Have you ever felt the pressure to 'own' a gym membership? Do you have a gym membership that you don't want anymore? The International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) has released exactly how much the health club industry makes per year.
"Every day, all over the world, health clubs (aka gyms, fitness centers, studios, sports centers) and their staff are inspiring people to live healthier, more active lives. As the recognized leader in research for and about the health club industry, IHRSA tracks and reports on club performance and consumer behavior trends, provides comprehensive, country-specific overviews of the industry in key markets, and publishes a detailed view of the overall global market."
Through annual surveys, the IHRSA Research Department collects key operational data related to health club industry benchmarks, best practices, and trends.
Some people have a need to go to the gym and go at least three times a week or more. Most do not follow that schedule and that is what the health club industry relies on: You not showing up after purchasing your gym membership.
- Number of U.S. Health Clubs: 30,500 in 2012 (as listed in the Yellow Pages as of January 2012; includes YMCAs and community centers)
- Total Number of U.S. Health Club Members: 50.2 million in 2012
- Total U.S. Industry Revenues: $21.8 billion in 2012
- For topline US club membership and participation information: 2013 U.S. Industry Data
- For an overview of the 2013 Global Fitness Industry (download)
- Average Rate of Member Retention for IHRSA Clubs: 72.4%
Here are some options of joining a gym, using a gym membership to your advantage or being your own personal trainer:
Day Use Fee - Use the Gym for the Equipment and ClassesI've never found myself going to a gym throughout the year. I've always had free weights lying around or did yoga and body weight exercises. When I wanted to use heavier weights I'd go to my local gym and pay the day fee which is usually $10-$20.
If you are someone that doesn't have weights at home and you want to go to the gym once a week, the most it can cost you is $80 a month. That is almost $1000 a year. That is almost the same price you would pay for a yearly membership: $50 a month + $150-$300($500!) for the membership fee.
The advantage is that you can go whenever you want. I use heavier weights during the summer months and go twice a week. So my bill ends up being $80 a month ($10 a day) and $240 for three months, then I go once a week the rest of the time. There are months that I never set foot in the gym!
Check out the daily use fee at your local gym. They are all different. The club I like happens to have a climbing wall, a steam room, a day care (which is extra), all the kettlebells I could ever want, and all the up to date equipment. If I were a swimmer there is a nicer gym close by that is $20 a day and they offer an Olympic size pool.
If you're okay with a no frills or smaller independent gyms (nothing wrong with that), they are often more flexible with membership fees or won't charge you anything to sign up. Some franchise gyms are now offering no contract gym memberships, which means you can cancel anytime.
Become You're Own Personal Trainer - Get Your Information Online
Honestly I've never had a personal trainer. Years ago a friend of mine taught me the basics of bodybuilding and, I'd always done yoga and stretching on my own. Naturally I studied health and fitness and learned to become a personal trainer and sports nutritionist for my own self improvement.
Now I keep up to date on all the latest information and trends when it comes to fitness. Not much has changed really and their aren't that many new discoveries, but more studies 'reveal' or 'uncover' information that has been in practice over a long period of time.
Still need more help?
Hire an Independent Personal Trainer
Most personal trainers, if they don't have the space or equipment will pick their favorite gym and include the day use fee in their hourly rate or add you as a guest to their own gym membership.
Others will come to your home, or some will have their own personal studio or co-op where they do their training. Others will take advantage of city parks during the summer time.
I think any environment to get you moving where you're able to reach your fitness goals is a plus. What, and when to eat is also important so bring it up with your personal trainer if your diet needs an overhaul.
Always check with your doctor to make sure your healthy enough to start exercising or drastically change your eating habits. Your trainer will make sure that you do.