The Cost Of: Prices of common new year resolutions
Marshal Cohen is the Chief Retail Analyst at Circana. He says whether you work out at a gym or at home, you are paying more in January.
A new year offers a new opportunity to become the best version of ourselves. Physical fitness leads the resolution list of many, but the cost of slimming down can add up.
Marshal Cohen is the Chief Retail Analyst at Circana. He says whether you work out at a gym or at home, you are paying more in January.
"Think about gym memberships, those go up in the month of January alone, up 22 percent," said Cohen. "Workout equipment, things like exercise bikes and certainly treadmills, those go up almost 15 percent just in the month of January. Workout outfits are activewear, just the fact that we're going to the gym more or exercising more, that goes up in about 10 percent."
You are also paying based on the services you want. Coehn says not all gym memberships are created equal. They can range in price from $10 a month, which often only provides access to machines, up to $49 a month. If you are willing to foot the higher bill, Cohen says you can gain access to swimming pools, childcare, and organized sports.
Working out is only one piece of the health puzzle. Experts will tell you the time you are putting in at the gym is only as good as the food you are putting into your body. If you are looking for both nutrition and convenience, be prepared to pay.
"Some subscription meals could actually cost up to $55 a meal," said Cohen.
To keep yourself off the hook from long term commitments, Cohen says is it important to read the fine print in agreements and don't jump to join just because it is January. He says you may be able to do better on your gym pricing if you have a little patience.
"Best time is come mid-February or even into March when the all the people that have already subscribed start to cancel out."
The new you may not come cheap or easy in the new year, but investing in your health is always a spart place to put your money.
