Fill Your Gym Bag With These 6 Essential Items

A lot of us are looking for more time to work out and more ways to save money. (In fact, it’s probably no surprise that saving money was the most popular New Year’s Resolution for the year.)

So, if you’re looking to get two birds with one stone, you might be thinking, “I wonder if there are any affordable gyms near me?”

It can be tricky to locate a gym that fits your workout needs and budget. Not every affordable gym option has the best value, so how do you find the right one?

Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll help you understand how much it costs to go to the gym, as well as how to get the most value out of an affordable gym membership. 

And if you want to learn about Planet Fitness’ affordable membership options, find a club near you for support and expert guidance on how to get started. 

What is the Average Cost of Gym Memberships?

In 2022, average dues for gym memberships in the US were $59 each month, but that doesn’t tell the whole story since some gyms are way more expensive, and others much cheaper. 

The cost of gym memberships varies depending on a ton of factors—amenities at the gym, location, and club hours, to name a few. 

Pricing Plans & Membership Tiers

It’s pretty rare for gyms to only have a singular membership option. Multiple tiers and pricing plans allow members to customize their exercise experience based on their needs. 

Most gyms offer a basic membership to use the standard gym equipment and a premium option that allows access to additional amenities. Some gyms let you choose between an annual contract and a monthly membership.

So, on the one hand, if you commit yourself to regularly going to the gym all year, an annual contract may be the best option for you. But on the other hand, monthly memberships offer flexibility without a long-term commitment. 

Your gym may also provide additional discounts to your membership or run promotional specials, so be sure to ask a team member for help when you’re exploring options.

Examining Other Costs

Membership cost is one factor, but your membership may also include additional fees such as annual dues, orientation fees, processing charges, and class registration costs. Every gym is different, but these can add up. If you’re aiming to save money, it’s helpful to consider any additional costs.

Sometimes, gyms cost money in ways you never consider. For example, lockers might only be available through rentals, but others might let you use them for free. Even just getting to the gym can cost money. So, unless your gym is within walking distance, you’ll need to consider the cost of any gas, parking, or public transit fares.

Other Factors to Consider

But as we mentioned earlier, cost isn’t everything. A few final things to consider when making a gym membership decision: 

Operating Hours & Availability

You live a busy life. If you want a gym membership, make sure it's open when you’re free to work out. Maybe you like early morning or late night workout sessions. You should focus on finding a gym that will let you access it when you want to.

Community & Atmosphere

If you’re new to exercising or enjoy the social aspect of working out, look for a gym with a welcoming and motivating atmosphere, supportive team members, and workout classes.  You’ll be more interested in returning to the gym if you can tell that folks there want to include you. 

Weighing Your Options

When choosing a gym, there’s a lot to consider. Searching for “cheap gyms near me” will only get you so far. If you want to find an affordable gym, you have to focus on two things: a price that fits your budget and a membership that is supportive and valuable to you on your fitness journey. Ultimately, an affordable gym should provide a high-quality experience that fits your lifestyle and budget.

At Planet Fitness, we believe in providing a high-quality workout experience at an affordable cost. We also have different membership options, so you can pick the one that works best for you.

Our Classic Membership offers the best value on the planet with tons of equipment and clean, spacious facilities in our Judgement Free Zone®. You’ll enjoy unlimited access to your home club, free in-club fitness training, and tons of workouts on the PF App. Plus, being a Planet Fitness member gets you awesome deals & discounts on top brands you love that will fuel your fitness journey.

Our most popular membership—the PF Black Card®—is loaded with perks including use of any Planet Fitness worldwide, bringing a guest every time you work out, access to premium PF+ workouts & discounts, use of the Black Card Spa® where you can relax in massage chairs & HydroMassage™—just to name a few.*

Want to learn more? Visit your local club or get started now for FREE on the PF App.

*Services and perks subject to availability and restrictions. State and local restrictions on tanning frequency with PF Black Card® memberships apply. Participating locations only. See club for details.

Wellness isn't just about working out, and your path to well-being should be as relaxing as it is invigorating. That's where recovery activities like massage therapy-and more specifically, HydroMassage™-come in. HydroMassage™ fuses modern technology and ancient therapeutic techniques to relax your body, reduce tension, and promote recovery.

Below, we'll explore what HydroMassage™ is and its benefits for gym-goers. We'll also let you in on the perfect time to enjoy a few of these revitalizing HydroMassage™ sessions for yourself.

Don't start your wellness journey alone. Find a club near you for support and expert guidance when you need it.

What is Hydrotherapy?

Let's start with a little bit of history. Hydrotherapy is a holistic healing method that uses water to treat various health issues, including injury, stress, and pain. A naturopathic treatment widely used throughout the centuries, hydrotherapy utilizes water at different temperatures, pressures, durations, and sites to produce physiological and therapeutic effects on different body systems.

What is HydroMassage™?

HydroMassage™ is a type of hydrotherapy, although the two terms differ. Hydrotherapy involves soaking in warm water and enjoying types of massage via strong jets in a hot-tub-style setting.

HydroMassage™ gained popularity in the 1960s and has evolved alongside 21st-century technology. A HydroMassage™ table or chair is a massage machine that allows users to receive all the benefits of a relaxing massage while staying dry, comfortable, and in control. With the simple push of a button, the proper pressure and temperature are immediately available, providing a personalized and rejuvenating experience.

The Benefits of HydroMassage™ for Gym-Goers

Since the 1980s, collaborative research and review efforts have produced an astounding amount of scientific evidence to conclude that hydrotherapy is beneficial in the following ways:

• Stimulates blood circulation.

• Promotes relaxation.

• Reduces inflammation.

• Improves joint mobility and muscle flexibility, which is beneficial in recovering from injuries or relief from chronic conditions like arthritis.

• Enhances the immune system and aids in detoxification processes within the body.

The evolution of hydrotherapy into HydroMassage™ brings numerous benefits for gym-goers, supported by scientific evidence.

HydroMassage™: Before or After Workouts?

The best time to experience HydroMassage™? As often as possible! This therapeutic massage is difficult to overdo, so as often as you have time to indulge, it's a win for your body.

Before a workout, HydroMassage™ can be beneficial for flexibility, stress reduction, and relaxation. But stick to a gentle, low-pressure massage pre-workout in order to avoid deep massages that could cause muscle soreness and poor performance. And make sure you're also practicing a dynamic stretching sequence before diving into your workout.

After a workout, HydroMassage™ therapy offers numerous benefits, including reducing muscle soreness and inflammation and speeding up recovery. Deep-tissue massages can be more effective, especially after a workout, as they help improve blood circulation, deliver oxygen to muscles, and increase oxygen flow to affected areas. Post-workout massages also help reduce lactic acid buildup within muscles, which causes soreness due to decreased oxygen supply.

As a holistic therapeutic approach that helps improve overall well-being and performance, there's no wrong time to indulge in HydroMassage™ therapy.

How often should you get a HydroMassage™?

Now, the question remains: What's the ideal frequency for HydroMassage™ sessions? The answer is, well, it depends upon your unique needs and preferences. For some, weekly sessions could be the perfect routine, providing consistent stress relief and recovery. Others may find that an occasional indulgence suits their lifestyle better. Luckily, one of our favorite things about HydroMassage™ is its adaptability; it's a therapeutic treat that can align seamlessly with your individual wellness goals. Listen to your body and incorporate HydroMassage™ as often as it elevates your overall well-being.

Experience HydroMassage™ at Planet Fitness

While regular massage therapy can be expensive, it doesn't have to be. At Planet Fitness, massage chairs and HydroMassage™ are included with our most popular membership-the PF Black Card®. We're committed to supporting your fitness every step of the way, offering expert guidance and a haven for rejuvenation.

HydroMassage™ isn't just a massage; it blends the ancient wisdom of hydrotherapy with modern convenience for the ultimate relaxation and recovery experience. If you're ready to elevate your fitness routine with HydroMassage™, it's as simple as finding a Planet Fitness club near you.*

What are you waiting for? Experience the full benefits of relaxation and recovery by booking a HydroMassage™ session today.

*Amenities and Perks are subject to availability and restrictions. See home club for details.

In recent years, there has been growing interest around GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, which are prescribed for diabetes but often promote a noticeable side effect of weight loss.

Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications can be beneficial for many individuals-under the advisement of a healthcare professional-who are managing diabetes or on a weight loss journey. However, it's important to remember that achieving full-body wellness requires a well-rounded approach. A nutritious diet, regular exercise, and a balanced perspective on fitness are all important, and can be a complement for Ozempic users.

Well-rounded fitness means embracing a comprehensive approach to your health and wellness. It is not just about weight loss and management. It's about fueling and strengthening your body, too.

Understanding Well-Rounded Fitness

Exercise is an important part of any weight loss journey, even for Ozempic users. If you are seeking "weight loss workouts" or "Ozempic exercises," there is no one-size-fits-all approach and remember, it's just one piece of the puzzle.

At Planet Fitness, we look at fitness broadly; it is not just about weight loss or even hitting the gym.

A well-rounded approach to fitness acknowledges that physical, mental, and emotional well-being are interconnected. It recognizes that your health involves much more than numbers on a scale. While many people share a common goal of weight loss, a well-rounded approach prioritizes overall wellness beyond weight, including mental and emotional health, plus physical, functional fitness.

By considering your whole self, well-rounded fitness promotes a more sustainable and fulfilling approach to health and well-being.

How a Well-Rounded Approach to Health and Fitness Can Complement Ozempic Usage

Ozempic regulates blood sugar and suppresses appetite, which can assist in weight loss. However, its effectiveness is maximized when used in conjunction with a well-rounded health and fitness approach. Specifically, healthy lifestyle habits such as regular exercise and a balanced diet can enhance the outcomes of Ozempic and GLP-1 medications.

Incorporating Exercise into Your Routine

Exercise serves as a cornerstone of well-rounded fitness, significantly impacting your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. (Learn about those benefits here!)

Regular physical activity can often lead to weight loss, but that's not the only perk. Regular exercise also contributes to muscle gain, functional fitness, and positive mental well-being.

Let's dive into a few forms of exercise that partner well with most fitness-and weight loss-goals. Below are some examples of accessible, effective workouts that can be integrated into your routine for a well-rounded fitness approach:

• Walking/Jogging: Walking is a low-impact activity suitable for all fitness levels, while jogging offers a more intense workout that burns more calories and improves endurance. Both activities can be done almost anywhere (in your neighborhood or at the gym!), making them versatile and accessible forms of exercise. These simple yet highly effective exercises improve heart health, increase stamina, and aid in weight management.

• Biking: Biking is another type of low-impact, yet effective exercise that offers versatility. Biking targets leg muscles, builds endurance, improves cardiovascular health, and helps with weight management. It can be done outside, on the trails, or inside on a stationary bike, making it an excellent workout for all seasons and preferences.

• Weight training: Weight training is a type of strength training that often includes strength machines or other accessories like dumbbells, barbells, and resistance bands, to name a few. While not always considered a traditional weight loss workout, weight training increases muscle mass, boosts metabolism, and improves functional strength. This, in turn, helps support your overall fitness goals, such as weight loss or maintenance.

• Pilates: Pilates is an fun and engaging workout that focuses on core strength, stability, and body awareness. It also helps to enhance flexibility and muscle tone without overstressing your joints. By emphasizing controlled movements and proper breathing, Pilates offers a mindful way to strengthen your body and manage weight. For Pilates routines or additional workout inspo, check out tons of on-demand videos and guides for free in the PF App.

Of course, your workout plan should be built with YOU in mind. Think about your fitness goals and what well-rounded fitness means to you. Choose activities you enjoy and can sustain over time-taking care of yourself should be fun! For adults, the recommendation is to aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week. Incorporating exercise into your routine is essential for achieving your fitness goals as well as improving your overall health and well-being.

The Role of Nutrition and Diet in Well-Rounded Fitness

A balanced diet plays a key role in fueling your body and boosting your fitness efforts. You don't need to complicate things; start by making simple adjustments. For example, add some leafy greens to your lunch at work, choose a piece of fruit over a pouch of fruit snacks, or opt for whole grains like oatmeal instead of processed ones like crackers.

These small changes can make a significant difference over time. Nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can provide lasting energy, elevate your mood, and aid in muscle recovery. By prioritizing wholesome foods, you can boost your physical performance, mental health, and feel fueled throughout your fitness journey.

Whether or not you use Ozempic or other GLP-1 medications today, proper nutrition can complement your overall wellness journey, leading to a range of benefits such as:

• Enhanced metabolism and digestion

• Boosted immune function

• Sustained energy

• Balanced blood sugar

• Muscle restoration and preservation

Ozempic, Exercise, and Nutrition: A Balanced Perspective

While GLP-1 medications like Ozempic can be a weight loss tool when prescribed by a doctor, it's important to approach weight loss and fitness with a balanced perspective. Exercise and nutrition have the power to positively influence your health and weight loss journey alongside weight loss medication.

Achieving true wellness is about integrating exercise, nutrition, and a balanced perspective into your lifestyle. By adopting a well-rounded approach, you can not only achieve healthy weight loss but also improve overall health and well-being sustainably and long-term.

However you approach your health journey, there's no need to do it alone. Get started at a Planet Fitness near you or on the free PF App for support as you embark on your fitness journey.