The average person spends roughly $30-$80 a month on their gym membership, which equals upwards of $1,000 a year. The average family can spend double, and sometimes even triple that amount. Gym access alone is a great investment, but at prices like those, why not try to get even more out of your membership?
Gym Facility Features
Most, if not all, gyms are equipped with saunas, showers, and changing stations. If you have time after your workouts, use these amenities to your advantage. Sit in the sauna and relax, or take a long, hot shower without worrying about the water bill. And believe it or not, you can make a trip to the gym just to use these amenities. You are not required to complete a workout in order to use the other facility features.
You might be surprised at the amount of time you can save by getting ready at the gym. Without the random distractions that plague our homes, and the time and gas saved from one less trip back home, you can use those extra minutes to sleep in or stop for a coffee. So, if you like to work out in the mornings, pack a bag and try getting ready for the day at the gym. It will take some getting used to, and you will undoubtedly forget a few essential items your first few days, but eventually it will easily factor into your daily routine.
If you work out in the evening and are not taking advantage of these conveniences, it is time to re-evaluate your gym visits. After a long day at work, a strenuous workout, or an overall bad day, there is nothing a soak in the hot tub can’t fix. Take time to unwind at the end of the day, and especially at the end of a workout. The heat from hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms increase blood flow which will help reduce muscle soreness, joint pain, and cramps.
Extra Fitness Offers
Aside from the complimentary locker room facilities, chances are your gym also offers various fitness classes at no extra charge. These classes are great beginner courses and are targeted to help members learn what activities they enjoy and want to pursue. Try a new class or two each week and before you know it you will become a regular!
Outside Discounts
Many local and corporate businesses honor gym memberships for various discounts. Food and beverage businesses, such as smoothie and juice bars, often grant discounts to anyone who can show a gym membership card. Athletic races and events sometimes offer the same discounts to gym members. Larger discounts are offered to members of the race host’s facility.
Many health insurance companies have reimbursement or reward programs for members who frequent the gym. Depending on the program, members can be compensated based on how many times they checked into the gym per month, or how many fitness related events they registered for in a year. Check with your insurance provider, or your employer, to see if you are eligible for these benefits.
Social Benefits
Not all benefits of a gym membership are materialistic or money related. Gyms are a great place to meet new people, too. Reach out to fellow patrons; someone next to you in a fitness class, someone you pass by on a regular basis, even the front desk employees. You are guaranteed one thing in common, whether you love the gym or not, you are both there and committed to the same goal.
Remember, your monthly gym fees are delegated to the upkeep of the entire facility. So use the entire facility! If you are doing all of the things mentioned above then you are successfully using your membership to its full potential. The next time you are paying your gym membership fee, you should feel as though you are getting a steal of a deal!
Micah is a traveling swim coach and personal trainer, depending on the season. She is also currently working on her Master of Science in Athletic Administration and Coaching. Micah loves to live an active lifestyle, whether she is competing in open water swims, running a road race, practicing yoga, or biking with her dogs. The main objective in her career is to... Read More
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