There may be no one-size-fits-all price tag for fitness, but overpaying for it may not always make sense. In an era of social media hype, fancy gyms and premium fitness centres are gaining popularity, with people willing to pay more without always knowing what they are getting in return. In this edition of ‘Is It Worth It?’, HT Lifestyle spoke to Dr Vajalla Shravani, MPT, fitness and Pilates expert at Tone30 Pilates, to decode whether expensive gym memberships are actually worth the money.
If a person pays for an expensive membership but visits only occasionally, the financial investment has little practical value. Similarly, many people can achieve excellent results with a reasonably equipped gym, a structured programme and progressive training. For strength, cardiovascular fitness and general health, consistency and appropriate exercise programming matter far more than whether the gym has luxury amenities. “One factor that is often underestimated is convenience. If a more expensive gym is significantly closer to home or work, has timings that fit the person’s routine and provides an environment they genuinely enjoy, the membership may encourage greater adherence,” highlighted Dr Vajalla. In that situation, the premium is effectively being paid for convenience and consistency rather than equipment alone. “The best gym is ultimately the one a person can access consistently and use effectively.
“However, a higher price does not guarantee better fitness outcomes,” said Dr Vajalla. Before choosing an expensive membership, people should assess how frequently they realistically expect to train, whether they need professional supervision, what facilities they will actually use and whether the membership fits comfortably within their budget, according to Dr Vajalla. Fitness does not require an expensive membership, but a membership that supports regular exercise can be a worthwhile investment,” said Dr Vajalla.
