The Fitness Scam (or Why I Don’t Belong to a Gym)
With New Year’s resolutions, many people sign expensive contracts so they can drive to a gym, lift weights, run on a treadmill, ride a stationary bicycle, and/or take aerobics classes. What a waste… as reported in a previous post, the Census Bureau reports that U.S. fitness and recreational sports centers took in over $17 billion in revenues during 2005.
I simply cannot understand why someone would want to pay to exercise indoors, when they can exercise for free outside? I’d rather hike up a mountain than use a stair-master in place. I’d rather run outside than on a treadmill. I’d rather split wood than lift weights. What do you think?
Instead of paying to workout, why not volunteer to do some good with your efforts? I’ve volunteered in the past maintaining the Bull Run—Occoquan Trail, working to clear trees and brush, haul out trash, and install erosion control devices. I’ve also heard that Habitat for Humanity is a fulfilling place to volunteer while getting some exercise. What do you think?
January 4th, 2008 at 9:20 am
I have to agree with you on this. Some of are really want to make ourselves feel better about they way they look and the gym is one way to do so. Others use it as a way to get away from the daily lives if they are not happy with it. Also others used it meet new people.
January 4th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
I suppose if a gym membership is the only way someone can motivate to work out, then they’re not all bad…
January 9th, 2008 at 9:42 am
Keep in mind the weather though! Also, there is a safety concern, especially for women at dark in the suburbs. Think about the poor girl who got killed in Georgia on New Year’s Day. Lots of freaks out there…
January 9th, 2008 at 10:33 pm
Good point, Jon, especially about safety. I’ll try to write another post soon about exercising indoors at home (w/o a gym membership).
January 21st, 2008 at 2:57 pm
I stumbled here by accident but will stick around!
March 2nd, 2008 at 7:00 pm
[…] the first post of this series, the Low-Tech Times presented several reasons to exercise outside instead of paying […]
September 2nd, 2008 at 9:18 pm
[…] It sounds like she shares The Low-Tech Times’ preference for running outside rather than on a treadmill. […]