Going to the gym is one of the best parts for fitness enthusiasts. Interestingly, according to a health and fitness organization, 20% of the US population belongs to a health club or gym, which shows a strong commitment to fitness across the nation.
That being said, gym membership is an investment, and the choice has made it harder for many gym freaks. But should you go for a short-term commitment or long-term plans? It is the major thing to figure out.
While the gym is worth it for the long term, many of you might have different needs and goals. What is worth going for, a monthly or annual membership? Well, give us a certain moment to help you clarify your decision to have a clear picture of everything to make the right choice.
What is a Monthly Gym Membership?
The ideal kind of gym membership is a flexible option to enter the fitness world without a long-term commitment. There are many of us with short fitness goals, unpredictable schedules, or who are members of a new gym. In such scenarios, monthly gym memberships are the best ones.
The average monthly gym membership cost is $50.03. However, a budget gym can start as low as $10 per month, while a high-end gym can charge around $100 to $300 per month.
The cost can vary due to factors like location, amenities, and a specific gym chain. The diversity in pricing allows individuals to get the best membership that suits their budget and fitness needs.
Is It Worth Going to the Gym for a Month?
A monthly gym membership is the perfect option for many individuals who are beginners and want to explore different gyms and workout environments without a long-term commitment. You come under those who have specific, time-sensitive objectives like trying to start and stick to a fitness routine that the monthly membership is for you.
Pros of Monthly Gym Memberships
Flexibility
The monthly membership gives you the flexibility to start your fitness journey without any additional pressure for a long-term commitment. You have the advantage if you have those unfixed schedules of frequent travel. Your routine might demand that you cancel the membership when necessary. At the same time, the flexibility will help you stick to your fitness routine despite your unpredictable schedules. For instance, you may have different working hours and travel to different places. To have the ability to pause and cancel your membership during the periods of your work is a superpower. It will help you save on the cost of the services you are not using.
Lower Initial Cost
There is an upfront cost associated with monthly memberships, but the cost is lower than that of annual memberships. For beginners, it is easier to start their journey without having to worry about paying a large fee at once. Moreover, the beginner has time to experience the gym environment before making the decision of the financial commitment.
Trial Period
The monthly membership is like a paid trial period for those who need clarification on their fitness. The time they get helps them explore different gyms and classes to find the right fit. Besides, you can assess each factor of a gym, like environment, gym equipment, and community.
Motivation to Try New Things
The trial period is not just to evaluate the gym but also to explore the various classes and workout styles to find the best fit. These varieties can bring freshness to your workout and develop an enjoyable exercise experience that will maintain motivation over time. Yoga, spin classes, or weight training are some of the prime examples for beginners to try out.
Cons of Monthly Gym Memberships
Higher Long-Term Costs
Many people may think the monthly membership cost is lower. But in the long run, it is expensive compared to annual plans. If someone wants to stay at the gym for a longer period, they end up paying more in total fees. The accumulative expense is one of the disadvantages for regular gym members, as they can benefit from the savings of an annual membership.
Lack of Commitment
The flexibility of monthly membership benefits beginner fitness enthusiasts. However, it can cause them to commit less to regular workouts. At the same time, the lack of commitment reduces their motivation to stick to their fitness goals, as they can easily opt-out at any time. Developing a consistent workout routine can be an issue even for beginners.
Limited Benefits
Monthly memberships do not have the perks of annual memberships, such as discounts on exclusive classes, personal trainers, and more. This limitation will reduce the value received from the membership. Meanwhile, you will need more comprehensive support in your fitness journey than you are looking for.
Cancellation Difficulties
While monthly memberships are flexible. But some gyms have quite complicated cancellation processes or hidden fees. These can be quite a headache when you want to leave. You have to take a clear picture of all the rules and regulations of the gym.
What is a Yearly Gym Membership?
A yearly gym membership is a contract between a fitness enthusiast and a fitness facility that grants access to a workout facility for a full year.
The type of membership is famous for its cost-effectiveness as its fee is lower than the cumulative cost of a monthly membership.
The average gym membership costs around $600.41. However, the fees can range from as low as $159 to as high as $2,860 depending on the services available and the market position.
Should I Take a 1-Year Gym Membership?
The choice to go for a yearly membership depends on your fitness goals, commitment level, and lifestyle. If you are a regular fitness enthusiast, then a yearly membership can give you cost savings and motivation to stay engaged in your fitness journey. Aside from that, there are different pros and cons to yearly membership.
Pros Yearly Gym Memberships
Cost Savings
The major advantage of the yearly subscription is the cost savings. It is because the gym provides discounts for annual memberships. Compared to the monthly membership, the expense is quite low. In the long run, it can help you save a bunch due to the low rate.
Better Commitment and Motivation
Paying for a full year upfront can help you develop a longer-term commitment to your fitness goals. Many people need help visiting the gym regularly and sticking to their workout routine. The investment of a year is a powerful motivator to help you keep track of your fitness objectives.
Access to Additional Perks
Many fitness stations offer added benefits to members of their annual membership. Some of the perks are complimentary personal training classes, nutrition consultations, and access to exclusive courses and events. These automatically increase the value of your membership and can help you get more of your investment.
No Monthly Renewals
As you paid the sum before, you do not have to worry about monthly renewals. It simplifies the financial aspect of gym attendance. Besides, the convenience allows you to focus on your fitness convenience rather than manage ongoing payments.
Cons Yearly Gym Memberships
Large Upfront Payment
You can pay fees beforehand, but they are substantially larger. Not everyone can afford to pay for an entire year at once, and this financial burden affects potential members who prefer smaller monthly payments.
Less Flexibility
When it comes to flexibility, you do not have options like monthly ones. For people who frequently travel for work or have unexpected routines, it is difficult to adjust their fitness schedule. So, paying a large sum is not justified if you are not using the services. Likewise, cancelling an annual membership includes penalties, which means more money is wasted.
Feeling Stuck
If your fitness interests evolve over time, you might feel trapped by the annual commitment. This feeling causes dissatisfaction with the gym experience, which can reduce motivation over time if the facilities no longer align with your preferences.
Who is this Ideal For?
As we reach the final verdict, the battle between monthly and yearly membership will depend on your personal preferences.
- Monthly Membership: The ideal choice for ones looking for flexibility, finding a place to work out or completing their short-term fitness goals.
- Yearly Membership: Best for ones who are regular in the gym and have long-term fitness goals and a consistent schedule. Likewise, the ones with strong commitment can find it perfect.
Before going for the commitment of fitness feel free to research around the gym or fitness places and take the decision according to your requirement.