How much do Americans spend on exercising? This question is of considerable importance since as of 2009, Club Fitness reports some 45.5 million people had gym club memberships, generating over $19.1 billion in business. Seemingly endless numbers of treadmills, elliptical, and weight equipment fill large warehouse facilities throughout every American city. Whether it is $40, $50, or even $100+ a month, people line up to pop on a set of headphones and sweat it out for 45 minutes on the bicycle. This does not include the money spent on exercise clothes, classes, and personal trainers, all of which will run up the monthly bill. So the question remains: Are Americans getting their investment out of exercising?
Cost to Exercise at the Gym
Consider a gym membership that costs $50 a month. Using the membership three times a week (12 a month) puts the per day use at $4.17. That is a great investment, considering for an hour of exercise a person improves their overall health, decreases stress, and perhaps avoids the temptations of sitting on the couch and watching television. In fact, a 2003 University of California study found that the average American watches television 170 minutes a day, more than 9x the amount spent on exercise related activities. At the gym members can still watch television, killing two birds with one stone while maximizing their monthly exercise investment.
Unfortunately, the individuals this dedicated are far a few between. According to Medical News Today, some 80% of gym memberships are rarely or never used. That means that $50 a month becomes more like $12.50 a visit, a steep price to hop on a treadmill for 30 minutes. Such infrequency limits the benefits of improved health and excuses of "not going" will only increase with each passing month. Furthermore, start up fees or three-year contracts lock people into spending money on an investment they aren't using.
Maximizing an Exercise Investment
Gym memberships and services are fantastic but only if their member maximizes the opportunity. Being committed to a regular workout routine is great for an individual's overall health but throwing money away in the process just doesn't make sense. Consider the following recommendations to get the most out of investing in exercise.
- Select a gym or club located on the way home from work or less than 10 minutes away. Driving by a gym day after day is a constant reminder to exercise, while being close means spending less time in the car and more on the treadmill.
- Join a club or gym that offers desired services. Paying $100 a month for spas, swimming pools, and tennis courts is great but only if they are used. By understanding the value of per month spending in relation to services, equipment, and amenities an exercise investment can be fully understood and appreciated.
- Look for gyms that allow month to month without major start up fees. Also, search for family discounts that can get everyone included without breaking the wallet.
- Talk to the staff about using equipment, classes, and other opportunities to exercise. Not knowing how a machine works or what services the fitness center offers can be a deterrent to exercise. Maximize an exercise investment by gaining an education and appreciation for what is offered and how to maximize their benefits.
Exercise and Money
It is very important to utilize exercise to maintain and improve overall health, but spending thousands needlessly is not the answer. Like any stocks, 401K accounts, or mutual funds, it is important to understand the return on investment. Gym memberships, equipment, and other fitness services can require a lot of money to maintain and the cost may not support the cost. Make sure that every exercise investment is understood, appreciated, and maximized to its utmost potential.
Sources:
MeidcalNewsToday.com, "Wasted Spending on Gym Memeberships." (accessed on 2/23/2010)
UniversityofCalifornia.edu, "Television and Exercise." (accessed on 2/23/2010)
Keith Cronin - Keith is a physical therapist in the St. Louis area and enjoys writing on the topics of health, sports, and education. Keith provides ...
Join the Conversation