Evaluating Fitness Center Fees
Having graduated, I no longer have access to the campus recreation center supported and funded by student fees. I’ve been without a gym for several weeks now and my health, stress, and sleep levels are showing it. So, it is time to evaluate the local gyms since we now have a place to live (more on that later).
On first impression, I am greatly underwhelmed with the two county facilities I visited this evening. I guess comparison to an expensive, well funded gym to one that survives on county funding and local memberships to supplement their budget is a setup for disappointment. Now, the dilemma is: which poor candidate is the best candidate?
West Facility:
12 month Individual Membership – $135
nothing available for the daughter
East Facility:
12 month Individual Membership – Fitness Only – $205
12 month Individual Membership – Aquatics Only – $220
12 month Individual Membership – Fitness & Aquatics – $315
12 month Junior Membership* – Aquatic Only – $135
12 month Family Membership – Aquatic Only – $355
10 swims Junior Pass* – $36
* The Junior annual membership compared to the 10-swim pass: The daughter would need to go more than 3.125 times a month to make the annual membership the better option. Considering how busy life gets, I think the pass would be a better option for the daughter because the months she go more would be balanced by the months she goes less. Plus, considering holidays and summer, an annual membership would be too much of a commitment for someone so young.
East Facility Pros/Cons:
+ swimming
+ bike trail access
+ the daughter’s friends go often
+ lap swim available all day
+ 6am opening
+ indoor tennis
+ personal training
- pay per use lockers
- no rental lockers available
- small fitness area (maybe 15 cardio machines)
West Facility Pros/Cons
+ somewhat improved fitness center
- no swimming
- 9am start time
- bike access more difficult
Nothing really sells me on the West facility and I’d go with the East just because that is all that is left. However, with these options, I’m going to check out a commercial gym that is a few miles down the road. It lacks bike access, is a bit further than I want to go, but may be my only option if I want a place that is anything like the campus center.