Is joining a (fancy) gym worth it?

[craddock287]

Hi all, please be gentle! In the last 12/18 months, I lost 7 stone. Mostly through diet, but also with boxing and then running. Due to circumstances, I haven’t done any exercise for about 4 months. I could pick up running again. Or join a pure gym type place, or join a fancy gym.

I’ve got serious mental health problems, and have just come out of hospital. My confidence is low, and Without wishing to sound pathetic, there isn’t anything in my life that is ‘comfort’. I’d never look at a fancy gym normally, but they have nice changing rooms, loads of cool classes, the staff seem to treat people really well. They even have a ‘chill out pod’, with meditation/ mindfulness music in it.

It maybe doesn’t sound worth extra money. I just can’t tell.

I know that I could very easily return to fitness by running or going to a no frills gym. Is it wrong to want somewhere that is more expensive simply because it’s got so many comforting extras?

I feel like it could really help my confidence and self worth. But equally, I could feel like a fraud and different from everyone else. I know strangers can’t tell me what to do. But if anyone has tried fancy gyms, have you found the extras to be worth the cost? Any words of advice or caution?

I recently moved from a no frills gym (£15 a month) to a more expensive gym (not fancy but has a spa and I can watch Netflix whilst running!) and it totally motivated me to get back to the gym. They also have loads of classes too so I can mix up what I do when I get bored. If you really feel it would make a difference to your motivation to go, then do it! It would be worth every penny.

Also meant to say, I don't do a lot else in terms of treating myself- the gym is all I really do in my spare time so it is worth spending that extra money if you are going to enjoy it. And well done on the weight loss!

My corporate high street gym isn't fancy but it isn't no-frills either (pool, sauna) - and it is friendly and welcoming. I also go to another one - very different community place, very cheap - also friendly and welcoming! I've got to know people at both.

You sound as if you've had a rough old time. If you can afford it and the fancy gym will make you feel good and help you be healthy, then it is money well spent I'd say. But not if you will get anxious about the cost, get into debt or have to go without important stuff.

Most gyms will let you go and look round or have a taster session. Maybe try that? You can see how friendly the atmosphere is and how comforting the extras . Good luck.

I'm going to sound really harsh here but I'm just talking from my experience. I've found that if you can't motivate yourself to go to a no frill gym you still won't motivate yourself to go to a posh one once the novelty has worn off.
If you really want to make the gym part of your life take the motivation element out of it and instead make yourself accountable by doing classes or hiring a personal trainer. I'd the cheapest gym and with the money you safe do small groups training or if you can afford it a personal trainer.

Also my personal trainer is worth her weight in gold, she is like a therapist too.

Hi OP
Realistically, how much time do you have to spend at the gym? I’m a member at a fancy one, but I literally run in, do my thing and run out.

But it’s got a lovely cafe and looks like it would be a nice place to hang out for a while if I had time.

Well done on weight loss - that’s amazing! 🏆🏆💃

Well done on the weight loss. A taster session sounds like a good idea. If you like it, do it, it’s self care.

Go to the fancy gym if it’s for nice things for you to do. I love going for a steam room after a swim then getting dressed in nice changing rooms.

Chill out pod sounds lovely. I’d totally fall
A sleep in there!

I'm a member of a fancy gym. It took me ages to decide to join - I felt like I couldn't justify the cost when there were cheaper gyms on offer but I hankered after the nicer facilities and the range of classes. My dh persuaded me to join by pointing out that I didn't spend my money on drinking or smoking, that it was what I liked doing with my leisure time and telling me that I was worth it! ❤
I've been a member for a year now and absolutely love it. Love the classes, the fancy showers, the sauna and steam, the people. I still smile to myself as I walk into the place

It’s lovely going to a fancy gym!

I used to feel guilty, or undeserving, going to a whizzy posh trendy gym. But then thought if all the other people there could be there, I could too.

Treat yourself!!

Do you have to tie yourself into a 12 month contact because the novelty might wear off. Maybe join and enjoy for 3 months then decide. I join I have a flurry of going then life gets in the way and I do t go for months

Go for the fancy gym because it has loads of cool classes to quote you. You can easily become addicted to some classes and even on the days you feel beurck, the vibe in the class will push you . Look at some videos here athleanx.com/ so you can even have a go with free weights or great workouts for when there are no classes.

Money spent on a gym is well spent if you use it. Enrol for a month even if it cost more, ignore the “ we have a very special offer that ends in 24 hours” line and have a go.

The classes are exactly the same in my experience. I found the fancy gym very cliquey and didn't like that whereas the cheaper gym I go to now is more down to earth and friendly. This h I s just my experience though. Good luck and well done with the weight loss.

My confidence is low, and Without wishing to sound pathetic, there isn’t anything in my life that is ‘comfort’

This really leapt out at me OP. I think you should go to the fancy gym. Not so much for the features and benefits but as an exercise in being nice to yourself.
Give yourself nice things. Enjoy them. You can always switch back to a budget gym if you feel its not worth it down the line.

Do it
If it means you’re motivate to exercise, as it’s the best thing you can do to help yourself feel well - why wouldn’t you spend money doing just that.

Don’t feel guilt over making yourself well

I joined a fancy gym 12 years ago, I swapped smoking for gym membership. At the time gym membership was about £30 cheaper per month. Now smoking would cost me £50 more per month than smoking

I go to the gym 5/6 times a week as it’s such a nice place to be. I enjoy the surroundings and the classes are great. Sometimes do back to back classes.
Well done on kissing 7 stone, that is incredible and

My current gym isn’t fancy, it’s a local leisure centre, and I go because they have the best pilates teacher I’ve ever known, plus a brilliant spin teacher and a few other classes that I can’t find anywhere else and at times that actually suit me. But I wouldn’t set foot in the hideous grubby communal showers or pool. The sauna was condemned years ago. After class I head home and shower there.

Pre-child I went to a fancy gym (Virgin Active) and loved it. There was a huge range of classes and afterwards I could jump in the pool, do a few lengths, sit in the steam room, have a shower in an actual cubicle with a door, and dry myself with the fluffy towels provided in a nice changing room that smelt of eucalyptus. It was just lovely. I miss it a lot.

Go for it. Treat yourself. If you’ll be motivated enough to actually use the gym/classes you might as well make the experience as enjoyable as possible.

First, well done on the weight loss! That's a stunning achievement and you should be proud of yourself.

Re: the posh gym - It's like flying Business class, isn't? It's a much, much nicer way of doing something most of us don't really enjoy.

I have definitely used this mindset before - spending more on food than most people would to get the expensive, healthy stuff I like. Buy nice workout clothes so I feel good when I'm getting my sweat on. I personally find these things motivating. Only you know if it will be the same for you.

Do they have free trial? Might give you a chance to sample if it's worth it to you. Good luck!

My gym is fairly fancy (not DL) and I don't use it as much as I should but I do go and I love it when I do. I can afford it and its lovely knowing its there. I'm studying at the moment which is why I don't go as much but I got quite down at the end of term in my first year of study so having that place to go in my second year really boosted my mood.
I vote go for it.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions and comments. I have emailed to ask some questions- free trial being one of them. And thank you all for not flaming me !

I went to one when work paid and it was great.

The weather is getting nicer right now. How about running while it's getting lighter and warmer and then as a reward if you keep running, fancy gym when the weather gets worse in a few months? That would motivate me.

@craddock287

I know that I could very easily return to fitness by running or going to a no frills gym. Is it wrong to want somewhere that is more expensive simply because it’s got so many comforting extras?

Fuck no it isn't wrong - if you are going to be using it it's well worth it. I'm in a budget gym but not by choice - finance and 24 opening hours are why!

I'll use any gym but am a member at a fancy one. We've made great friends there over the years, as it has a lovely cafe, and it's totally worth the extra money.

No thoughts on gyms I'm afraid. But 7 stone weight loss is bloody amazing and I hope you are super proud of yourself!!

If it makes you feel good and you can afford it - why not try it? Can you ask for a day trial voucher or sign up just for three months as a taster? Good luck with everything.

I belong to a Nuffield. Not exactly fancy but it has a spa, steam room, sauna, pool, cafe and nice changing rooms.

The only alternative here is the council gym and pool (no thanks) or an 'Anytime Fitness' which is just too basic.

Part of the nice gym experience is having a coffee with mates after classes.