Gym memberships and stuff and... Help!

[Winter_Bride]

:lol:

Alright, so I'm getting my :moon: in gear and want to start working out at a gym. I have 3 options. Gym X is a membership gym, as is Gym Y. Gym Z is the cheapest option, but I'll get into the details now...

Gym X has 3 options - 1 year term, 2 year term, or no term. For 1 or 2 years, there's a $35 processing fee, and then it's $45.99/month. For 1 year, there's also a $69 registration fee, for 2 years that's waved.

The no-term membership has a $35 processing fee, a $99 registration fee, and it's $49.99/month.

The costs would be as such:
1 year - $551.88/year + $104 in one-time fees
2 year - $551.88/year + $35 in one-time fees
No term - $599.88/year + $134 in one-time fees

I haven't gotten the details for Gym Y, but I know it's pretty similar. I'll update when I do get the details.

The bonuses for both of these is that I have a 2 sessions with a personal trainer, as well as a nutritionist. Gym X doesn't offer any group or drop-in classes, I don't know 100% about Gym Y...

Gym Z has no registration, no processing fee, and it's $35/month. DH can also join for $27. There's also a pool at the complex that we could use for free (we take our daughter there occasionally). I could have a consultation with a "wellness professional" for about $50/hour who could assess me and help me come up with a workout plan to help me meet my goals. They also have free drop-in classes every night of the week.

The costs would be:
$408/year, plus $50/hour for a consultation, so $100 for two sessions, similar to the other gyms.

I guess I'm ultimately asking for help and advice. Is anyone here a member of a gym? What services are offered? How much do you pay? Have you found it's worth it?

I know I want to lose weight. I know I want to get fit. I just don't know if I can afford $600/year to do it :shuffle: At the same time, I know I don't know enough to be able to come up with a workout plan on my own.

[*meghan*]

Erie, that first option seems like a lot of money to join. What's the difference between a processing fee and registration fee? I would think those would be one kind of fee, you know?

I have a really great deal at my gym. I pay $34/month for myself, and I didn't pay any registration or processing fees. Includes pool use, all classes, and childcare (if I needed it). Personal training is extra, but relatively inexpensive (I think $25-$50 per session). It's also open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, which is totally worth the cost to me.

I think Gym Z sounds like a better deal, but that's just based on what I would personally choose.

[Winter_Bride]

Gym Z sounds just like your gym, Meghan! They have a great pool that we take Tara to whenever we can (it's warmer with a wave pool and play area), and the $34/month would include unlimited access to that. Tara's free, so that helps. Gym Z isn't open 24/day, but it's 8:30am-10pm weekdays, 8:30am-8pm weekends.

I'm leaning towards it, but I need to ask you - how do you find workouts at your gym? Have you worked with a trainer? What does your workout consist of?

[*Stacie*]

This is sort of difficult for me to give advice because I tag along with my Mom at the gym when she sees her trainer. She pays like $55 a session, and I pay $10 to come too. I usually go 3 times a week (I have been majorly slacking these last 3 months though). So 3 times a week x 10 = $30 x 4 weeks in a month = $120 for 1 month. Which is A LOT. Sometimes my Mom will pay for me when she pays her bill each month. I do think that gym Z sounds like a much better deal though.

That's my :twocents:

[Winter_Bride]

Thanks Stacie! I was hoping you'd weigh in :aok: I definately want to work with a trainer, but even at Gym X I only get 2 sessions and then have to pay extra after.

[*Stacie*]

Thanks Stacie! I was hoping you'd weigh in :aok: I definitely want to work with a trainer, but even at Gym X I only get 2 sessions and then have to pay extra after.

Sorry I don't have more to say. If you could work with a trainer once in awhile that would be awesome because then you learn new exercises and you don't get board or in a slump doing the same things over and over again!

[Winter_Bride]

No, I appriciate it, Stacie! As I said, I do want to work with a trainer because as you said, I'd like to get a routine tailored to my body and my goals, and then change it up as needed.

I just don't know! :disbelief: Maybe I'm just still having sticker shock :lol:

[~Sherry~]

What else does Gym X offer? Pool, what hours, etc? Because honestly, depending on where you want to be, it can take 2 years to complete. It took me 1 year to lose 40 lbs. Now I'm pg, so it'll take another year from post-baby to lost another 30+ my baby weight to be where I'd love to be, but that's me and my body.

But Z is probably your best choice money wise even without a trainer. Because the more often you see the wellness professional, the more it will even out over time. And it sounds like you need some guidance (not being mean, I know you're trying and running out of your own ideas, I've btdt myself).

[~Sherry~]

Let's say you did 2 years with Gym X= $1138.76, 4 times with a trainer.

Let's say you do 2 years with Gym Y= $816, now if you have $322 left in price different, that's 6 times you can see the "professional".

If the trainer at X is cheaper after the first 2 sessions, then you'd probably be best seeing what the professional actually offers and go from there. If it's "Intake more fiber, up your cardio" then it would probably be worth the extra $300 or so to get someone that will work with your body and watch it move. So here's :twocents: to help you :giggle:

[Winter_Bride]

Good question, Sherry!

Gym X is open Mon - Thurs 5AM - 12AM, Friday 5AM - 10PM, Sat - Sun 8AM - 8PM. They offer:
gym with equipment
childcare at $4 for 2 hours, but I have to book and cancel 24 hours prior, and they're only open in the mornings.
ACCESS to nutritionist and personal trainers, but at a fee (I get one free visit with the nutritionist, and 2 free sessions with the personal trainers)


Gym Y is open Monday - Thursday: 5:30 am - 11:00 pm, Friday: 5:30 am - 10:00 pm, Saturday & Sunday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm, Holiday Hours: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm They offer:
gym with equipment
childcare at $4 for 2 hours, but I have to book/cancel 24 hours prior, and again, they're only open in the mornings
ACCESS to nutritionist and personal trainers, but I'm not sure how many free sessions with each I'd get.
Group classes - some drop-in, some registered


Gym Z is open 8:30am-10pm weekdays, 8:30am-8pm weekends, and they offer:

gym with equipment
wave pool/splash pool/etc. with sauna, hottub, and steam room.
childcare at $2.50 per half hour, open from 8:30am-3pm
Drop-in group classes, I'm not sure about registered classes.
ACCESS to nutritionist (prices vary depending on my needs), and personal trainer at $50/hour.


I'm not insulted, Sherry ;) It's fine! I mostly need time with a trainer because I need guidance for how to work out my body shape and type.

It shouldn't take an entire year for me to reach my goal, assuming I can shed 1lb/week, but I want to develop a routine that will go beyond the weight loss.

It would balance out with the other two gyms if I see a trainer for 3 hours total in one year, but the fact that it's also the pool we go to (the other two don't have a pool) is a draw. Then again, would I be more inspired or enticed if I were specifically on a 1-2 year contract? (Gym Z is month-to-month only)

[Julie]

Personally I would say go for Gym Z not because it's the cheapest option (and that doesn't hurt!), but because you have the option to take classes. I go to the Y here, it's $26 a month (because they still think I'm a student :lookaround:) it is normally a rate of $35. They offer all classes free to members, have a pool at the facility, and personal trainer is extra but reasonable. I am just a big fan of classes because when working out on machines gets you in a slump, a class will change things up. I also think it makes the time go much faster because you doing a variety of things.

[Winter_Bride]

That's an interesting point, Julie! thank you!

I phoned Gym Y, and am going in on Friday to hear about their membership options, so I'll have more information then. I liked taking classes before, although I prefer drop-in because I can't get to the gym each week at the same time, at least not right now.

[~Sara~]

I get a complete steal at my gym...I pay $99 for a year (I was lucky to join as a student and was able to lock in my rate). Most of the gyms around here are between $30-$40 a month. My gym also includes classes which I am a huge fan of. I do get bored just going on the cardio machines all the time so I like the variety of going to different classes. So I think my vote would be for Gym Z :)

Do any of the gyms have any promotions going on? I know my gym normally has really good sales around the new year/holiday time because that's when most of the new people join. That could be something worth asking about!

Good luck with your decision! :hug:

[Winter_Bride]

Sara, do you work out with a trainer at all? What are the sessions like? Or are you satisfied with your own routines? Obviously I know that my experience and goals are different than yours, but I was just wondering.

[~Sherry~]

I would say...Gym X and Y would get you to go more often because they are yearly and contracted...

BUT Z is what I'd do, if you find you don't need that trainer after a session or two then you are still ahead money wise, if you want them, they will equal out. And Greg gets to go! PLUS the classes they offer. I like to switch it up and work out myself and sometimes with people like pilates or a bicycling class. Even belly dancing was fun. ALSO the pool. Say you are sore from work and working out? Just go do laps for an hour. That's my choice. It was easier since you listed info on them :lol: I'm a list reader!

[*meghan*]

I'm leaning towards it, but I need to ask you - how do you find workouts at your gym? Have you worked with a trainer? What does your workout consist of?

I don't usually work with a trainer b/c I used to date a hardcore gym rat back in the day, and he taught me all the workouts I needed to know :lol: Most of the time, I do cardio or take a class. I'll do free weights maybe twice a week (arms/shoulders/back one day, legs the other), but classes are definitely more fun. My favorite class is one where it combines cardio and free weights (usually called body pump, pump and jump, or something along those lines). You get the weight training (and proper instruction), plus a cardio workout all in one.

[Winter_Bride]

Gym Z's drop-in classes in the evenings are "Pure Basics", "Step 'n' Strength", "Pure Step", "Pure Cardio", "Bootcamp", and "Pure Muscle".

[~Sherry~]

Oooh..there was a workout on TV I loved :swoon: It was called "Cardio Bootcamp" :lol: That guy was awesome!

[Winter_Bride]

Yeah, bootcamps scare me! :lol:

[~Sherry~]

:bignono: This was a super fun one. I cried when my DVR ate it :shuffle:

Hey, if anything. Go to Z for a month and if you don't like it, go with a yearly one :shrug:

[~Sara~]

Sara, do you work out with a trainer at all? What are the sessions like? Or are you satisfied with your own routines? Obviously I know that my experience and goals are different than yours, but I was just wondering.

No I have never worked out with a trainer. But when I first joined my gym, they "designed" a workout for me where they asked my goal and then told me which weight machines to use and how much weight to use on each of them. I do have the option of buying sessions with a trainer through the gym as well. The major reason that I like the classes is because when I take one, I know I will be working out for at least an hour (the length of the class) and I know I will be getting a good workout. When I work out by myself, it's mostly just jogging on the treadmill or using the weight machines.

[hellobethie]

Okay, so here are my questions...
1) Can you PM me the gyms actual names, I have been a member of a bunch of different E-town gyms and have some VERY strong opinions on the subjects....
2) Contracts don't help! You think they do, but they don't. They just add on guilt.
4) Holy $hit gyms have gone up a lot since I was in E-town, unless you are going to higher end one's then I did!
5) Find out if the trainer just designs a program, or helps you execute the program...
6) I agree with Sherry about the Try Z for a month and if it doesn't work then you can look at contracts...but locking in when your life could change can bite you...D locked into his gym and then moved and they won't give him ANY refund...
7) Look into the cancellation policies!

[::Amanda::]

I agree with Sherry. Try Z for a month and if you don't like it, consider the other two.

[*Ashley*]

My vote is Gym Y, because you have all the other options. Childcare is cheaper -- let's assume you take a class at gym z. You get there, drop Tara off a little early, go to the class, finish, get your stuff together and go get her -- let's say that's $7.50 right there -- that will add up, and fast. Gym Y sounds like the best bet in my opinion.

My gym is $45 a month, which is a bit on the higher side but I pay for convenience more than anything else. It's in the park shops right next to my office (RIGHT next door), and it's great. No pool (it's in an office building, LOL), but it has classes, sessions with the trainers, state of the art equipment (so they say), and a great locker room so I can shower and get dressed before work. Nobody needs child care that I know of, since it's all professionals who come before or after work (or at lunch -- I go a lot during lunch), but it's basically paying for the convenience. Not sure that that helps, LOL.

edit: Wait, if Gym Z is like Meghan's, I'd go for that!

[Winter_Bride]

Thanks for your opinion, Ashley! :aok: Meghan's gym is pretty much like Gym Z for me... I was thinking about the childcare differences, and I just don't know how much I intend on using childcare - most of the time I can workout when Greg's home in the evenings. But if I do want to work out more during the day, it will add up.

I went to Gym Y yesterday, and while they're cheaper than Gym X, I only get one demo with a personal trainer, and otherwise I have to pay. But they do offer drop-in classes...

I think as it stands right now, I'm going to go with Gym Z for a little while. If I start to lose weight and if I can meet my goals that way, I'll leave it at that. If I find I need something more, I think Gym Y is winning out. I just can't afford Gym X, I don't think :(

[Emily]

I only pay $22 a month for 24 hour access, childcare if I needed it and unlimited group classes. They have trainers for 3 sessions for $150 if you want them. It only cost me first and last month to join plus a $20 processing fee, so I paid $64 to start. It's only a 1 year contract and if you want out it only costs $39 to buy out. After the first year is up you are month to month and your beginning rate is locked in as long as you stay a member.

As someone who in the past has joined and not stuck with it, I'd go with no contract or with one that is short or easy to get out of if you end up not going. You don't want to get locked into a 3 year contract at $50 a month and then only go for 2 months and be stuck paying for the remainder of the contract.

[Winter_Bride]

Emily, I want your gym!!! :faint:

Neither Gym X or Y will let me out of a term contract, but I can transfer out of one from Gym Y for $70, so that's something else to consider, I suppose!!

Thanks girls! :aok: I'm liking Gym Z better and better, and it's mostly just from hearing your opinions!!

[MsJessica07]

I also think that the fact that the pool is at Gym Z would make it more attractive to me...you go there already, and could maybe figure out a way to have Greg swim with Tara while you work out or something, if you wanted. There are a LOT of possibilities there.

[Winter_Bride]

Something we've done before is that Greg and Tara have met me to swim at Gym Z after my workout (and vice versa with Greg) which has been awesome! Thanks Jessica!

[MsJessica07]

Hey, the only use I ever had for a gym when I was a kid was the pool. :lol:

[coffeeaddict77]

Wow all three seem great.

I say play hard ball and play them against one another. See if they offer a trial and try them out.

My gym is $116/month and I can take classes etc. I know it is high but most are about $69+/month around here. I had a free trial and than told them I wasnt sold. They waived the $350 initiation fee and gave me 2 months free. I go 4-5 times a week and got 2 free training sessions.

[Winter_Bride]

Well girls, I bought a month-long membership for Gym Z, and we'll see how it goes. I've gone there a few times in the last month to do cardio and use the machines, and the only downside I've had so far is just that I think I'll need to pay to use a personal trainer for a session or two. Otherwise the machines are good and plentiful, and I'm hoping to try out the drop-in classes soon!!

Thanks to everyone for your advice and ideas!! :aok:

[RadishWife]

I think my membership is $55 a month. I need to go though.