The last couple of days here in New Zealand haven’t been terribly fun. It’s winter here so it’s cold and rainy. It rained on and off all day long – and by on and off I mean light and heavy. I won’t even depress you with photos of the rainy action. Needless to say, I haven’t been able to get out and explore my immediate surroundings like I hoped I would be able to do.
I did however start looking for a gym to join. I really want to join a gym for a couple reasons:
- it will get me out of the house which I need because my only current excursions are grocery shopping with Kepa’s grandma
- it will get me into a somewhat social situation. at the very least there will be people present who are not soon to be my relatives.
- it will jumpstart my workouts again! between the roadtrip and moving and everything else exercise time was put on the backburner. that makes me sad because I absolutely love working out.
So I have a few very good reasons for getting a gym membership here. And only one deterrant: price. It turns out that just like everything else in this country, gym memberships are expensive. The gyms close enough to where I live to walk (about a mile) are $80 and $100 a month in New Zealand dollars. Of course that gives me a little break since I have a favorable currency exchange rate, but that’s still $70USD for the more expensive gym, which is the one I like better. I never in my wildest dreams would have previously considered $70 a month for a gym membership.
Yet now, even though I’m completely strapped financially and trying to save to pay for my wedding with Kepa I’m actually considering it. Those three reasons I listed before are important reasons and joining a gym would vastly improve my experience here. Sure there is a lot to do outside, and I plan on doing it once the weather is nicer, but I still crave the gym experience with the group classes and social interaction. Being alone all the time including workouts is not at all fun. So now I’m being crazy and really considering the super pricey gym options here.
What do you look for in a gym? Have any suggestions for me to help me make the decision?
Merry Go Round
Decided to try to bring some sort of format to my crazy thoughts and randomness that I want to share all the time. Lemme know if you like it…
E-book News: (Because the e-book is my first project and I’m proud to share news about it!) There was such an awesome response to the e-book sale that I’ve decided to permanently leave the price at $17. I’ve never priced or sold anything before so I had no idea, but $17 (or even lower during future sales…sales are fun!) is a better idea. So get a copy of e-book and create a better health blog now!
Blogging Tip: (Weekly blogging tip is something I would love to start doing because I love talking about blogging.) This week’s blogging tip? KEEP GOING! So many people get frustrated and give up blogging before their blog even gets a chance to take off. I venture to say half of the work is just showing up continually and writing. So keep going!
Favorite Product: (Must start sharing all the awesome things I come across/get sent. Too many cool products out there!) Favorite product this week is a book – the Operation Beautiful book. Still. Because it’s awesome. Have you bought it yet? Checked out the Operation Beautiful blog? Spread some positivity this week! :)
Favorite Link: (Because I spend way too much time finding awesome things online not to share.) Healthy Living Blogs. This is a new project from a few healthy living bloggers, under the awesome leadership of Lindsey, is awesome. You can list your healthy living/healthy food/weight loss blog there and find others – even by location! Make sure you head over there to check it out and get your blog listed.
That’s it for this week! Leave me comments to help me sort out this gym situation, and then have a great weekend! :)
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{ 45 comments }
Well for me cost is key, as is what they have to offer. I like classes so the variety and schedule is important. And then… the other clientele and the feel of the place. Is it relaxed and can I wear anything and feel comfortable? Are people smiling at each other? Or does it feel formal, woman in matchy matchy outfits, no one my age, etc?
I suggest you ask any for a trial membership and go and see how it feels to you. Especially since you hope to connect to others there.
Karen@WaistingTime´s last [type] ..Going against the Grain
Oh I’m definitely doing a trial membership for a week or so at each gym before deciding. :)
I think you should definitely join the gym! Having a great experience while in New Zealand is extremely important. It’s healthy! Plus this way you’re not only finding social interaction you’re also going to be working out and continuing to lose weight!
I say take the leap!
Mrs. O
Mrs. O´s last [type] ..Movie Review – Eat- Pray- Love
PS….I’d love to see that new format each week! I always love suggestions!
Mrs. O
Mrs. O´s last [type] ..Movie Review – Eat- Pray- Love
Great! :)
Oooh, yes, do weekly blogging tip!
I found my totally awesome gym for $42 a month and I love it. Everything else around me and in D.C. is closer to $70. It’s so hard to justify spending that much a month, but to afford it I just cut back on something else. That’s easier said than done, of course, when you’re planning a wedding.
Tracey @ I’m Not Superhuman´s last [type] ..Straighten Up
Okay! Weekly blogging tip is in! I’ll start doing some technical ones too… those are fun! HAHA.
Definitely. I feel guilty like the money should go toward the wedding, but me being healthy for the wedding is also a priority. Hmm.
I pay $48 for my YMCA membership and then an additional $8 for a parking pass at the downtown Y. Once I turn the 30 the price will go up though. The Y’s do an age and income based system. I am completely fine paying the price for the gym, just because I love it so much, it is well maintained, and their are a variety of classes. Besides a trial membership, maybe you could talk to some people who currently use the gym to get their opinion about it as well.
Good luck with your search!
Sarah´s last [type] ..Vacation Time
I’m a supporter of the gym membership too. Think of the $70 a month as an investment in your future! (Whoa…I just sounded like me dad. Or my old economics professor. Haha!) Since getting healthy is so important to you, and (not that I know you aside from your blog but–) it doesn’t seem like you spend wildly on other things, then I think a gym membership is something that you should do for yourself! You’ll get closer to your healthy living goals, you’ll have fun in the classes, you make new kiwi friends…sounds like a no brainer to me! Hopefully the e-book sales boost will pay for your membership! :)
Also,,,would Kepa join with you? If he’s interested, they sometimes have couples memberships and the rate per person would probably be less than you joining alone….
Melissa´s last [type] ..Zucchini Brownies- Take 1…and- Action!
I like that idea. An investment in my future. :)
I’m not sure if Kepa will be joining. I didn’t check out the couples price but maybe I can talk him into it. ;)
I would certainly be joining the gym if I was you. I understand financial crunch as we have one as well but just think the benefits far outweigh the price. I looked for good hours of operation. AND I love the group exercise so it would be really important to me that they offer classes that I love, at a time i can be there at.
Good luck with your decision. Thanks for the link to Healthy Living Blog!
Leah´s last [type] ..Hooray for Smaller Pants!
I pay 85 dollars for Crunch in New York and it’s worth every.single.penny.
It’s definitely a sacrifice, but the locker rooms are beautiful (they have free shampoo, conditioner, etc. and lotion! LOTION!!) and the fitness classes are AMAZING and they’re rescheduled all throughout the day. I realized that I pay for what I get. And I can’t put a price on my health.
I use to go to Lucille Roberts and UGH. After awhile I stopped going, because it was so lacking. It closed too early, there wasn’t many machines and the fitness classes were so limited. Lucille is so cheap! I was paying for what I was getting.
Hope you find what’s right for you!
-A-
Alexia´s last [type] ..Wednesday Weigh-In
Typos & wrong tenses GALORE!
Alexia´s last [type] ..Wednesday Weigh-In
I love typos! LOL
That gym sounds awesome even if it is 85 dollars! I’m going to take your outlook and think in terms of quality.
I have to say that when I was looking for a gym, I went with the one that is about $22 a month. I also like them because they have a cardio theatre i.e.TVs on just about every piece of equipment.
I also have the rock climbing gym membership which I signed up for during the yearly sale which averages out to about $17 per month.
Occasionally, I pay to swim at a different facility which makes me think that I should just go ahead and join the Y only I like the old-fashioned pool that I go to.
If there were a 24 Hr Fitness close to me, I would join since there membership is like $39 a month.
And, during the summer, I feel like I’m wasting money because I hardly see the inside of the gym.
If you can squeak out the $70 for awhile, I’d say go for it…
‘Drea´s last [type] ..Make Yourself Taller
Yeah I’d like to at least do it for a while, especially during the rainy season which seems to be the next few months. Plus it would be nice to meet people while I’m new here. Then in summer when I can go play outside I can reconsider. That’s a great idea.
While $70 is quite expensive, think about how easy it is to drop that much throughout the month on dinners, snacks, coffees, movies, etc. It’s a good investment in your life and in your health, and I’m sure you could find a few things to cut out if you really try. If not, maybe see if they would let you work part time there? a lot of places will allow you to work PT at the front desk or help with cleaning and offer a discounted or free gym membership in exchange.
Beth @ Beth’s Journey to Thin´s last [type] ..Ping Pong Dim Sum
I’ve had experience working at gyms before so I’m hoping that would be a possibility. I’d love a job and a gym!
It really depends on what they have to offer. I like a gym that has full rooms of cardio and weight equipment, a pool if I ever want to swim, as well as a whole array of classes. That way, I always have plenty of options, and I’m not just going to be stuck doing the same thing all the time.
I pay $50 a month for my gym membership, which has all of the above amenities, and it’s worth its weight in gold to me. I find that if I’m working out at home, or outside, I don’t focus, and I don’t push myself as hard as when I’m in an actual gym. I think it would defnitely be worth your while to join, but that’s just my opinion. Being healthy is a priority to me.
Good luck with your decision!
Thanks Hope. It’s a priority to me too and I don’t focus or try hard enough on my own at home. It’s too easy to get distracted. ;) While these gyms don’t have a pool or other things I like they are still going to be helpful. So I’m definitely going to join one or the other.
Mary, I say definitely pay for the gym membership. Not only for your listed very important health reasons, but because getting involved in your new community and meeting friends and like-minded individuals is VERY important! Doing this will help prevent depression/blues/isolation, which are common after a big move, particularly when you move to an area where you don’t know anybody. If you can figure out a way to pay for it- do it! (not sure if you have a working visa or not, as a previous poster’s suggestion of working at a gym was a great idea but may not be feasible for you)
Sara
I do have a working visa! Job + gym search here I come! :)
If the choice is between that and nothing, then I would definitely do it. The psychological (and physical) advantages would outway the heavy price tag.
Are you living with his family?! Anything for a change of scenery would be worth it to me!
I am living with his family. I love them, but a change in scenery and people would be nice. ;)
The most important thing for me at a gym is a POOL. I prefer salt water. And I don’t want to have to fight for lanes. So not a lot of classes or swim teams using the pool is a must.
I also want hours that work for my schedule.
Lisa´s last [type] ..Veggie Pasta Salad Recipe
Is there a cheaper gym within 3 miles( be great to fit in walks to gym too!)
I think a gym is a good idea esp that you are in a new place and working at home right now AND living with future inlaws while Kepa is at work.It may do more for your mental health actually ;)
I would want in a gym that is pricey like that….
-very clean and nice shower room and amenities
-LOTS of group classes on sched-yoga,spinning,weightlifting type,zumba,
aerobic,pilates etc etc
-includes a meeting with a trainer to show you how to use equip,fitness assesment etc
-friendly,non intimidating atmosphere
I have found the cheapest gyms where I live are at the universities/colleges-I
highly recommend you check those out price wise (even if you have to take a bus there)….
Love to hear what you find/decide! I would also make myself go a minimum 4-5 times a week if I am investing that much plus wanting to kickstart health etc.
PS What do you think of this cosmetic weightloss surgery ad you have on your blog?
That doesn’t seem in line with your way of thinking….is it hard to accept ads one may not necessarily want to promote?
Boo. I don’t always necessary agree with the ads shown on my blog by Google. Sometimes I do and sometimes I don’t, but I don’t have a say over what they show. I am unhappy with those kinds of ads and have started seeking out advertisers I approve of to replace those kinds of ads altogether. Since I have no other income I haven’t taken the ads down because they do supply me with money each month which I need, especially since I don’t have another job yet. So while I do not agree with them I do still need them until I find a better option. I hope you don’t judge me based on the ads.
I certainly would never judge you!
It was more of a weird feeling at seeing that ad pop up since it seemed to be so opposite to your general outlook and beliefs from what I can see.
It is pretty large an ad that you can’t help notice it,so hope you don’t mind me asking about it.(I had a feeling it wasn’t by your choice).
Hope you can get lots of ad placements in the future that jive more with your way in the world, but I didn’t mean to make you worry about it!
Hope you get your luggage soon :) Thanks for replying!
I definitely understand asking about it. I’m not a huge fan of google ads when they display ads that aren’t related to what I write about and hope to fix that situation soon! Thanks for being understanding in the time being. :)
Do it. You will never regret it. This could make a huge difference in how you enjoy the next year in New Zealand. You will meet people, have fun and, most importantly, increase your fitness level. Remember (even though it’s a very, very special one), in the end your wedding day is just one day. This is about the rest of your life.
Love the format Mary! Excellent tips and advice as always.
I definitely vote for paying for the gym costs. the extra expense will be extra incentive to make sure you get your money’s worth! I regularly spend a quarter of my income on my trainer, gym, class expenses and I have yet to regret a penny of it!
Meegan´s last [type] ..I like to move it- move it – but I didn’t always…
Well if you can spend a quarter of your income then I can definitely squeeze this. (Pretty close to a quarter of my income – HA!)
I can’t imagine how tough it must be adjusting to a new lifestyle. I would say go for it! Getting out and having a social interaction will be so amazing! I love a group fitness atmosphere and it does more for me mentally than physically. Maybe you can also work at the gym?
Sana´s last [type] ..The Use of SNS to Promote Healthy Living
So much going on with you!!! Good stuff too! :-)
As for gyms, cost is definitely part of the equation for me BUT I also need ease to get to, meaning close, & times. I like to work out at hours others are not around so I do prefer the 24 hour ones. I am not a class person so I want good cardio & weight equipment.
If you like classes, I think you should check that out & drop in on a few you are interested in before committing. Ask the gym about that.. can you come & try a few classes first since that is your main priority. You can check out the instructors & how full they are…
Jody – Fit at 52´s last [type] ..Blueberry Coconut Oatmeal Muffins to Go! Homemade Energy Bars Eggs-RECALL!
Best of luck finding a suitable gym. I’m paying $47/mo and that nearly knocked me out of my socks, but I realized it is worth it to me. That is only a few meals out to eat for our family so it’s not much of a sacrifice. What is good health worth, you know? I get so much out of the gym, I cannot even tell you in a post.
Anonymous Fat Girl´s last [type] ..Yes- Virginia there is a “FITNESS WARRIOR” and it’s ME
Are there any privately owned gyms around you?
in Tauranga, which is where i am the chain gyms (Contours & Configure) are alot more expensive than the locally owned gyms. I also find that with the locally owned gyms they offer you a more personal experience. They still have everything and run classes etc … worth a thought? Also if and when you get a job, a job closer to work might be easier than one closer to home, might expand your options. :)
So far I’ve only found the chain gyms but I’ll look for privately owned ones too. I’m not even sure how to find those so I’ll ask around. Thanks for the idea!
Its not been raining here but its cold and in the 50s and foggy whenever I step outside. I live in a cloud. I hope your weather improves soon. $70? Wow! So I get that some items may be more expensive there, if they are imported. But I don’t understand why a gym would be so expensive. If that’s what they cost though, that’s what they cost, and you might as well go for it. I think mine’s around $40 ish a month, which I still find expensive but necessary. In a gym, I look for: location – if it’s gonna be hard for me to get there (or back) I would never go, even though I really like the gym. Price – if I cant afford it, well, then I guess I cant go. That’s why I don’t go to things like pilates, theyre too $$. Hours – are they open when I would want to go (after work)? Classes – when I started using a gym I didn’t like classes, but now I really do, so if I ever switched, it would have to have some good classes with good teachers at times I could attend. Mine now does. Equipment – are there machines I like and are they adjustable so I can fit into them? And lastly… people – is the gym too crowded at the times I want to go, I want to make sure I can get a locker and onto machines. There is actually a couple branches of my gym that are kinda closer than the one I go to, altho mine isnt that far either, but I don’t go to them cuz theyre TOO CROWDED!
merri´s last [type] ..Might as well face it- im addicted to books
I totally feel the pain of that $70/month pricetag! But the fact you’re considering it really does show where your priorities are. Good for you for making your health a priority!
Chad´s last [type] ..Weekly Weigh-In 43- The Complacency Trap
i’m very fortunate, we have a decent workout room in my apartment building. $70 sounds about average (over here) and if you can’t find it cheaper, i wouldn’t feel too bad about shelling out for it. in the end, it’s totally worth it. you need a way to relieve stress, espeically in this busy time of your life:) do they have a YMCA in NZ?
Angela (the diet book junkie)´s last [type] ..hi- my name is Angela…
No advice about joining gyms as I am an exercise at home kind of gal!
If you think gyms in NZ are bad, you’d die at the cost of London ones.. omgosh! But I make it justified in that if I use it at least 3-4 times per week, my visits worked out a lot cheaper and therefore it wasn’t so bad. {My brain works in warped ways!}
Aly @ Breathe Gently´s last [type] ..Ask me Anything
Just linked to your blog via browsing through Healthy Living Blogs this morning — welcome to NZ :) I don’t have my own fitness/food blog (yet, haha), but I do read several on a regular basis.
I agree that gym memberships are expensive here (as is almond butter, tsk) — I went for one with a 24hr access to fit my working hours and family life etc. Plus, I hate going during the “busy” hours at gym. I got a little bit of a discount at Anytime Fitness by paying for a few months in advance, but on the negative side, it’s a budgetary hit upfront.
I feel your pain!
I’ve spent the last few weeks trying to sort out all the various gym options. It seems $20/week is about the average price here in Auckland. And that’s usually with a 12 month contract.
On Sunday I went to Harbour Fitness at Queen and Victoria. They’re new and not super flash. They have decent machines – weights and cardio – and have classes, as well, included in the membership. You can sign up for a 3 month contract and if you pay in one lump sum, it’s $9.95/week. (Or $10.95/week if you do automatic payments each week). That’s the price for the first 500 members – so not sure how long it’ll last at that price – but if you sign up, that’ll always be your rate, even months and months from now.
There’s free or on-site parking, but I can live with that. It’s not flash, but has everything I need. Plus, if I really get into it and want a bigger, 24/7 type gym, I can leave after 3 months – no huge commitment. Am signing my bf and I up this week.
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