Is a gym membership worth it? Membership vs day pass

A membership is only a good deal if you go. The maths is simple, and the honest question is about habit.

The break-even number

Divide the membership price by the day pass price. That is the number of visits at which the membership becomes cheaper.

Example: a 3-month membership at Rs 5,000 and a day pass at Rs 250 break even at 20 visits. Over 3 months, that is about 1.5 visits a week.

Use the gym membership break-even calculator with your own numbers.

Questions to ask before you pay

• Can I get to the gym in under 20 minutes?
• Do the opening hours match my schedule?
• Is there a trial day or a refund policy?
• Does the gym have the machines in the Day A and Day B plans?
• Is it clean, and is there enough space at my usual time?

Make the membership pay off

• Set a weekly target, such as 3 sessions, and track it.
• Pack your bag the night before (see the checklist).
• Book the same days each week.
• Track your lifts so that you can see progress.

If you have never been to a gym before, start with a trial and the first week guide.

Keep reading

• Gym bag checklistA simple gym bag checklist for beginners: water, towel, shoes, a spare shirt and the other...
• First week at the gymA calm, step-by-step plan for your first week at the gym: what to do on day one, how many ...