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We’re often told that the key to fitness success is joining the gym.
Gyms can be a great investment in your health, with countless physical and mental benefits to consistent exercise. Yet with the expensive monthly fees, often-crowded workout spaces, and long-term contracts, they aren’t always the best fit for everyone. And there are tons of often overlooked, great value alternatives that may fit your lifestyle and health needs better.
The hidden costs of gym memberships
Maybe you signed up in January with all the optimism of the new year before the cold grey days made leaving the house less appealing. Or maybe you joined before getting an injury and losing the habit, while still shelling out your monthly dues.
There’s no avoiding the fact that gym memberships are expensive. On average, people spend anywhere from £25 to £350 per month, and many gyms have additional joining fees or require a long-term commitment. Over the course of a year, this can really add up!
Worse, nearly 1 in 5 people with a gym membership never attend. In fact most gyms rely on this statistic for their business model, specifically recruiting those they don’t expect to get the most out of their facility in order to fund their gyms.
The additional downside to this business model is that if more people than expected do show up, then you can find yourself waiting for equipment or dealing with a lack of space. This can create a stressful, demotivating environment that detracts from your focus on fitness.
Alternative fitness options
So, what’s the alternative? Fitness options that are more affordable, convenient, and enjoyable: the trifecta to sticking with a programme and achieving your goals.
Outdoor workouts: The best gym is free!
If you live in an area with access to parks, footpaths, or even just a quiet neighborhood street, you can turn your surroundings into a fitness playground. From running and cycling to bodyweight exercises like squats, push-ups, and lunges, outdoor workouts offer an endless variety of exercises that don’t require any equipment.
Not only will you save money, but you’ll also benefit from the fresh air and sunshine, furthering your endorphins’ mood boosting effects.
Home fitness programs: Your living room can be your gym
With the rise of fitness apps and online workout programs, you can now work out at home with expert guidance. Platforms like The Body Coach by Joe Wicks, Power Moves Fitness, Kalm Pilates, Digme, and even free YouTube channels offer everything from yoga and pilates to strength training and HIIT.
These programs cost a fraction of a gym membership and allow you to work out at your own pace and on your own time.
Group fitness classes or meetups: Socialise and get fit together
If you miss the social aspect of a gym, consider joining group fitness classes like Reformcore, triyoga, or KOBOX. Alternatively, you can find meetups in your local area; whether it’s a local running group, a hiking club, or a community yoga class, these gatherings provide the motivation of working out with others while also offering the flexibility to choose a format and schedule that suits your needs.
Most of these groups charge minimal fees, or sometimes none at all, making them a great alternative to expensive gym memberships.
Personal training (on your terms): Personalised fitness guidance
If you need extra guidance or motivation, a personal trainer may be a good investment. You can hire one for a few sessions to learn proper techniques or get a tailored workout plan, rather than committing to a gym membership.
With many trainers offering affordable virtual sessions such as Pulse Coaching and Sculpt Lab, you don’t need to be locked into a gym contract to receive professional coaching.
