How Much Does It Really Cost?: Progress to a health club
Where you live will determine the cost of joining a health club. According to the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association, the median cost to join a health club in 2002 was $55 per month. This takes into account the very high-priced clubs and the lowest priced clubs. I've seen clubs range in price from $19 a month to $100-plus a month. There really is quite a range.
If you live in smalltown America then you are probably looking at paying somewhere in the upper $30s to low $40s per month. For example, I live in a town of approximately six thousand people and as of 2004 our monthly rate for a regular membership is $39, with limited memberships starting at $29.99 per month. Some of the big-name clubs will run promotions where you can get in for only $19 a month.
Now, you must also know that you will probably have to pay an initiation or enrollment fee at most clubs. These are one-time fees paid upon joining. They can range from no fee at all to $200.
Think about it, for as little as $19 per month you get a huge variety including both strength and cardiovascular training equipment. On top of that you get a professional trainer to design and guide you through a program made just for you. If you ask me, that's a steal.
