Like the title says, I’ve finally joined the gym. After making it a New Years goal and telling myself that I would join the first week in july, I’ve found the time 6 weeks later. Looking back, it was probably best to wait until now (here come the excuses!). I was volunteering for a week and a half (which was basically like a 40 hour a week night job) and I was out of town for a week. I’ve been so bogged down with crap (I hate the word “busy”) of my own making that I haven’t had much time to get to my second job. September could be a lean month 
.
Anyway, I joined. It cost me $70 as a joining fee (which I don’t remember a good friend of mine paying when she joined back in march) and it will cost $25 per month. To me, both of these numbers are rather high. I’ve never had to pay for a gym before. I always used the campus rec centers when I was in school, and although we did pay for them, they were included in the nebulous “student fee” designation. While this fee stings quite a bit and is now a built in monthly expense, it’s one I’m happy to shoulder for a few reasons:
- I’ve cut this amount out of my budget 5 times over since I started repaying debt a year ago
- I feel better after going to the gym (most of the time)
- Its low cost now can defer much higher costs later
So, by joining now, I can keep myself exercising into the future (hopefully) and enjoy it while im at it. Sounds good to me.
One thing that I have thought about though is doing the right thing at the gym. By this I dont mean run on the treadmill or lift weights or whatever, I mean focusing first on establishing the habit of going to the gym instead of trying to kill yourself keeping up with the gym rats. You’ll be able to reach their level later, but only if you keep going to the gym. You’ll never get to where they are by going 3 times and killing yourself each time and putting your tail between your legs and admitting defeat. Focus on starting the habit. By the time the habit has been solidified (about 30 days) you’ll be well on your way.
Do you pay for a gym membership?
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I don’t pay a gym fee because, like you said, it’s built into my tuition. I dread the day I graduate and have to pay for a gym membership, but I hope using the next year wisely to get in shape I’ll be motivated to stay in shape by going for runs outside, swimming, using our apartments free (but really small) gym. I really don’t want to pay a monthly fee to a gym. :-/
$25 doesn’t seem like too much when compared to what some other PF bloggers pay each month. Be glad you’re in the Midwest!
Red,
It’s really not that bad in the long run. I could have to pay for diabetes medication later if I dont work out, and I have a feeling that’s more than $25 per month. And once again, the joys of being a student come into play again.
$25 a month isn’t horrible… and I agree with you on establishing the habit. Nevermind about the gym rats!
A gym membership isn’t necessary for getting into shape though. Take a look at “The Primal Blueprint Fitness Program”.
Here are some videos (let’s hope this doesn’t drive the spam filter bonkers):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UayvOd0xlAU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76HjVOoUX6U
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNRiFnyqTxQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSMABXZ7L84
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrHG7m4m4-A
Thanks for the videos, ill have to give them a look
Joining fees are silly, you should have tried to negotiate that, but $25 per month is nothing. Gyms around me (DC) are at least $70/month, so you’re getting a steal. Usually I say stay away from gyms as ways to motivate yourself to work out (actually, tomorrow’s post is about something similar), but in this case, I say go for it! The financial commitment is small so even if you use it only twice a week, you’re getting your money’s worth!