Is a Gym Membership Worth It?

Around 16% of people in the UK have a gym membership, and it’s certainly never been easier or more accessible to get one. The early 2000s saw the rise of budget operators offering low-cost facilities and often with 24/7 access. And now, technology allows people to enjoy free and paid workouts from home, and there are still many ways to exercise outdoors without paying anything. Given that many people are experiencing a cost-of-living crisis, is a gym membership worth it?  

The issue is whether a gym membership is worth it for you. Your goals, preferences, your motivations and finances will all come into play. Your level of discipline, too, because, at times, going to the gym will feel like the last thing you want to do. Skipping one session is fine. Skipping two isn’t the end of the world. You might even take a week or two off during busy periods in your life, but if you’re unable to maintain even a semi-regular routine, then it could be time to reconsider your membership. Although, this will depend on how much you’re paying and whether you’re accessing other facilities like the sauna or the swimming pool. 

Why a Gym Membership is Worth It

Gym equipment is expensive. If you’re looking for an all-around workout experience, then (unless you can afford a decent home set-up) the gym is probably your best bet. Most gyms cater to different workout styles, but even the most basic will have cardio and strength training equipment. It isn’t just the cost, either. It’s the space. While folding equipment is space-saving, bigger and more specialist equipment often isn’t. You may have to think about noise too. Static bikes can cause vibrations that can travel through the floor and walls and disturb neighbours and other householders. While you can put a mat down to prevent this, it’s not something everyone wants to see in their living room. Unless, of course, you have an electricity-generating RE:GEN bike with its sleek design and smaller footprint.  

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Gyms also provide a safe, warm and well-lit place for people to exercise in winter. One Sport England study found that there’s a 4% decrease in physical activity participation during the colder months, affecting around 1.8 million adults. Poor weather and fewer daylight hours are two of the most common reasons for this, but the report also uncovered general safety concerns. Women reported that they were less likely to exercise in the dark, and 64% of Asian adults also said safety was a big concern during the winter.  

The gym can also help people achieve their long-term fitness goals. This is partly due to the availability of equipment, but it’s also about a sense of community and accountability, as well as access to instructors and trainers. Gyms also allow members to escape any distractions at home, such as children, partners, pets and social media. Home workouts may be more convenient, but they don’t provide the change of environment that often makes exercising at the gym both physically and mentally more effective.  

Gym memberships will often include classes. Classes are great for social interaction and accountability. One recent study found that gym members who worked out in groups were likely to attend the gym more regularly than those who exercised alone. This is partly due to the social interaction that a class offers. Classes can also be treated like appointments. They happen regularly at the same date and time, so it’s easy to block that hour or so out in a calendar rather than attending the gym on a more ad-hoc basis. It isn’t just about classes, either. Gyms can also offer age or gender-specific group activities that can support physical and mental health conditions or even help combat loneliness and isolation.  

Gyms are now also stepping into the wellness space, so you’ll likely see them offering services beyond traditional equipment and classes. The UK’s wellness economy is worth £38.3 billion and is the second largest in Europe. Gyms are likely to expand their current offering to include things like rehabilitation and cryotherapy, diet and nutrition support, stress management, etc. In some areas, the gym is also being used to support local NHS services. In North Wales, some hospitals are offering workout programs along with support from a dietician and physiotherapist to improve patient fitness ahead of major operations to improve recovery times and post-surgery complications—and it’s been successful so far.  

Health is wealth, and a gym membership can help you manage your physical and mental health in an environment built for exercise. Your gym membership can help you reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes (among others). Recent research suggests that as we get older, we experience two significant ageing spikes at 44 and 60. Medical professionals believe that taking care of your physical and mental health can help you mitigate some of the risks of ageing. While the gym may not be helping you achieve those six-pack abs, it could be helping you reduce your risk of ill health later in life.
 

Why a Gym Membership Isn’t Worth It   

You have to pay to use the gym. Exercising at a gym isn’t free, unlike watching a workout on YouTube or taking a walk. Given how expensive everything seems right now, gym memberships can be a significant financial burden. Budget gyms have made exercising more affordable, but you may not live in an area with a suitable alternative to the higher-end gyms. If you’re not regularly attending your gym, even a budget membership can quickly become too expensive.  

Gyms aren’t as convenient as at-home workouts.  You have to get changed and leave the house. You may have to drive or take public transportation to get there. This can make it easier to cancel your plans and skip a session. You may also be limited by the opening hours. If you have your own equipment, then you can use it right then and there. You can exercise at 2 am or 3pm. You can jump on your electricity-generating bike when the children are in bed or between work calls. You’re in control of your workout schedule, which can be a liberating and highly effective way to exercise.  

Gyms aren’t the only place you’ll find classes. You may find a personal trainer is a more effective use of your time and money. You can also look to see what classes are happening locally, village and school halls are good places for aerobics, Zumba, yoga, Pilates, etc. You can see if there’s a Park Run in your local area. There are also team sports and activities that may be more suitable and enjoyable for you.  

For better or worse, gyms are filled with other people. It can mean that you meet lots of like-minded people that you enjoy seeing and engaging with. It can also mean queues for equipment, witnessing hygiene nightmares and putting up with a slew of irritating behaviours from other members.  

There are so many free resources online now. YouTube has many workouts available to stream, including strength training, cardiovascular fitness, dance, yoga, HIIT, etc. There are a lot that don’t require any equipment, either. You can also pay subscriptions to use apps. These are often cheaper than regular gym memberships.
 

Is a Gym Membership Worth It? 

It depends on the individual. It depends how much you’re paying and whether you feel you’re getting your money’s worth. The gym certainly isn’t the be-all-and-end-all of fitness. There are various exercise options for all budgets and disciplines, but for many, the gym is the first port of call for fitness. Just because working out at home is convenient, it doesn’t mean it’s the best option for everyone.  

You can always ask a gym for a tour of the facilities to ensure you know exactly what’s available for the price you’ll pay. You should also shop around. While annual memberships are often cheaper, it may be better to try out a monthly membership for a little while, so you don’t get locked into twelve months. Some gyms offer a free trial. Talk to your friends and see where they go, ask if they have a guest pass you could use. You can also buy pay-as-you-go passes at some gyms and even monthly passes at others. This will help you make an informed decision about whether getting a gym membership is right for you.