I usually workout at home, so I don’t have much experience paying for fitness classes, but last year I started paying for several fitness programs, and I am beginning to realize that the benefits go beyond any given session.
The first program I started paying for was Tina’s Best Body Bootcamp. I wasn’t sure about paying for a fitness program that I would be doing at home, but I have a lot of respect for Tina and heard great things about her program, so I signed up for the summer session. Even though the price is a bargain, knowing that I paid for the workouts made me that much more motivated to stick to the schedule, even when several business trips could have provided excuses to drop out.
Business trip to the Broadmoor–not a bad place for a workout!
I hesitated to sign up for the current Winter 2014 session because I have more business travel scheduled, but when Tina said that it might be her last, I decided I would make it work. (We are just starting week 2 of 8, so it’s not too late if you want to join me!)
Another fitness program that I pay for is spinning class. At the studio I go to (Revolve in Arlington, Virginia), you are encouraged to sign up in advance, although drop-ins are permitted if the class is not full.
Except when the roads have been icy, I have never missed a “ride” that I signed up for (and paid for) in advance–even the 5:30 pm classes that require me to dash out of work early. More recently I’ve been taking 6:00 am classes that don’t always fill up. I’ve thought about going on a drop-in basis, but I realized that the fact that I’ve paid for the class keeps me from changing my mind when I face the dreaded chore of organizing everything I need for spinning and work.
My Reebok gym bag with all the stuff I need to shower and get dressed for work.
My GMU bag with my spin shoes and water bottle.
My purse.
My lunch bag with my lunch and snacks for work.
My work bag with my laptop and work papers.
My 4:45 am alarm has nothing on how much I hate getting all this stuff together. I am so afraid of forgetting something essential for work, and I have forgotten (on different days) face lotion, hair styling products, and earrings. At least I haven’t forgotten my clothes! I know I would be tempted to avoid this hassle if I hadn’t already paid.
I also purchased a package of the weekly yoga classes that are offered at work. Although I can’t always take a one hour break to attend, because I have paid for a package of sessions, I make more of an effort to go when I can.
If you haven’t guessed by now, I think the hidden value of paying for fitness classes is the extra motivation of having paid for a class. Maybe it’s because I’m such a cheap skate so frugal, but if I’ve paid for something, I get frustrated if I don’t get my money’s worth.
Now, who will help me use up the package of ice skating sessions that I paid for in November? The Polar Vortex has iced my plans for weekly skate breaks!
Do you pay for any fitness classes?
Do you think paying in advance makes you more motivated to go?
Have you ever forgotten to pack something essential in your gym bag?
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I caint lie.
Im so so so so cheap but I think there’s also the commitment of a class I feel I cant do right now with the child and the puppy.
and Im cheap.
and I own too many dvds to get less cheap….YET.
I love group fitness classes! Just joined a gym.. and am definately more motivated to go knowing that I am paying for it.
One of the reasons I run is to cut back on expenses. Running doesn’t cost me anything. But I can totally understand how having paid for something, makes you much more motivated. After all: you want to get your money’s worth!
Yes, a great advantage of running is that you don’t have to pay for it — although there is lots of fun running gear to spend money on if you want to. 😉
You’re so right- paying for it definitely makes me want to be more accountable and show up! I only pay for a gym membership right now, but even that helps motivate me to actually use it.
Never forgot to pack anything essential in a gym bag, but once forgot to put on my bra. That was much more tragic.
I don’t think I could make it out my house without a bra on, but it would be a disaster if I didn’t bring a clean one to wear at work. I think I’d have to go home!
I don’t tend to pay for classes – I’ve thought about trying some out just to mix things up but not going to while the weather is so awful!!!
You do a great job of staying motivated and mixing things up at home. I’ve seen your DVD collection! 😉
I LOVE my group outdoor fitness class — even went in 12 degrees last week! It’s the camaraderie and the knowing that if you don’t show up, you’ll regret it all day. When I’m lying in bed battling the desire to stay under the covers, I always remember how much better I feel when I DO go. I also run with a group on the other days and again, they’re waiting for you so it’s great motivation to get up and go!
So true! If you know someone else is expecting you — or counting on you — that’s even more motivation!
Your bag situation looks alot like mind! My old project teammates use to call me “bag lady”. I belong to a gym with an excellent selection of fitness classes, until this past weekend I usually did not go to boutique studios. On Saturday I tried a spin class at Ride DC and it was amazing – I plan on going there and my gym because I loved it so much.
I just don’t see how I could do without any of them ! There are guys at work who carry in nothing! Of course they eat out for lunch and don’t go to the gym, but it would be so nice to not be burdened by so much stuff! And spinning is what got me paying in advance! I’ll have to check out Ride DC.
I don’t pay for fitness classes (but that’s because I teach them; another great way to ensure that you always get there!)
I do think that putting your “money where your mouth is” is a great motivation and accountability tool. That’s why many of my personal training clients see me weekly.
I’d love to go spinning with you! Just not at 4:45 am!
Hah! The 4:45 alarm is so I have time to walk the dog, have a bite to eat, and get to the studio which is closer to work than home. There’s also a 5:30 pm class I like. 😉
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