Is $1000 on gym worth it?
‼️Not an ad for anytime fitness
Why did I decide to commit to an Anytime Fitness membership.
For context: I’ve been going to the gym for a year or so.
💰 Cost: $1,271 for 1 year & 1 month (one-time payment + key fob)
At first glance, spending over $1,000 on a gym membership sounds crazy. But I wanted to break it down.
My calculations:
• Annual membership: $1,271
• Weeks in a year + 1 month: 56
• Estimated gym sessions: 4 or 5 times/week
• Total sessions: 56 × 4 = 224
Cost per gym session:
$1,271 ÷ 224 = $5.67
So essentially, I’m paying about $5.60 every time I step into the gym.
When you look at it that way, it doesn’t seem as expensive anymore.
For me, this isn’t just another expense, it’s an investment.
I work full-time, so convenience plays a huge role in whether I’ll actually stay consistent. Having a gym that’s within walking distance removes so many excuses. I can head there before work, after work, or even late at night if I want to.
Before committing, I tried both ActiveSG and EnergyOne Fitness.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with either of them, especially if you’re on a tighter budget. But what I personally found was that I often had to wait for equipment during peak hours, and that really disrupted my workouts. Some days, I’d spend more time waiting than actually training. Plus the nearest EnergyOne gym is about 40 mins away from me.
With Anytime Fitness, I enjoy having better access to equipment, the flexibility of 24/7 access, and most importantly, a gym that’s close enough that I’ll actually use it.
Could I have saved money by choosing a cheaper gym? DUH
But if paying a little more means I’ll train consistently for an entire year, then I think it’s money well spent.
At the end of the day, the best gym isn’t the cheapest one, it’s the one you’ll consistently show up to.
Investing in a gym membership that costs over $1,000 annually might initially seem steep, but it’s crucial to consider both tangible and intangible benefits when making this decision. One important factor that often gets overlooked is convenience. Having a gym located within walking distance means you’re more likely to go regularly, reducing the mental and time barriers that stop many people from exercising. I’ve learned firsthand that if the gym is too far away or only accessible during limited hours, it’s easier to skip workouts, especially after a full day at work. In addition to location, the flexibility of gym hours can significantly impact your workout routine. Gyms like Anytime Fitness offer 24/7 access which is a game changer if your schedule varies or if you prefer working out at unconventional times. This flexibility is worth paying a premium for because it allows you to fit exercise naturally into your lifestyle. Another consideration is equipment availability. Cheap gyms can get overcrowded, especially during peak hours, which means you might waste valuable workout time waiting for machines or weights. Paying for a gym with better equipment access and less crowding can improve the quality of your training sessions and your motivation overall. Breaking down the membership cost to per session, as was done with a $1,271 annual fee divided by an estimated 224 sessions, results in about $5.67 per visit. When you think about other daily expenses, this is quite reasonable for the benefits of improved physical and mental health. Finally, treating a gym membership as an investment in your health rather than just an expense changes the mindset. Consistent training not only improves fitness but also boosts energy, mood, and long-term well-being. For many, spending a bit more upfront to ensure consistency and convenience pays off in sustained lifestyle benefits. In summary, it isn’t simply about the lowest cost but about maximizing your chances of regular attendance and quality workouts. If spending a bit more means you’ll keep going to the gym throughout the year, that membership could be one of the smartest financial commitments you make for your health.