Emerson got it right when he said, “The first wealth is health.”
RICHMOND——————————————————————————————————————————
Written by Stephen P. Sowulewski
We should all strive for good health but the word wealth is a word that may not compute when incorporating fitness in our household budgets. Fear not: being active does not have to break the bank. After all, Richmonders are doing something right—in 2010 we ranked as the 11th healthiest and fittest city in America in a study created by the American College of Sports Medicine’s (ACSM) American Fitness Index.
For some, the cost of a gym membership is like paying for any other fixed expense. For others the gym environment holds no allure and a person may opt to invest in a modest amount of equipment for home use. Still others prefer venues that take them outdoors for example walking, hiking, cycling or running.
Keep in mind that if you purchase your own exercise equipment (aside from routine maintenance) you should have relatively little expense, if any, once the equipment is paid for. If you lack the space to house the equipment, or if it is camaraderie that you crave, a gym membership may be something to consider. Whichever fitness medium you prefer (health club, gym, home gym, or the great outdoors) don’t let expense curtail your goals.
According to Todd Gray, Communications and Marketing Director of the YMCA of Greater Richmond, “the Y has remained recession proof.” Simply put, the YMCA utilizes a two-tier approach toward prospective members. It offers financial aid (it divvied out $6 million in assistance in 2010) to individuals with no income at all. Each branch of the YMCA supports the non-profit mission of “Strengthening the Communities Fund,” a year-round program that raises money to ensure that everyone has access to a healthier lifestyle. The second tier of membership support uses a sliding scale where membership rates are income based. Memberships include any two adults and any dependents under the age of 18. The YMCA’s mission to “Activate America” brings families together to engage in activities such as the recent Healthy Kids Day (photos on page 10), which is free to community members.
Health clubs and gyms each have something unique and different that they offer to gym-goers. It is prudent to seek out a tour with a membership advisor so you can actually witness first-hand current members utilizing the services of the health club or gym to gain a greater perspective of what you are signing on for. Brett Timpano, membership director at American Family Fitness in the West End, suggests that prospective members ask for corporate discounts, senior membership rates, rates for full-time students, and restricted memberships for members who work out at non-peak hours. American Family offers something called AmFam U. This is an eight-week follow-up course after the initial fitness consultation. This program is a personalized weight-conditioning program where trainers track members for eight weeks and make necessary changes based on the client’s goals. “After the eighth week, we take our members through a ‘graduation’ ceremony and encourage them to try out classes or personal training,” says Timpano.
Yedda Stancil, owner of Richmond Alternative Center for Health (RAC) offers prospective members a two-week free pass to try out the facility (including equipment and exercise classes) before they make a decision whether to join. Another unique offering of the RAC is the health and wellness lectures and workshops that are open to both members and non-members free of charge. “We gear our free education classes towards how to prevent and treat disease with lifestyle changes ,” says Stancil.
Gold’s Gym in the Fan district of Richmond offers prospective gym members the choice to enroll at Gold’s online. According to General Manager Ed Altman “This offers new members a way to regulate the pace so they don’t feel pressured to sign immediately when they walk in.” Gold’s Gym also sends out coupons through mass mailings especially for new residents in the Richmond area and for college students.
According to Wendy Greene, marketing director for ACAC in Midlothian, “We offer a unique perspective which involves working with a nurse or exercise physiologist, called Physician Referral Exercise Program (PREP).” A person can be referred by their doctor or if they have heard of the program they would exercise for a minimum of two days per week for 30 minutes for 60 days at a rate of $60. If they successfully complete the program, they will be refunded $30 or they can apply the $60 to a year-long membership.
Girls just want to have fun! At Victory Lady Fitness, owner Wendy Campbell says “women feel more comfortable asking questions about how to use fitness equipment around other women.” Victory Lady caters to women who have never experienced working out. “These are the women who feel uncomfortable in a co-ed environment,” says Campbell. Victory Lady offers a 30-day program that is re-evaluated at the completion of the 30 days. The trainer sets up a new workout for the member and at the end of 30 days will weigh and measure that individual, map out a revised fitness plan and instruct the member on how to work independently with their revised program. This allows them to feel comfortable with their new plan sans the ‘hand-holding’—essentially free personal training according to Campbell.
Richmond is home to many outdoor venues such as parks and playgrounds, recreation centers, and tennis courts. Tennis anyone? Last summer Richmond was among the top 10 towns selected out of 82 entries vying for the title of “America’s Best Tennis Town.” Online voting took over and it was announced at the 2010 U.S. Open that Richmond placed third! “Tennis can be a terrific sport for those seeking serious fitness plans but with serious budget challenges,” says Lisa C. Deane, director of communications and development for the Richmond Tennis Association (RTA). The RTA website (richmondtennis.org) has a court locator that can help folks find public courts in their area. According to Deane there are almost 800 courts available for public use—all with no court fees, and no monthly dues. Deane goes on to say that, “In addition, the RTA is currently launching a new city-wide “ladder” to connect players all around town in both singles and doubles matches, all for a small fee and no club membership is needed.”
If you fancy more of an outdoor workout, trek over to James River Park. It stretches four miles across the scenic James River and boasts amazing trails. If you want “Central Park-esque,” head over to Byrd Park with its 400 acres of green perfection (three lakes, James River access, and historical neighborhoods) smack in the middle of the city. If adventure is calling your name, try Kayaking with the Coastal Canoeists by visiting coastals.org/forum with and annual member fee of only $20. Perhaps you are craving some team sports. Check out Softball Nation at tinyurl.com/softballnation. For special needs children the Miracle League of Richmond provides low-cost recreational opportunities for those interested in baseball (call 804.229.4966 or visit miracleleagueofrichmond.com).
There are certainly a myriad of health clubs and gyms in the Richmond region from which to choose. Before you sign on the dotted line, do your homework by inquiring about incentives or discounts that may apply to you. Also, be a good steward of your fitness budget by shopping around before you purchase that equipment.
HAMPTON ROADS———————————————————————————————————————-
Your health is your biggest investment. But as Americans continue to rethink their budgets, searching for areas where they can save, fitness-related “luxuries” like gym memberships and classes might be first in line for the financial chopping block. Here are just a few ways Hampton Roads residents can save big on group fitness opportunities.
SIGN UP FOR COUPON WEBSITES.
Local gyms are participating on popular sites such as Groupon.com, Livingsocial.com and yello.com. You just have to act fast, because these deals are limited in number and there’s a time limit to purchase. Last year iNLeT Fitness in Virginia Beach offered 30-day memberships for just $29 (regularly $53) on Groupon.com. Anahata Yoga Center, The Pilates Center and the Ford’s Colony Golf Club (all in Williamsburg) recently offered deep discounts via Groupon.
JOIN A WALKING GROUP, OR START YOUR OWN NEIGHBORHOOD CLUB.
Renaissance Fitness (228 N. Lynnhaven Road, Suite 122, Virginia Beach) organizes 3- and 6-mile walks every Sunday morning, at 9 a.m. Walks are followed by light stretching. This group is free and open to non-members. Call for info: (757) 306-0825
Patrick Henry Mall has a free walking “club.” Mall opens early to walkers (7 a.m., Monday–Saturday and 9 a.m. on Sunday) but walkers are welcome during mall hours. Information is available at the customer service booth.
GO HALFSIES WITH A FRIEND.
If you could benefit from personal training but can’t swing the cost of private sessions, ask about couples’ sessions that are available to spouses, friends, or coworkers.
ASK ABOUT FREE “COMMUNITY” DAYS AT YOUR LOCAL REC CENTER.
For example, entry to the Williamsburg/James City County Recreation Center is open to nonmembers during select hours (Thursdays, 1 to 3 p.m.; Fridays, 6 to 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 2 to 5 p.m.). Fitness center and pool privileges are included. The only cost to you is a $10 card fee due every two years.
INQUIRE ABOUT SPECIAL DISCOUNTS.
Before you sign on the dotted line, do your homework by inquiring about incentives or discounts that may apply to you. Brett Timpano, a membership director for American Family Fitness, suggests asking about corporate discounts, senior membership rates, rates for full-time students, and restricted memberships for members who work out at non-peak hours. (For example, Total Fitness in Newport News offers a $10 discount for daytime-only exercisers.) Many gyms offer active military, government and couples’ discounts as well. Sentara Center for Health and Fitness in Hampton offers a $13/person discount for couples ($17.50/person for senior couples). Fitness First offers discounted memberships to City of Norfolk employees as does iNLeT Fitness for City of Virginia Beach employees.
BEWARE HIDDEN FEES.
Advertised deals really are sometimes too good to be true. When considering a gym, always ask about sign-up/initiation fees (locally, these range from $40 to $250), annual membership dues and additional costs for specialty classes such as yoga, Pilates, Zumba or spin. FYI: The $53/month individual membership at iNLeT Fitness includes unlimited yoga and entrance to 65 fitness classes.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF FREE TRIAL OFFERS.
Many area gyms offer daily and weekly free trial periods for prospective members. You may be asked to take a tour with a membership sales associate, but after that you have full use of the facility. Many area gyms have vouchers that you can download and print online.
Offering Free 7-Day Trials
One Life Fitness (onelifefitness.com.)
Bally Total Fitness (ballyfitness.com)
Ironbound Gym (ironboundgym.com)
Offering Free 1-Day Passes
Town Center Fitness in Virginia Beach
Fitness First Health and Wellness in Norfolk
The Powerhouse Gym in Norfolk
Wareing’s Gym in Virginia Beach