Staying fit may be good for your health but it’s not always good for your bank balance. Canstar Blue’s latest survey on gym and fitness clubs has revealed that Aussies spend more than $700 per year on membership fees in a bid to stay healthy.
So how do your gym fees compare and are you getting the best value for money?
Canstar Blue asked close to 1,500 gym and fitness club members across the country about their gym habits, how much they spend, and how often they go to the gym. Read on to find out what we discovered.
How much is a gym membership?
- Aussies spend an average of $63 per month on gym memberships, or $756 per year – similar to 2023’s average of $62.
- Adults aged between 55 to 64 spend the most on keeping fit ($70 per month) while those aged 18 to 24 have the lowest gym costs ($55 per month).
Are gym memberships worth the money?
The average Aussie with a gym membership spends more than $700 a year on fees, but not all gym goers are getting the same value for money. Canstar Blue’s 2024 customer satisfaction ratings for gyms and fitness clubs found only one brand was rated five stars for value for money, while the majority were rated three stars, indicating there’s room for improvement across the gym industry.
Additional insights we found about Aussie gym goers included:
- 22% don’t use their membership as much as they thought they would, down from 23% last year.
- 35% have tried more than one gym chain in an effort to find a place they really like, up from 33% last year.
- 59% report feeling healthier for having a gym membership and regularly going to the gym, up from 50% last year.
How to save money on gym costs
- Check your health insurance: some health insurance companies will offer a subsidy on gym payments if you have extras cover or a diagnosed medical condition.
- Ask your workplace: some companies offer salary sacrifice options for health-related costs.
- Look on discount sites: browse websites like Groupon for cheap gym access, personal training sessions or fitness classes.
- Go local: often local or community gyms have cheaper weekly rates compared to national gym chains.
What motivates Aussies to hit the gym
We asked Aussies about their key reasons for hitting the gym and received a variety of responses. While the majority wanted to maintain good health, others said they went to socialise with friends or deal with an injury.
Here are the main reasons Aussies visit the gym:
- 40% want to improve their general fitness
- 21% go to lose weight
- 19% go to build muscle
- 12% go for their mental wellbeing
- For the rest, it’s a mix of being a social activity, rehabilitation, or specific sports training.
Our research shows that 48% of gym members attend the gym three to five days per week. A quarter (25%) go once or twice a week, while 17% hit the gym five or six times per week.
Shop sports nutrition with one of our partners
You may also be interested in:
- Best-Rated Protein Supplements
- Best-Rated Healthy Meal Delivery Services
- Best-Rated Weight Loss Shakes
Looking to work-out at home?
Appliances Online has a vast range of gym equipment to help you achieve your goals from your own home. Check out their range now!
Most popular gym features
We also asked survey respondents what amenities they use at the gym, with respondents stating the following:
- 30% received personal training
- 62% took advantage of 24-hour access
- 37% attended group fitness classes
- 17% used the sauna
- 16% used the pool
Which gym you go to, and how much value you get from it, will depend on your preferences, as well as how often you go. With so much competition in the market, it pays to shop around to make sure you’re getting the best price, equipment, classes and resources you want from a gym. Many gyms have sales on membership and sign-ups during the middle and end of the year, so keep an eye out for discounts and don’t be afraid to negotiate for a better deal.
Share this article