Paying for exercise, what are your thoughts?

its_maths_not_magic

I've got a decision to make and wanted some other's opinions as you may think of something I haven't. I want to exercise more than I do now. The problem is, I don't like a lot of exercise so tend not to do it. I do, however, love to swim. So the question is, should I save that money (it is going to cost myself and my husband £13.50 per week) or not?

Part of me thinks I should save the money as I can always walk, which is for free but then another part thinks I should spend the money on actually enjoying excersising and the stress relief it brings once a week. I can afford it, but that doesn't mean I should spend it. However, it is my health I'm talking about and that has a high priority in my mind.

Any thoughts anyone?

oldhand

Own opinion go for the swimming.You will feel much better and are more likely to stick at doing something you enjoy.Walking is free but when you look out the window on a cold wet day its hard to work up the enthusiasm.......

koselur

I agree with oldhand - for me the most effective exercise is the kind that I will actually do. Have had gym memberships in the past and hardly went - not for me, and no amount of promising myself made me go on a regular basis.

My yoga class on the other hand is something I look forward to every week. I also do some workouts at home in front of youtube - that works for me.

Your health is important! You say you can afford it and while it seems like a lot of money you can't put a price on being healthy and stress-free!

If you feel you would genuinely go walking as much as you would swim then great - only you know the answer to that.

For me, I would rather pay for exercise that I actually do than go for the free option and end up in front of the telly that works the other way round too!

GwylimT

Paying for swimming is no different to buying fruit and veg, they are mentally and physically beneficial therefore they are vital.

sofarbehind

Pay to swim. Definitely. My gym subscription will not be cancelled because I use it, or the unlimited swimming and yoga anyway! It's given me a more constructive thing to do with my free time than shopping, which is what got me into a mess.

mjrs85

Absolutely agree with all the above replies.

Sure, the vast majority of us found our way to this board as a result of ending up in a bit of a financial mess, and yes - it's important to make as many sacrifices as you can in tackling that debt. No needless expenditure is good expenditure when you're in debt after all.

But, you've got to look at the balance of things both for your own mental / physical well being, and the debt you're trying to tackle as a whole. I personally enjoy the gym and exercise classes much more than I do going for a walk and running outside, and despite being in debt happily pay £25 a month for it. Much like sofarbehind above, my argument would be that the £25 a month spend keeps me happy, of sound mind, and on track. All of those benefits make it far easier for me to stop spending hundreds of pounds on the weekends shopping and socialising beyond my means, which is what got me into my own personal mess in the first place!

mjrs85

Would just like to add to the above, I totally acknowledge that everyone's situation is different, and in some circumstances the cost of a gym membership can be the difference between having some money to throw at debts come the end of the month or not.

But yeah - if your personal situation allows, then I think the benefits can outweigh the cost, even in terms of tackling your debts.

JasX

I agree too, were we talking you both having a £70 a head gym memberships the comments might be different but if you are making regular use of it the health benefits will be very much worth it on a 'benefit' per £ level over time

I have a £16 a month 'no frills' gym membership I maintain which keeps me ticking over nicely

enjoyyourshoes

I would always advocate walking because that's my bag, but if swimming is yours 'fill your boots'


If keen on walking get a 1:25,000 laminated OS map of your local area, OS website gives you free downloadable advice on how to read maps, under resources section.


walking gives you freedom and variety, changing vistas every day (route, weather, seasons etc)

andyfromotley

Hi,

it may just be worth double checking if your pool does a season ticket, which can reduce the cost considerably.

so_very_confused

I recently used some of my emergency fund to enrol in a biking pomotionscheme which provides bikes at far less than the norm. It caused me some soul searching but I did it. I'm so glad I did, the money I am beggining to replace. The benefits far outweigh any concerns I might have had at using the money in this way.
As a previous poster said exercise is akin to fruit and veg ( or something very similar!). I now enjoy completely free hobby that gets me outside and exercising at every opportunity.
So if you can afford it and you enjoy it my advice would be to do it!