Ever since I was in college, I was a member at a gym. It was a place I could go to clear my head and get my mind right. When I became a stay-at-home mom, I had to cancel my gym membership because financially it was too much, and Braxton hated “child care” facilities. (Most have policies that state if you child cries for longer then 10 minutes, you must come get them. He would cry the entire time, so a workout would never happen.) But now that Braxton feels more comfortable in these settings, we are considering rejoining a gym. Here are some of the gym’s I’ve been a member of over the years, and some of their pros and cons in case your looking to join one as well! (*Prices listed are as of January 2020 in Austin, TX. Prices may vary by city and state.)
- Likes: The hours and classes are great. Depending on what “type” of 24 hour you join, there are more or less options for classes, pools, and how much equipment they have. (There are 4 types of 24 hour gyms; Active, Sport, Super Sport and Ultra Sport.) Usually very clean and a friendly staff. Another plus is that they give discounts for signing a year contract.
- Dislikes: I actually don’t like that there are different memberships. For example, if I’m traveling to Houston and there is a 24 hour fitness nearby, but it is a Super Sport and I only have a Sport membership then I can’t go work out there. Even though its a 24 hour fitness. Also, depending on which type you sign up for, towels and lockers are extra.
- Cost: If you decide to sign a year contract, there is no initiation fee. If you decide to just go month-to-month, there is a $9.99 start up fee. For a Sports membership, it’s $36.99 monthly, but with the year contract it brings it down to $31.99 monthly. For a Super-Sport membership, it’s $46.99 monthly, but with the year contract it brings it down to $41.99 monthly.
- Childcare: Childcare is not included in your membership. You can buy a one day pass, or just pay monthly.
- Likes: This is my favorite of all the gyms I’ve attended. It’s got clean, organized machines and work out spaces. Never really super packed. Lots of equipment so you aren’t waiting on anyone. Has an indoor and outdoor pool. Lots of class options. Multi-level with spaces for sports as well. Towels and lockers are included.
- Dislikes: The cost. It’s the most expensive of all the gyms I’ve been to, but it’s honestly the best.
- Cost: There is a $29 sign up free, and then it is $109 monthly.
- Childcare: Childcare is not included in the monthly fee. It is an additional $15 per child monthly fee. Children must be at least 3 months old, and babies under 1 year old must be signed up ahead of time to reserve a spot. They do have classes and camps for children 3 years and older.
- Likes: The classes are great, and they have locations almost everywhere. There is also an indoor pool.
- Dislikes: It can be an intimidating place. I would say it usually has more “meat heads” then most other types of gyms.
- Cost: You can choose to pay one year in full for $439, no enrollment fee, and a 1 time annual fee of $49. Or you can sign a 1 year contract and pay $39.99 a month, with no enrollment fee and a recurring annual fee of $49. Or you can just pay monthly for $39.99 a month, with an enrollment fee of $49 and a recurring annual fee of $49.
- Childcare: Not sure if this is included or an additional cost.
- So to be honest, I have never had a membership to a YMCA, but we are looking into it as an option since Blair used to go all the time as a kid and enjoyed it. It’s family friendly and cost efficient.
- Cost: Individual membership is $38 monthly, a couple membership is $76 monthly, and a family membership is $82 monthly. (For a family membership, it’s two adults and all children under the age of 23.)
- Childcare: This is included if you have a family membership.
As a teacher and coach, I’ve also just worked out at our school weight rooms. Free and great equipment, so if you are a middle or high school teacher, I would talk to your athletic directer about access to your gym and weight room! (Blair uses his office gym in the morning as well.)
We can’t wait to work on our own health and fitness in 2020!
