Going to the gym is necessary for most people to stay fit and in shape. It’s difficult for a home gym to match a fitness studio in terms of equipment, training, instructors, and extras.
However, gym memberships can be costly, and you may be among the many people wondering why 24 Hour Fitness is so expensive. I did some research on the matter and have the answers for you!
Why Is 24 Hour Fitness So Expensive?
24 Hour Fitness is actually in the mid-range as far as gym fees go, but the monthly membership fees add up. The high costs are due to the variety of fitness equipment that the gym has to install, maintain, and upgrade and fixed operating costs like rent, utilities, and trainer and staff salaries.
If you want to know more about the costs at 24 Hour Fitness and if it’s a worthwhile expense for you, read on!
1. All Gyms Are Expensive
Gyms have all kinds of workout equipment and classes and trainers to keep you motivated, so people don’t mind paying more to go to the gym instead of working out at home.
However, gym memberships tend to be expensive in general.
At 24 Hour Fitness, you can expect to pay around $39.99 monthly for a Gold membership or $33.25 per month for an annual membership, which works out to $399.00 per year.
Moreover, membership costs depend on whether you want access to a single location, multiple locations in one region, or nationwide access to 24 Hour Fitness facilities.
Further, this puts it in the mid-range as far as gym costs are concerned, but there’s no doubt that it’s an expense that you will notice.
Still, it may be a worthwhile investment in your fitness and well-being.
2. There Is High Demand
The convenient locations, timings, the availability of a range of equipment, and the presence of qualified trainers all contribute to the popularity of 24 Hour Fitness gyms.
Also, 24 Hour Fitness gyms are in high demand, which is why the company can charge higher fees.
3. There Is A Variety Of Equipment And Classes
Your membership fees give you access to a range of equipment, classes, and facilities. For example, the gym equipment includes:
- Cardio equipment (treadmills, bikes, etc.)
- Smith machines
- Resistance machines
- Dumbbell stacks
- Free weights
- Power racks
- Barbells
Additionally, you can sign up for classes including cardio, strength, cycling, dance, yoga, and more. Also, many locations have lap pools, saunas, and childcare.
Therefore, some services and facilities cost extra, adding to the overall membership fees.
4. Extended Hours For Better Access
Despite the name, 24 Hour Fitness locations close at night, but they stay open late. For example, most locations close at 10 or 11 PM.
Also, locations are open very early in the morning, at 5 or 6 AM, so that people can fit a visit to the gym into their schedules.
5. 24 Hour Fitness Offers Convenient Locations
For convenience, it’s difficult to beat 24 Hour Fitness. As well as round-the-clock access, 24 Hour Fitness has convenient locations in your neighborhood or near work.
However, the gym has to pay a higher rent for a prime location, which adds to operating costs and membership fees.
6. There Are All Kinds Of Extras
Many locations have basketball courts, personal training, turf zone training, cycling, lap pools, and saunas. Also, 24 Hour Fitness offers virtual training and classes and a fitness app.
7. Qualified Trainers Keep You Motivated
One primary reason people choose to go to gyms instead of working out at home is that they can benefit from skilled trainers and coaches.
Moreover, qualified trainers can add to a gym’s reputation, but they must also be paid high salaries.
Lastly, salaries for trainers and staff are another fixed, recurring cost that makes gyms expensive.
8. Marketing Costs Add To Membership Fees
Because of their popularity, there is intense competition among gyms for clients, meaning they must have substantial advertising, especially if a gym is seeking celebrity endorsements.
9. Equipment Replacement And Upgrades Increase Costs
Gym equipment is expensive and needs to be maintained to ensure safety. Also, it needs to be upgraded to give customers value for their money.
10. The Gym Must Pay Rent And Utilities
The costs of running a gym add up, with rent and utilities making up the biggest share. Further, rent can be high because a prime location is essential for a gym.
Additionally, most gyms nowadays are expected to provide free WiFi for clients; these are fixed overhead costs reflected in membership prices.
11. Gyms Must Have Liability Insurance
Liability insurance is necessary for gyms in case of training injuries. Essentially, it protects them from injury lawsuits but adds to their operating costs.
To learn more, you can also read our posts on why LA Fitness is so expensive, why Lifetime Fitness is so expensive, and why Anytime Fitness is so expensive.
Conclusion
People are willing to pay more to get in shape, which is why gyms can charge substantial fees.
However, operating a gym is an expensive business, and their costs are reflected in membership costs.