own equipment, seek online help, and save the money on transportation, and keep your personal space!
~SonofYHWH
Land Of The Living 