The Hidden Cost of Joining a Gym

If your New Year's resolution is to get into shape, you might think that locking yourself into an expensive gym membership is the way to go... But does it work?

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Two Cents was created by Katie Graham, Andrew Matthews, Philip Olson CFP® and Julia Lorenz-Olson and is brought to you by PBS Digital Studios. We love dropping some knowledge on all things personal finance and helping you make better money decisions.

Two Cents is hosted by Philip Olson, CFP® and Julia Lorenz-Olson
Directors: Katie Graham & Andrew Matthews
Written by: Andrew Matthews
Executive Producer: Amanda Fox
Produced by: Katie Graham
Edited & Animated by: Sara Roma
Images by: Shutterstock
Music by: APM

[brettrobinson]

The most fit I've ever been was when I had a roommate who used to do steroids and he would intimidate me into going to the gym with him. He also intimidated me into calling back a girl I really liked but was scared to call. Me and that woman are now engaged.
Solution: get a scary but well meaning roommate. Gets you in shape and reduces your rent lol
EDIT: I've been married to the woman my roommate helped me get over my fear of since 9/1/2020

[Owlandpie]

My gym won't let me cancel until i send them a death certificate.

[manny]

Focus on making exercise a consistent habit before signing up for the gym.

[tarabrand]

This is why I’m so glad that I’ve developed the habit of going to the gym 5x a week while I’m a student and a gym membership is included in my tuition

[ThousandTimesBefore]

Imagine being so rich that you don't even NOTICE losing 70$ each month xD

[Gunit]

Gym actually pays me to keep me there, I'm a personal trainer, beat that, 2 Cents

[JoseFlores-xhcj]

I'm an introvert and going to the gym was the worst things I've ever done. After the headache of cancelling the membership I just made my own home after spending around $2, 000 on cardio machines and power towers, I went the YouTube home no equipment workouts which cost me no money and actually motivated me to keep working out.

[boblee]

I built a full home gym out of wood and concrete for only $300 during the pandemic. I workout around 4-5 times a week and life's been great. Gym memberships only get you so far. What it boils down to is a mentality change on how you view working out. If you integrate it as part of your lifestyle then you will go out of your way to be consistent no matter the monetary cost or physical boundaries.

[jmdogs]

You guys are back! Hands down one of the best channels for education about money

[c-ro]

"if you pay for a gym membership, but don't go to the gym, you lose money"
Who would have guessed, right?

[randycurry]

You really make learning about finances simple yet interesting!

[AntiCitizenX]

Another interesting bit of psychology is the idea of having a "space" for exercise. Personally, I cannot get a decent workout without physically putting myself into a designated space for it. That generally works best with a gym, because it removes all distractions and prevents me from leaving until finished with a full routine.

[WhoElseButMeNumbaOne]

I paid £170 for a year long membership, and I go 15 times a month. I'm pretty sure I'm ahead in this one.

[bburney]

I joined a gym five years ago because I am financially aware enough to use the membership. I have now run four half marathons.

[feynstein]

As someone who works out 6 times a week and loves the endorphin rush, the membership is worth every cent ☺️

[syeina]

I go to the gym about twice a week myself. Going somewhere else to work out actually helps me stay committed much more than home exercise ever would. Everyone's different.

[pinoee]

I just joined a $70 a month gym.
My insurance pays $25 monthly for me to join a gym, and my job pays $35 monthly lol
So I’m really paying $10 💪🏻
#MoneySmart

[MinusTheGym]

This is why I teach home fitness on my channel 😁 Save the costs of a gym membership and put that money into your grocery bill. Eating healthy is more important, anyway.

[fataznboi]

What about "The Hidden Cost of Not Joining a Gym"?

[ninjanerdstudent]

I loved my college’s gym. I made it a habit to always take my showers there Monday through Thursday. It was such a nice place to lift weights, run, and meet people.