Don’t Shop On Price

You’ve heard the phrase, “ You get what you pay for?” Usually this is in reference to disappointment when an inexpensive item disappoints by breaking or a service that falls short of expectations. We’re all familiar with the phrase and the truth behind it. Yet people continuously find themselves in a position where that phrase applies. The truth is often that you either pay to do it right the first time or you pay twice (or more) to do it over (and often over) again. 

Let’s apply this to fitness. You get what you pay for. Join a gym like Planet Fitness for $20 a month, and what are you getting for $20 a month? You get access to the building, use of the equipment, and access to some crowded generic group classes. Did you know that a staggering 63-67% of gym memberships go unused? That’s crazy! Now why do you think that is?

I have a few thoughts on this. For one, I think the price is too low for people to find it valuable. At $10-$59 on average per month it’s very easy to find an excuse and not have any second thoughts about wasting your money. Evidence shows that higher priced gyms have  10-15% better attendance than low cost gyms. Why? Because you perceive it to be more valuable, and it’s more painful to waste that money by not using the service. 

Another reason is most people don’t really know what they’re going to do when they get to the gym. I’ve asked people every time they come to my gym for the first time, “What were you doing before at the other gym?” The answer is generally the same: “some cardio on the machines and then I’d do some of the arm machine things, and the leg machine thing.” Ok, how did that workout for you? Sometimes they’d say” fine” or “it was ok”. Sometimes they’d say “not well, I stopped going”. It’s really hard to get somewhere without any directions. It’s like walking around a new city with no map or no GPS. Sure, you keep walking and eventually you’ll get somewhere, but no guarantee that it’s anywhere you want to be and it might even take you farther away from your goal. 

Finally, and this is not as obvious at first glance, but when you think about it you might be like, “wow”. The lack of accountability and perpetual anonymity. The number 1 reason people hire a personal trainer is accountability. “I need someone to push me,” “ I need to know someone is counting on me to show up,” “I feel guilty if I cancel on someone at the last minute.” They’re all saying the same thing -they want to be held accountable. Planet Fitness or any of the other budget gyms, do not care if you show up and workout or not. They don’t even know who you are. They don’t know what you do for a living, that you have kids, that your mom or dad is sick, or that you’re going through a divorce. The only thing they care about is that you pay your monthly membership. So there is no accountability and that is exasperated by the fact that you are completely anonymous. 

What is the point Jason? Isn’t it obvious? Find a place that sets you up for success. Find a gym or personal training boutique that charges enough to make you want to use it, but fits your budget. Find a place that provides scientifically based exercise planning, guidance, and education. Sign-up for a gym where they know who you are. Not just your name, but your trials, your challenges, your family, your day to day -and they care. If you don’t show up, they care. If you’re having a hard time -they care. It really does matter. 

If you live on Long Island, that place is Iron Monkey Strength (shameless self plug). There are lots of great personal training boutiques or studios that do this too. You have to look for them. Please stop wasting your money on budget gyms. Find a caring, qualified place where you get what you pay for and more. Have questions? Reach out. Live on Long Island and want to finally stop wasting your time and money -reach out. We’re here for ya.