How Much Can You Spend on Effort?

For many people, exercise is more than just a hobby: it’s a priority, or a way of life. And when something is important to you, you’re usually willing to find ways to fit it into your budget. But how much is the average person really willing to spend on exercise?

With the popularity of fitfluencers on social media, it can sometimes feel like exercise requires a membership to an exclusive gym, regular attendance at fashion boutique classes, and an updated wardrobe. exercise equipment – all of which can increase strength. But as we all know by now, what we see online is rarely 100 percent real. Fitfluencers often get free gym memberships, classes and clothes – so the idea that the average person needs to sacrifice themselves to get fit is a lie. Although much can be done to make fitness accessible to all, it is possible to get all the benefits of exercise without just a good outfit. (And maybe not, according to Lenny Kravitz.)

However, people who exercise because they love it and it makes them feel good may consider spending money on exercise to be the same as paying for therapy – it’s an investment in their mental health. . Some may find that spending more money on their exercise routine helps keep them accountable and promotes consistency.

We were curious to find out how comfortable people feel using their exercise routines and equipment. So we asked our PS.Fit Instagram followers anonymously. Over 900 people responded to our Instagram story, and their responses were enlightening. Here, we break down the results.

How Much Do People Spend on Gym Memberships?

Gym memberships are one of the biggest costs of exercising, but how much are people willing to pay each month? In our PS.Fit Instagram poll, 903 people answered this question – many indicating they’re looking for cheaper options, like those offered at budget-friendly gyms like Crunch Fitness and Planet Fitness. Here’s how the answers shook out:

It’s true that people’s exercise habits influence how much they’re willing to spend in the gym. These days, there are tons of free or low-cost home workouts online (shout out to PS Fit on YouTube!), with tons of options for low-equipment workouts or workouts. People who enjoy working out at home or who are willing to go to a certain group of shops can use a gym membership as an addition to their schedule, rather than the main activity – in such cases, they go for the cheapest price and the bones empty. a gym membership makes sense.

How Much Do People Spend on Fitness Classes?

Group exercise classes are another popular option, but they can sometimes trigger a fear of sticks. (Check out, Tracy Anderson Method, with your $45 50-minute classes.) However, people can be very loyal to their favorite group – so how much are people willing to spend on each group? According to 882 people who answered this question, there are different options:

Also, a person’s exercise habits may affect how they respond. If they join a group once a week, they may be willing to spend more than if they do most of their weekly practice at a studio, where they can choose to buy memberships or a group membership. discounted rate.

How Much Do People Spend on Workout Clothes?

We knew this question was going to be a tough one, as there is a wide range of how much workout clothes can cost, from leggings to sports bras and more. But the general consensus from the 856 people who answered this survey question was that it pays to spend a lot of money on high-quality clothing, which can perform well during training and hold up well over time. it passes.

Although the options were evenly divided into less than $100, the most popular prices for workout clothes were between $25 and $50. It’s not a small amount, but it’s more than just a range of activewear from brands like Aritzia, Old Navy, and Athleta, versus Lululemon, Beyond Yoga., and Alo, which could even get closer to the $100 mark.

How Much Do People Spend on Sneakers?

Good gym shoes tend to be expensive, but we’d argue that they’re the one piece of fitness gear that’s really important — unless you’re doing barefoot activities like yoga. and Pilates. Training sneakers form the foundation of your workout, with running shoes supporting the spine and supporting proper posture to reduce injury. Here, 870 respondents to our survey are willing to spend.

A clear majority of respondents are willing to spend $60 or more on a good pair of shoes, which isn’t too surprising, considering the average price of sneakers and how important they are to work comfortably.

How Much Do People Spend on Exercise Equipment?

This is another broad category. Different types of exercise equipment – from dumbbells to yoga mats – have very different prices. But according to 738 people who responded to the poll, here’s what they intend to spend on the device:

These results are fairly mixed, perhaps reflecting the different needs of exercisers. A regular yoga practitioner may only consider investing in yoga mats, while a strength training enthusiast may consider the high cost of equipment such as dumbbells, racks and benches. Then, of course, there are smart home devices like Peloton, Amp, or Tonal, and cardio machines like treadmills, which come at a very high price.

Our polling results appear to be consistent with other data. For example, in 2021, people in the US spent as much as $112 on fitness equipment, with some investing even more for premium, high-tech machines or complete home gym setups, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Of course, it was during this epidemic, when many people invested in working from home. Now, that number may be a little lower.

How Much Exercise “Should You Use”?

There is no one answer that works for everyone. Overall, research results from our Instagram survey reveal that while people are invested in fitness, there is a strong preference for more affordable options than gym memberships, classes and equipment. However, when it comes to shoes and clothes, there is a noticeable willingness to spend more on quality.

Wherever you are in your fitness journey, and whatever you’re capable of, consistency is key. If you can afford a matching set and you think looking good will motivate you to go to the gym, go for it! But if a gym membership or equipment isn’t in your budget, know that there are plenty of cheap and free ways to work out. What’s in your wallet has no influence on how much you can move.

Jade Esmeralda (her), MS, CSCS, is a health and fitness staff writer and strength and conditioning expert. A lifelong martial artist and dancer, Jade has a strong passion for strength and conditioning, sports science and human performance. He received a Master of Science degree in exercise science and energy and conditioning from George Washington University.