How to Justify the Expense of High-End Gym Memberships

Each afternoon, Alex Meyers collects her children from daycare and heads directly to her upscale fitness center in California, specifically a Bay Club venue.

Once at the gym, her kids enjoy two hours at the gym's free childcare facility while she fits in her workout. Post-exercise, Meyers' family consumes a meal she prepared earlier, making it part of their daily routine.

Spending approximately $500 each month on gym fees, Meyers deems her membership a valuable investment.

"Weekend excursions often cost $100, whether it's the zoo or a museum," notes Meyers, a 32-year-old project manager. Rather than these outings, her children indulge in swimming or playing basketball at the gym. "We save by choosing the gym as our entertainment," she explains.

Beyond Just a Place to Exercise

For many, these premium fitness centers serve as 'third spaces'—after home and work. Facilities like Equinox and Life Time present much more than pristine machines and exclusive classes; they offer childcare, organized workstations, and even poolside beverage options. Some younger clients view them as a modern form of social clubs.

This added value prompts individuals to prioritize their luxurious memberships, even if it requires sacrificing other expenses.

Maximizing Value from Membership

Luxury gym memberships often start at over $200 a month, equating to at least $2,400 yearly. Rob Moal, a Vancouver-based trainer, pays $260 monthly for Equinox access.

"Given the cost, I ensure maximum utilization," Moal asserts. Attending multiple times weekly, sometimes several times a day, he maximizes his membership benefits, despite not training clients there.

Moal participates in both yoga and boxing, in addition to solitary workouts. When not active, he uses the gym for relaxation and networking.

From Moal's perspective, the pristine setup and courteous clientele make Equinox worth his investment. "Mornings are bustling; seeing others active motivates me," he shares.

Utilizing Non-Workout Features

Members often utilize supplementary features more than workout facilities. Hannah Le, 27, creator of Buckle Scrunchie, benefits from Life Time's services during her workday. Instead of returning home between business pitches, she uses the space to recharge her devices or freshen up.

"It's more than a gym for me," Le declares, availing a discounted membership with her roommate, costing $224.16 monthly. "It fulfills various needs."

Even on days when Meyers lacks energy, she happily sits at the Bay Club in meditation areas or reads poolside while her husband travels for work, savoring the tranquility this environment provides.

Financial Savvy in Membership Decisions

The expense of non-home work environments like WeWork or Industrious begins at $100 monthly—less than most fitness centers but lacking exercise facilities. High-end alternatives, such as Soho House, include gyms but are costly, exceeding several thousand per year.

In bustling cities like New York, cafes accumulate expenses and present obstacles, such as finding a seat or securing belongings.

Savings become crucial for luxury gym patrons. Moal, for instance, economizes by packing lunch rather than purchasing from Equinox, or skipping an evening out when funds are tighter.

Others find value through reduced spending elsewhere. Meyers diverts funds from expensive, short-duration after-school programs to the gym, which provides comprehensive childcare offerings.

"We each gain benefits," Meyers observes, highlighting the gym's inclusive activities.

In densely populated areas, a few additional dollars might not improve living situations. Yet, this expense grants access to expansive gym facilities. Le relies on Life Time as a daily indulgence, far exceeding what her shared compact New York apartment can offer.

On arriving in New York, Life Time was Le's first destination, underscoring the gym's integral role in her adapted lifestyle.