As we turn the corner into a new year, it’s a popular time for people to assess and reorder their priorities, and fitness is frequently near the top. However, there are barriers that can derail someone from pursuing this beneficial activity, such as scheduling or fear of failure.
One of the most common objections I hear from those who walk into my gym is the price. And believe me, I understand. Why pay money for a trainer or a gym membership? What value am I getting from this that makes it worthwhile?
When Fitness Starts Feeling Like One More Expensive Thing on the List
House payment, car payment, insurance payment, utilities, groceries, and the list goes on… adding another bill to your stack seems like a bad idea, especially after the spending spree of the holidays drains what’s left of your bank account.
It also seems unnecessary to pay more money for membership to your local CrossFit gym when you could go to a conventional gym for half the price, or even workout in your garage for next to nothing. So why do people do it?
The answer is simple: because it works.
The Question I Hear All the Time: “Is This Really Worth the Money?”
After coaching hundreds of clients through thousands of workouts, I can say with absolute certainty that, when applied consistently and correctly, functional exercise produces results. What kind of results? I can only speak for my members, but time and time again I’ve seen people lose fat, build muscle, feel better, become more athletic, and improve their overall health.
So, while it may not seem like a worthwhile investment at first, you’ll quickly discover that prioritizing your fitness will improve almost every other area of your life –– career, hobbies, relationships, self-image –– and if you find the right environment, you might even have fun along the way.
I Used to Think the Gym Was “Too Expensive” — Until I Thought About My Parents
Still not convinced it’s worth the money? My mom developed Type II diabetes in her 40s, and she had a stroke when she turned 70. I’m thankful for the doctors and surgeons who saved her life, but I can tell you her hospital bills and prescription medications are far more expensive than a gym membership.
My dad was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s in his 50s, and he passed away a few years ago. I can promise you that my entire family would have given any amount of money we had to go back in time and mitigate the effects of that terrible disease (and yes, functional exercise has been shown to positively affect brain function and slow neurological decline).
This Is the Part of Aging No One Prepares You For — Until It’s Already Here
If you’re young and these scenarios haven’t even crossed your mind, you might be tempted to think “I’ll deal with that later.” Or maybe you’re like me, and you have a parent going through this right now. Either way, the best investment you can make in yourself is to take care of your body through regular, functional exercise, including both strength training and metabolic conditioning. And if you don’t know how to do that effectively, that’s why we have a team of qualified coaches ready to help you.
Paying a Little Now vs. Paying a Lot Later
So the question is, would you rather pay for a gym membership now, or face a mountain of hospital bills later? Personally, when thinking about how much money is spent in the healthcare industry, I have no problem investing in my health so my 60-year-old self can stay out of the hospital or the nursing home.
Yes, it might require sacrificing some non-essential items in your budget, or even carving out a few hours in your already busy work week, but just like a financial investment, this will pay dividends later.
Why Functional Exercise Isn’t About Looking Good — It’s About Staying Independent
Earlier I spoke to the young people, but those of you who are older understand that fitness is about more than six-pack abs or fitting in your pants again (although there’s nothing wrong with that!). It’s about being independent for as long as possible, to be able to walk your dog or play with your grandkids when you’re 60, 70, even 80 years old.
I once heard that the number one reason people go to assisted living is because they can’t stand up by themselves. I don’t know if that statistic is still true, but I do know that I want to prevent that situation for as long as possible for as many people as possible.
Functional Exercise as a Long-Term Investment
Circling back to that earlier question of “Is it worth the money?” the answer is obviously a resounding “yes!” It’s hard work and definitely an investment, but it’s absolutely worth it.
In many areas of life, long-term gain requires short-term sacrifice, and health is no different. Putting your time, energy, and money into functional exercise will reap rewards. Like Jim Rohn famously said, “We all must suffer one of two things: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. The difference is discipline weighs ounces while regret weighs tons.”
If You’re Nervous, Unsure, or Feel “Out of Shape,” You’re Exactly Who This Is For
Finally, to everyone who has read this far, but you’re still on the fence, whether it’s because of money, time, or fear of failure, I would love the chance to talk to you further. You can schedule a Free Consultation to talk with one of our coaches and see if we’re the right fit for you.
Spencer Smith
Owner & Head Coach
