Comments on: Vowing to get back in shape (This time I’m serious. Really.)

By: Should you join a gym? My thoughts after a full year of gym membership

Should you join a gym? My thoughts after a full year of gym membership — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 12:07:36 +0000

[…] year ago today, I vowed to get back in shape for the New Year by committing to a one-year gym membership for $20 a […]

By: If at first you don’t succeed, try a new approach

If at first you don’t succeed, try a new approach — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 16:39:55 +0000

[…] I feel like a broken record. Remember the first time I vowed to get in shape? What about last January when I joined a gym? […]

By: Spending money to lose weight … is it worth the investment? | Frugal Living Tips & Money Saving Ideas | Living Well on Less

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 18:35:09 +0000

[…] though, I’ve made a few investments in my health to make it easier for me to get in shape. I joined a gym, bought new running shoes, and added healthy snacks to my grocery […]

By: Where do you draw the frugal line? | Frugal Living Tips & Money Saving Ideas | Living Well on Less

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 13:03:05 +0000

[…] instance, many of you probably think it wasn’t very frugal of me to join a gym and buy new running shoes. On the flip side, some of you might be like my husband, who believes you […]

By: OK, maybe I was being a little too frugal | Frugal Living Tips & Money Saving Ideas | Living Well on Less

Sun, 11 Jan 2009 13:04:10 +0000

[…] week, I made the decision to join a gym. For the record, I went with the 12-month commitment at $20 a month. Because we were already paying […]

By: tiffanie

tiffanie — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 04:42:10 +0000

if Tony is wanting to go, I would definitely do the year long one. Totally worth it. tiffanie’s last blog post..guest post: seizing your savings

By: Karen

Karen — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 22:01:09 +0000

Kacie – I know exactly what you mean about the apartment complex gym. Ours is a tiny room, and working out with someone else in there is just uncomfortable. It doesn’t bother me to be one of many people at the gym, but working out with one stranger who is 5 feet away from you is weird, you know? Not to mention that tiny room doesn’t smell so great with two people sweating. Ew.

I hope you have better luck with your apartment complex gym, though. I know many people who LOVE the free gyms in their apartments. I guess it depends on how it’s maintained.

If I were you, I’d definitely try that and your home gym and see if it works for you. If you find yourself wanting more, then start looking for gym memberships.

By: Kacie

Kacie — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 20:14:35 +0000

I think the "guest rate" price is excellent for the two of you! It might motivate you to go, since you'll be able to go together. Our apartment complex also has a "free" gym with a bike, treadmill and weight machine. I've been like twice. It's just not an appealing place to go, ya know? And yet, gym prices can be so expensive. Once I'm OKed to exercise again, I might start out at the free gym, but I might also consider paying to exercise. We have some home exercise equippment, but it might be good for me to get out of the house when I can. Kacie’s last blog post..Giveaway: Little Debbie snacks

By: Karen

Karen — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 16:02:00 +0000

Thanks for “weighing in.” (Ha. I couldn’t resist.)

Megan – I agree that it’s a good price. That’s why I’m strongly leaning toward the year long commitment. I think it’s a special post-New Year deal, so I want to take advantage now.

Angie – Working out at home with dumb bells, videos, and yoga was my first plan. I liked to idea of being able to work out at home, but I actually found that being at home was too much of a distraction. Even though I told myself all day that I was going to do it, the couch was just too tempting after a long day. I had much more success headed to the apartment complex gym right after work before I had time to get too comfortable, but then I’d have to find a good time when the equipment was available, and it didn’t work with my schedule.

Thanks for your input! I’m really leaning toward the year long membership so Tony and I can get in shape together!

By: Angie

Angie — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:48:28 +0000

I think it’s important to look at this:
When you get home from work, are you more likely to want to change clothes, get in the car & drive somewhere to work out?

OR – would you money be better spent buying some dumbbells, a workout video and walking/running around the house?

Before my husband and I committed to paying a membership, we decided to try to use the things we had a home – on a consistent basis. If we could commit to “working out” several times a week, then we were better prepared to make the decision if working out at home was suitable… or if we needed a membership.

We opted to buy weights, a balance ball, and a few videos. It was a better investment for us. It was a one time expense that brings the exact items we would use at a gym, into our home.