Fitness programs and facilities vary in price… tremendously.
- The average gym membership cost is just under $60 per month – $720 per year.
- Planet Fitness charges as low as $10 per month – $120 per year
- EXOS in Phoenix charges $2,500 per month – $30,000 per year.
The quality and quantity of services and equipment that each of these facilities offers varies as well. To some people, $2,500 a month has no more impact than $120 per month so they can afford the luxury EXOS has to offer. To other people $120 is all they have to feed their family.
But at some point in our lives, we think about the cost of fitness. Is that gym membership worth it? Is the time it takes to take a lap around the park worth the results? As you consider what fitness is worth to you in both time and money, consider yourself at an enormously pivotal point in your life – your death.
- What would you be willing to do to keep from having a stroke?
- What are you willing to give to be there to meet your grandchildren or great grandchildren?
- What is it worth to live independently for 5 more years?
- What would you be willing to pay to stay out of the hospital for a week?
- Basically, what is your life and quality of life worth to you? In money? In time? In effort?
There are the fatalists that say, if you are going to get sick, you are just going to get sick. But, a strong and well-cared-for machine breaks down less and later. If your body is able to defend itself from the disease and its symptoms, you will live longer and happier. You will have a better chance of surviving the treatment. You will recover faster.
Living isn’t just about being alive.
Life means doing things. Going places. Seeing people. Making a difference. It requires much more than a pulse. The more capable your body is, the more life you will be able to live.
Of course, you can roll the dice. Everyone has heard the stories of the 103 year old woman that smokes, never exercises, eats a ham every day and drinks glass of Ever Clear every night. The reason you have heard of her is because she is an anomaly. Fitness may not extend your life, but I know that it will make you stronger and healthier to enjoy the time that you are given. You will be able to move around more and do more with the people you love.
Fitness is an investment of time and money and it pays you back… in life. Living a healthier lifestyle is like painting your house or changing the oil in your car. You don’t have to do it, but your body/house/car will certainly last longer if you do.
Final thoughts.
At the end of my life, I don’t want to think back and wish I had done more to have more time with my boys. I can not buy more time with my wife and children.
Maybe EXOS is outside of your budget. It is for most people. Find what you can afford to make yourself healthy. Whether that means walking the neighborhood or joining an elite health club. This is the only body you get. Take care of it and it will take care of you.