Is this gym worth the cash?
 

I am all kinds of out-of-shape, terribly busy working full time and going to school part-time (right now, 2 nights, and next semester 4 nights). I've had inflamed and/or torn ligaments in my ankle and knee, and sciatica in my back. This is all due to poor physical condition and trying to do shit anyway.

So I need to work out, and I need to get into shape. Now, before 30 hits with its massive metabolism changes. Now, before I go completely insane.

I know I have to do this, but I'm anxious about the costs, and about making time to get it done. It seems like everytime I start a new routine to get back into shape, I hurt something again and am unable to work out for a time. This last time has been 3 months.

I should note that with the torn ankle tendon and the sciatica, I had to go to rehab, and I did. Twice a week for about 6 months. Never punked out. But it was fun because I liked the people working there, and I had a lot of attention as to how I was doing, if my technique was correct, etc.

The gym I'm considering (link here) is close to home, but not at all to work. There's only one branch. However, it's open 24 hours during the week, it has a wide variety of classes, and it has a rock wall (super woohoo on that).

The cost choices: Breakdown
$89/month for a month-to-month,
$83/month for a 6 month membership plus $78 registration fee,
$70/month for a 12 month membership plus $78 registration fee
A special for $156 off membership fees (basically no registration fee and 1st month free).

What do you knowledgeable gym types think about this gym? Is it worth it? Which membership option do you think is best, considering schedule and other concerns?

THANKS!

the hours that you would be using - how busy is it - and would you be able to use the equipment you want to use when you want to use it.

Can you get a two week trial membership to see if you like it first?

Since I'd likely be going *sometimes* early, like 6am, and mostly around 8pm, those aren't usually busy times at the gym (at least not at the one Quadro goes to).

I can get a free 3-day pass, but that's it.

why don't do you month to month for 3 months... and then reevaluate at that time.

you're only out an additional $19/month=$57 (almost losing a while month.) You'll know the routines of the gym (save the January influx of NYE resolution ppls) and you'll also be able to gauge just how badly your body condition is.

Also once you've done the 3 months.. you possibly can get them to give you a discount on the registration fee...

Do they offer any family or group fees?? The gym close to us offers a family or 'friends' fees. Where a person can team up with another individual to be their workout buddy they tend to stick with a program longer. The Gym's theory is that if they allow people to do this they'll go in on it together for the discount on the fees that each person pays and they'll stay with the program for longer so the Gym gets two More consistant customers. The prices are about the same for an individual as your fees but the family or friends fees are only about $130/mo - which means each person (if there's two only pays about $65/mo. That's much cheaper.

I gotta say gym membership prices are widely fluctuating - I pay $18.67 a month after the registration fees at Pure Fitness (Az and WA). The busiest hours at my gym are 4:30-6:30a and 5-9 pm. Each gym is different, so I would ask someone at that specific gym what the hours are like. How often can you feasibly go? I go 3-5 days a week, and it fits my schedule right now because of my other obligations. I feel like I am getting my money's worth - if I was only going one or 2 days a week, I could probably get the same level of workout doing something outdoors or at home with freeweights and an exercise video.

I'm paying $55/month to go to my local YMCA, which is about three blocks from my house. The cruncher for me was the size of their cardio and weight facility (freakin huge), the fact that they have two swimming pools and a whirlpool, sauna and steamroom in the locker room. All very nice things--it's great to stretch out in the hot tub after lifting weights.

I find that unless I'm paying for something, I won't do it. They don't charge you to run on the roads around here, for instance. How many times have I gone running on the roads around here? Zero. But I'm at the Y five or six times a week. Why? I know I'm paying for it.

I like how Cynth thinks: go month to month for a while and see if it works well for you, then lock yourself into something that will motivate you to go over the long term.

Also, you might find out if they have an injury policy--it would be a double-bummer to injure yourself and still have to pay for your gym membership.

That's kind of expensive for a gym. The one good reason for joining: they have classes in a lot of different kinds of physical activities. You can try a number of different ones to see if you like them and work for you. There are many different ways to get fit, and if you can find one you'll enjoy, it'll be that much easier. So in that respect, it's an attractive choice.

I'll go with Cythetiq and say, take the three-month or month-to-month option. See if you like it and if you're going to stick with it before putting down the big bucks. And you might find that one particular form of exercise -- yoga, pilates, etc. -- is what you really want to do, and go off and find a specialist gym or studio for that discipline.

Frankly, a lot of gyms -- especially ones that push longer memberships and registration fees -- _count on_ a lot of customers dropping out or not using their gym memberships fully. It's like free money. That way, they can book twice as many members as the gym could actually handle if everybody was coming regularly. It sounds like a screwy way to do business, but the thing is, nobody ever blames the gym. They always blame themselves. And they might come back in a couple of years and try again.

More with-it gyms charge a _modest_ setup fee and then a regular monthly payment deducted from your checking account that you can discontinue at any time.

Being cheaper simply isn't worth it if the inconvenience issues mean you won't go. Near your house is nice, far from work is not. Open 24 hours is worthless. Do you really think you're going to go hit the weights at 4 AM?

I say pay a little more for convenience and do something like NYSC. On the other hand, the YMCAs in the city aren't that bad of a deal, if there is one close enough to you.

I love my Y. I lost 50 lbs in 4 months and 5 clothing sizes. For $52/ month.

The part that I love is that the personal trainers at my Y hang out and chat. I have massive problems with a degerative connective tissue disease several times a year. They've helped me out when I had a flare-up to avoid tearing anything again and have taught me how to build up strength. Plus, nobody gives a crap who's better than who, and the positive comments from other people really encourage me.

Firstly, thanks for all the advice - it was just what I was looking for!

So the plan is this:
After Thanksgiving (because it IS next week, after all), I'll do the 3 day trial, to make sure it's worth a month's payment. If so, I'll join for a month at a time at the $89 rate.

If I can keep it up - especially with the classes next semester, then I'll go to the longer termed membership.

This is average for NYC prices. So that's just what I have to deal with.
They do have a policy that if I'm injured, and I bring a doctor's note saying I'll be out of commission for 3 months or more, they'll refund the membership. And you CAN pay monthly on a 6-month or 12-month.

The pros of this particular gym:
Good hours
Close to home, enough that I can go home to get ready for work
Average price for NYC
VARIETY in offerings (big deal for me)
Rock wall (bigger deal, this was fun when I was able to do it before)

The cons of this gym:
One branch, not near work
Average price for NYC
No pool

Other than that... I can't think of anything.
Seem like a plan?

Again, my sincere thanks. :*

I pay 40/month for my current gym (with no contract). I was working out at Gold's Gym when I lived in the south and was paying 40/month on a month to month basis. I would say that the 24 hour thing is a huge huge plus because you need to be able to knock out your workout whenever you can. So, because it is close to your home and 24hours I'd say it is a good deal. Go for it!.

Also, make sure you mark your workouts in a planner at least two weeks in advance and cross it off once you do it. That will keep you on track!

Here's my advice (not that you need to hear me blab about the gym any more):

If you go the week after Thanksgiving, go at the times you plan on going once you have classes. You should know what your body feels like at those times.

If you do decide to sign up for a month, take that Personal Training Session, definitely. I was foolish for not taking mine when I first started going to the gym - while I stubbornly needed some time to just get used to going, I also feel like I wasted at least a few months doing a plan that wasn't necessarily doing much for me. Plus, with your recent injuries, regardless of rehabilitation, your trainer will (hopefully) steer you away from exercises that may cause undue strain.

Ubertuber is right about the 24-hour thing. Unless you plan on working out after 11 PM or before 5 AM, it's really not that great. But I think the benefit of it being close to home is a great one.

OTK is right about the workout planner. Not only will it keep you on track, but it will let you follow your progress and see improvements.

I'm wishing you all the best with this. Honestly, just saying you're going to do it - to all of us - is a step in the right direction. I know you can do it - and once your body gets used to all the changes that going will bring, I bet you'll feel really good. :icare:

The gym sounds good to me. Haha, I'm in the SW U.S., and I pay 24.99! So I freaked out at the price.

As for what Quadro said, definately take advantage of personal training. This might help with your injuries too. I hired one and totally love it. He got to know what body issues (physically) I had and we work around it, and also have controlled situations where I can strengthen weakened (from injury) muscles. This may help you out alot too!

Very expensive for a gym membership. Appears that this is New York. There has to be something cheaper. Anyway, the website looks pretty good. They have a lot to offer.

I am all for joining the gym. I have been out the gym for about 3 months since moving across the country. I am trying to get settled here in a house before I pick the gym.

This price is pretty typical. The nice places I was looking at in STL were about $85 a month, and that's a student price! It was $125 a month for anybody else. I am very happy with the local Y. It's much less expensive ($42/month) and the sports facilities are way better. Considering the other place only had a little two lane pool and no sports classes, the Y is a steal. It has racquetball courts, a large pool, basketball, volleyball, scuba classes, etc. Definitely take a look at the Y.

Looks like a very nice place!

I pay $95/month for my wife and me to go to Lifetime Fitness, a national chain. They have evreything including clean showers and dressing room. I hate a gym where I don't want to spet into the shower area. You dojn't need a lock as your membership key fits in your locker and gives you a key. There are plenty of towels. Most classes are plentiful and included, with some very nice spin bikes.

Paying for a year indicates a commitment on your part. If there isn't something better/price around, why would you move?

If you get injured, especially early, it usually means you pushed too hard. Rome wasn't built in a day. Also, I preach on here all the time about the benefits of understanding and effectively using a heart monitor.

You mentioned sciatica. I've found over the years that a good chiropractor is the best thing for this problem. The trick is to find a good one. The last time I moved I asked my chiro. He didn't know anyone where I was moving. He did tell me to ask what methods they used. If they said Gunstead, go to them I did and have moved twice, both times finding someone great.

Good luck!

I find 24 hours to be priceless! I've had my workout cut short so many times because of gym hours. Now I've joined a 24 hour gym and I'll NEVER go back. Two advantages 1). You go to the gym on your schedule, not theirs. 2.) Less crowds even with the same # of members. Many people DO go to the gym at 4AM (i've seen the log ins to proves it), so 200 customers spread over 24 hours makes fewer people in the gym at any given time than 200 people in the gym over 14 hours.

I have to agree. 24 hours may not be for you if you don't utilize it, but it does make things better for everyone else. Crowds tend to be a lot less with this type of gym because a lot of people do workout during odd hours. I think it is a great idea. Besides, I haven't found the 24 hour places any more costly than the others.