Is that gym or nutrition membership worth the cost? Ask yourself these questions

It’s been awhile since I covered this topic, and I think it’s a great one to revisit this time of year. With the weather warming up and the promise of future pool weather beckoning us, many are working hard toward fitness goals to feel at their best when swimsuit season finally arrives. There are so many nutrition and gym membership options out there, and here are my suggestions for making the most out of them.

Log gym usage

This is a pretty simple suggestion that can easily be tracked with a mobile app. When friends ask me if they should continue a membership, I usually ask when they last used it. People often don’t usually know when they last went, and I’m guilty of that as well. If you’re already using a mobile app to log fitness activity, consider revisiting your usage at the end of each month, tracking how often you went and what the equivalent cost would be per fitness session. Then you can compare what this would look like if you were to swap a membership for individual classes or sessions.

Nutrition programs

As I’ve understood it, the people who are part of a nutrition program benefit the most from not just purchasing meal plans or services, but through accountability groups, social media encouragement and a higher level of involvement that helps them reach their goals. The point is, if you’re committed to a broader lifestyle change, this can be a great choice, but if you are unable to dedicate the time to getting the full value out of your participation, it may not be the best fit.

Fitness subscriptions

Some fitness subscriptions have found an ideal way to combine the perks of physical exercise and nutrition through online and social media-based programs. These can be a great way to stay active, but it’s good to know many of them are offered through a multi-level marketing company. That means there are generally tiers of involvement and they may try to encourage additional features that aren’t in your budget.

I am in full support of healthy habits and getting on the bandwagon with whatever approach suits your lifestyle and budget. With these tips, you’ll be sure to find the right program fit for you in no time.

Kat’s Money Corner is posted on Dollars & Sense every Tuesday. Kat Hnatyshyn, when not blogging or caring for her little ones, is a manager with CommunityAmerica Credit Union. For more financial chatter, visit http://communityamerica.com.