Benefits of Joining a Gym

Americans spend an estimated $33 billion at gyms, health centers, health clubs, and studios each year. Going to the gym has several advantages, whether with a paid or free membership. In addition to working on a defined physique, the person has the opportunity to meet like-minded people and be in an environment that inspires a person to commit to working out.

Whether paying for a membership or through a free membership, going to the gym can have a few advantages. Last year, when many found themselves having to budget, gym memberships moved downward. Data from Run Repeat shows that 72.14 percent of those who had gym memberships before 2020 found another way to exercise, and 39.14 percent of avid gym goers let their membership lapse and bought home fitness equipment.

As of March 2021, many of these people had failed to return to the gym, with almost 71 percent reporting not returning to their gyms and nearly 40 percent of gym members stating they had no intention of returning. Last year many were forced to find other ways to remain fit, but now that the gyms are open, gym memberships hold many advantages over alternatives.

Many gyms hire trained professionals to provide their members with individual or group instruction. The instructor shows the gym member the proper form to lift weights to prevent back issues, muscle strains, and other injuries in individual instruction. Meanwhile, group classes offered through a gym are another guidance-related benefit. Group classes provide participants guidance to perform particular exercises and opportunities for socialization.

According to a University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine study cited in a 2017 Shape article, those who enrolled in workout classes reported they experienced less stress and a better quality of life than those who did not. The study spanned 12 weeks and involved medical students split into three groups, each given a different fitness regimen. The first group participated in one group class a week, group two worked out alone or with one or two partners twice a week, and the last group engaged in no exercise.

The students reported their experience on three surveys, each survey given every four weeks. The first group (class participants) reported lower stress levels and improved physical, mental, and emotional quality of life. Those who exercised but not in group classes (Group 2) only experienced an increase in their quality of life. Finally, those who did not work out saw no change in either quality of life or stress levels.

One of the reasons this might be is because collective exercise where individuals engage and interact with each other during gym hours engenders a sense of community in those who attend the gym regularly, whether working out alone or in classes. Ultimately, these interactions can culminate in finding supportive people who inspire the desire to be fit.

Finally, the gym also offers members the chance to choose from various amenities, depending on the gym. Gyms typically provide free weights and machines and provide different elliptical machines. The gym might also have a pool and other amenities, depending on the size.