How Much Will It Cost You to Start Doing Fitness?
Almost everyone who sticks to their workout routine finds their favorite form of fitness. This could be attending CrossFit classes several times a week, going for a daily run, or hiring a personal trainer to create a customized workout program. However, everything comes at a cost. So let’s talk about how much you’ll spend in various scenarios: from the cost of each type of gym to additional options you might want to consider, and the comparative cost of home workouts.
The cost of a membership to a simple gym.
What you’ll need to get started: The main expense is the membership itself. At budget chain gyms like Crunch and Planet Fitness, it can cost as little as $10 or $20 per month, while at more expensive ones, it can cost around $50 or more. (At more upscale locations, you can easily pay $100 per month or more.) However, be aware of the fine print for additional fees—they often include an annual fee and a surcharge for using a credit card instead of a bank transfer. For your first day, you’ll need athletic shoes, clothing, and a gym bag with essentials like a bottle of water. The cost of these items varies, but you likely already have them at home.
Possible additional services: A good personal trainer can explain a workout program in detail, dispelling any doubts about what exactly to do and ensuring you follow a program that will lead you to your goals, whatever they may be. The cost of an hour-long training session with a trainer can range from $40 to $100, depending on your location and the level of your gym.
If you don’t work with a trainer, you’ll have to plan your workouts and achieve your goals on your own. Free or paid training programs or online coaches can fill this gap; prices vary widely. Try Nike Training Club , which is a free option, or Fitbod ($15.99 per month) for a better option.
Do it at home: It’s impossible to fully recreate the gym experience at home, as the main reason to go to a gym is to have all the necessary equipment . But you can get by with a set of dumbbells or resistance bands, a weighted barbell (if you can find one), and maybe a cardio machine or running shoes. The cost of such an investment varies greatly depending on how much equipment you want to buy. Here’s my list of 14 things I would buy for a complete home gym.
How much does it cost to start functional fitness?
CrossFit is no longer the only big name in functional fitness . Recently, gyms operating under a group structure that combines cardio and strength training with timed exercises have flourished, under various brands, such as F45. Hyrox competitions are becoming increasingly popular, and you can prepare for them in functional fitness studios. It’s often assumed that such studios should be cheaper than commercial gyms with large equipment pools, but in general, you get more personalized attention and training, which is worth the money.
What you need to get started: These are some of the most expensive gyms. Lessons estimates that the average cost of a Crossfit membership is $150-$200 per month for unlimited classes; this seems to be in line with other functional fitness memberships. As with a regular gym, you’ll need basic workout clothes and equipment to get started.
Potential upgrades: Functional fitness enthusiasts often accumulate specialized equipment, such as multiple shoes, rope climbing socks, and more. Because this sport combines elements of strength training, calisthenics, and cardio, you may need more gear than you would at a gym, where you’re constantly performing the same exercises. If you take this sport seriously, you may also have to pay extra for more gym time or classes.
Do it at home: Just like at a commercial gym, buying the necessary equipment can quickly become very expensive. However, many CrossFit-style workouts can be done with little to no equipment, such as burpees and running. You can Google free workout ideas or sign up for an online service like Street Parking , which offers home workouts for $19 per month.
Cost of indoor cycling classes
What you need to get started: Studio classes typically cost between $20 and $40 per class, with memberships and packages bringing the price down slightly. Brand name plays a big role: at my local CycleBar, a 10-class membership costs $209; in the same area, SoulCycle charges $280. But smaller studios aren’t your only option. Commercial gyms and community fitness centers sometimes include spin classes in memberships or as an add-on, often at a significantly lower price.
Possible improvements: If you do this long enough, you’ll eventually want to have your own shoes , which cost around $100 for a decent quality pair.
Workout at home: Peloton is a classic option, but there are other companies that sell similar smart exercise bikes. Peloton exercise bikes start at $1,695 , with a subscription starting at $49 per month. You can also use the cheaper Peloton app (or another app, like Apple Fitness+ ) with your existing exercise bike, or mount your exercise bike on a home trainer for a completely independent workout.
How much does it cost to start running?
Running is a classic low-cost fitness hobby, but it has many hidden costs, especially as you become a more serious athlete. My fellow marathon runner, Meredith Dietz, covers this in detail here , but here’s a quick overview:
What you’ll need to get started: shoes, for starters. If you have old sneakers that don’t irritate your feet, you’ll be fine, but pretty soon you’ll probably be buying a pair of real running shoes for around $100. And if you have breasts, a quality sports bra is a must. Depending on how much support you need, it’ll cost between $20 and $100. (Hand wash them after every run, and you’ll easily last through one or two bras.)
Potential upgrade options: Once you get serious about running, you’ll likely need a watch that can track your pace and other metrics, like heart rate. (Garmin watches are popular with serious runners; Fitbit or Apple Watch will do for most of us casual runners.) I’ve compiled a list of the best entry-level running watches , all priced under $250.
And then there are the races. A local 5K entry fee might be around $25, but marathons and half-marathons easily cost $100 or more. Major marathons can cost $300, assuming you even get in, and sometimes runners plan vacations to fit in their dream race, which drives up the costs even more. It’s a sport that can cost as much as you want.