Why cheap gyms may be the way forward
Most people have looked at themselves in the mirror at some point and uttered the immortal words, “I need to join a gym.” Unfortunately for many people it seldom goes beyond this initial thought, not because of a lack of commitment or want for personal change and fitness, but because gym’s are seen as an expensive extra monthly cost.
This is particularly true in the current economic climate, where we’re all trying to save money amidst spiralling living costs and increased job uncertainty. But why are most gyms so expensive, and is there a more affordable alternative?
Why are many gyms expensive?
Many of the gyms that charge £30 or more per month are not simply gyms, but health clubs with an assortment of equipment and features that have less to do with getting fit and more to do with comfort or the appearance of being ‘cutting edge’ and cool. While these may useful to those with plenty of disposable income, or those who will spend long periods of time there on an almost daily basis, for the average casual gym user the price of membership can be prohibitively expensive.
Fortunately, for the average person who just wants to get fit and exercise without these costly extras, there is currently a movement towards no-frills low-cost gyms taking place which could revolutionise the gym scene in the UK and help us all get fit for considerably less financial outlay.
A more affordable alternative
For a number of years, gyms in the US and Europe have been cutting back on the ‘extra fat’ that many gyms carry to offer a cheaper alternative to expensive health and fitness clubs. Now, this model for cheap gyms is gaining popularity in the UK, particularly with those who are hard-pressed financially and might usually be unable to access gym-quality equipment.
By taking out the bloat and simply offering gym users what they really need – safe, high-quality gym equipment that gets the job done – gyms are able to provide memberships at much lower costs than their more expensive (and often superficial) counterparts. In some cases, a month’s membership costs little more than £10 – the equivalent of a few pints down the pub or a fatty meal in a restaurant - and is considerably healthier too.
Rise of the cheap gym concept
At its heart, the concept of a gym is to provide people with space and the right equipment to exercise and get fit in. This new breed of cheap gyms is returning to this idea, rather than dazzling potential customers with dozens of classes that many people will never attend, swimming pool access that isn’t necessarily needed, and high-technology that baffles as much as much as it innovates.
Expensive gyms often double up as health spas and social clubs. If you just want to get fit without all the extras, then the UK’s current wave of cheap gym openings may well be what you, your waistline, and your wallet have been waiting for.
