Working Out for Less at the YMCA
Plump towels, cellulite free women and pumping techno music, these are the things I gave up when I let my expensive gym membership lapse.
When I was a busy retail executive, I barely noticed the costly fees as they were automatically billed to my credit card. Besides, I was a dedicated gym member. I justified the expense because the convenient hours and hip atmosphere inspired me to keep up my fitness commitment. Like me, there are more than 39 million Americans with health club memberships. For many of us looking to stay in shape, we are paying too much. My initiation fee was a pricey $500 (in 1999) and the current 2004 fees were $130 a month.
I became more observant about my monthly expenditures when I started my own freelance writing business. $130 a month goes a long way towards office supplies, marketing efforts and utility bills for a fledgling writer. I gave my notice to the gym director and said a final farewell to the perpetually chipper Lycra-clad models/actresses/singers at the front desk.
My dilemma? How do I stay in shape (safely) without breaking the bank? The answer was so simple-the local Y!
You and I may have temporarily forgotten about them, but the infallible YMCA/YWCA organizations of America are still going strong. Founded in1844 by George Williams and a group of London retailers, the first YMCA was developed in response to unhealthy social conditions arising in large cities at the end of the Industrial Revolution. By 1851, there were 24 Y’s in Great Britain, with a combined membership of 2,700. That same year the Y arrived in North America. There are now more than 2500 YMCA’s in the US.
On average Americans shell out $160 for initiation fees and $55 for monthly dues–according to the 2000 International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association. In Providence, savvy gym rats can save a bundle with a Y membership. Michael Dunkle, Program Director at the InTown Providence Y, says his rates are very competitive.
Here’s a sampling of the savings:
Adult $39/month
Family $55/month (unlimited children)
Seniors $49/month
All rates are subject to a $100 initiation fee, but Dunkle mentioned that the Y runs a few yearly no initiation fee promotions. Compared to other clubs in the area such as the Davol Club ($64 a month for an adult membership plus a $89 processing fee) or The Capitol Club ($72 a month) this is a significant savings.
Besides the low fees, the Y also offers some additional perks. All new members are given three free orientation sessions (normally these sessions are $35/hour). Each session involves a personal trainer and lasts 45 minutes to an hour. Joining an individual club in Providence allows members reciprocal access to all eight YMCA in the Providence area (two of the locations have pools). For those just getting back into a fitness routine, the “Heart and Sole Program” provides ample inspiration. Join up for this walking workout with a group of Y members and enjoy a fitness excursion in your community led by a trained fitness instructor. Seniors have an array of options such as organized field trips, strength and toning classes and access to the YMCA Power Zone (the Y’s answer to an Internet CafÃ?©). For families, the Y offer members free child care during designated hours. For more information call 401.521.9622 or log on to: info@gpymca.org
I signed up on my first visit to the Y and I am continually impressed with the Y’s services. The cardio room has a wide array of machines with the latest technology. I’ve never had to wait more than five minutes to hop on a treadmill and begin my workout. The weight room is well equipped and brightly lit. Unlike my fancy gym, at the Y I’ve never seen a machine out of order.
The towels aren’t too fluffy and the bodies in the locker room may less than model perfect, but the Y feels warm and comfortable. Even if I become a six-figure freelancer, I don’t think I’ll let go of my membership. My fitness level is better than ever and my bottom line is healthy too!
