Ultimately, we are responsible for our own health. When we make healthy lifestyle choices, we prevent many diseases and increase performance. When we decide to make poor lifestyle choices, we put ourselves at risk of harmful diseases that can greatly reduce our quality of life.

Whether to get a gym membership depends on price and on existing exercise outside of a gym. If you are a person who exercises outdoors regularly or who is active in sports or surfing, then a gym membership is probably not necessary. If you are like most people who do not get enough exercise, then a gym membership is likely to be the best investment of your life, at any cost.

“Physical inactivity poses the greatest health risk to Americans”  and “…causes 1.9 premature deaths worldwide annually.”

In addition to a gym membership being good for your health and longevity, a gym is a place to have fun and meet new people. It is an environment where people meet to improve their health and well-being. Many lifelong (and good for you) relationships are started at a health club. I actually met my husband at the gym! There are also a variety of ways to exercise in the gym. You can use weights, go on cardio equipment, or take classes. You can work-out solo, find a work-out partner, or hire a personal trainer. Most gyms have classes in yoga and Pilates. At private studios, these classes can range from $12-$25 per class. At a gym, classes are usually included in the membership making it very cost efficient.

If you are trying to justify a gym membership, please consider the cost of NOT joining and NOT exercising. I am confident you will see that joining is the better route to go. In the words of Buddha, I conclude.

“Every human being is the author of his own health or disease.”