Recess vs. Paying Not To Go To The Gym

If you like paying for stuff you don't use - Join a gym!

Ok. Here we go. Picking a fight again.

A 2005 study by two California researchers, titled "Paying Not to Go to the Gym," examined nearly 8,000 gym members' attendance over three years. You might be surprised to learn that 85% of users who bought a monthly contract were spending more money than if they paid on a per-use basis. That's because most members paid more than $70 per month but only visited the gym 4.8 times each month. They paid about $17 for each visit.

How effective were those 4+ visit per month at actually transforming members' health? It's anyone's guess, but chances are a 30 minute workout on the treadmill and a couple of half-hearted bicep curls are hardly enough to make a dent in the number of calories found in daily latte, scone or other weekday indulgence.

Last month we kept it clean, but this month's fight could get ugly:



The 300 Pound Gorilla:
Gym Membership

Weighing in at an average of $50-70 per month, this hometown favorite is sure to pummel you with early cancellation fees when you realize that your 4 trips per month just aren't cutting the mustard.

The Contender:
Recess Personal Transformation Package

For the same price as a weekday latte and scone the Recess Personal Transformation Package will have you in fighting form. You'll meet more than one time every other week for a year with an expert at your home or office gym. By the time this fight is through you'll have tackled not just strengthening exercise, but also nutrition, cooking, lean body composition and calorie burn.

What is your vote? Would you rather contract foot fungus in a gym locker room or shower in your own bathroom? Weigh in with your answer in the comments below.