She Strengthens

Get Moving with a Cost-Effective Mindset

As a fitness enthusiast, I’ve discovered a clever trick to motivate myself to hit the gym regularly. It’s all about adopting a cost-per-use mindset, typically applied to purchasing quality products, but equally effective in getting me to exercise.

The Power of Guilt

I’m lucky to have a corporate membership that offers a discounted yearly rate. However, once the initial payment is made, it’s easy to forget about the cost and make excuses. To combat this, I set a price-per-workout threshold, ensuring I visit the gym enough times per week to stay within my budget.

Calculating Your Threshold

To determine your threshold, ask yourself what you’d comfortably pay for a single workout or class. This helps you tangibly calculate whether a gym membership is worth it. For me, it’s $5, but yours might be higher or lower.

Simple Math, Big Motivation

Once you’ve set your threshold, use these easy equations to figure out how many times you need to visit your gym per week:

• Annual membership: Annual fee ÷ 52 = weekly fee; Weekly fee ÷ price-per-workout threshold = number of workouts required per week
• Monthly membership: Monthly fee × 12 = annual membership cost; Annual membership cost ÷ 52 = weekly fee; Weekly fee ÷ price-per-workout threshold = number of workouts required per week
• Bi-weekly membership: Bi-weekly fee ÷ 2 = weekly fee; Weekly fee ÷ price-per-workout threshold = number of workouts required per week

Staying on Track

By using these calculations, I motivate myself to visit the gym at least three times a week, bringing my cost per workout down to $2.88. On the flip side, skipping a week means I’ve paid $9 for nothing, which is a great reminder to stay committed.

Free Options Abound

Of course, you could opt for free workout options, rendering this calculation unnecessary. However, for me, the structure and community of my gym’s classes are essential motivators.

Get Moving with a Clear Conscience

By adopting a cost-per-use mindset, you can stay motivated and focused on your fitness goals. So, calculate your threshold, set your target, and get moving!