fitness

We asked 12 women exactly how much they spend on fitness.

Keeping fit can be really... expensive. If you're anything like us, chances are you're currently splurging on gym memberships or fitness classes, only to realise a) you hardly use it or b) it just keeps getting pricier.

And you're not alone.

In recent times, the fitness industry in Australia has absolutely exploded. In fact, Australians reportedly spend an estimated $8.5 billion on fitness services and equipment every year. 

Over eight BILLION DOLLARS. That’s a lot of sweaty gym towels.

Watch: Horoscopes working out. Post continues.

So, how much do people actually spend on their gym memberships and fitness classes, and why?

We asked around.

Talia.

"I spend $487 a month. I do a combo of resistance training and reformer pilates — three resistance classes and two reformer classes a week. I know it's a ridiculous amount to spend per month but I really enjoy it and find the two types of workouts such a good combination of working the bigger and smaller muscle groups. 

"It makes doing consistent and regular exercise so much easier if you love what you're doing. It's for the benefit of my physical and mental health so I can easily justify it. If I wasn't spending the money there, I'd be spending it on something else, anyway."

Bronte.

"I pay $65 a week. I like doing classes over having to motivate myself/do my own thing and I enjoy the community vibe of a boutique gym rather than your big gym chains."

Alex.

"I pay $640 per month. This includes two PT sessions a week ($60 per session) and membership to my local Virgin Active which covers all my classes/swim needs — boxing, pilates, yoga, indoor pool."

Olivia.

"Currently I spend $80 per month on an Anytime Membership and $120 for four Pilates classes a month. I'm lucky to have free PT (thanks, boyfriend) otherwise I'd probably be broke."

Talissa.

"I spend $67.80 per month on a membership and have for six years. I went zero times in 2022, and five times in 2023. Basically, I pay for a keyring. Such a waste!"

Morgan.

"I spend $188 a month for eight KX Pilates classes — which is two classes a week. When I started going, it was the first time I had actually enjoyed working out and didn't just feel like I was going for the sake of working out. It also encouraged me to find other ways of working out that I enjoyed instead of feeling like I had to like running, swimming, and soccer (doesn't count as a gym membership but this is $500 a season)."

Courtney.

"My Pilates membership is $80 per week which includes unlimited reformer, mat, barre and yoga. The studios are beautiful, the teachers are great and it's a 12-minute walk from my house which makes it easy to go regularly and get my money's worth."

Jessica.

"I spend $40 per week — I train at a boxing gym and go usually every day except Sundays. My partner is a personal trainer, so I save some money there if I do additional weight sessions in the week. Once every three months or so I do a one-on-one session with a pro fighter for some extra skills training which is $80 each time."

Jemima.

"I pay $200 per month for unlimited hot Pilates/yoga and two reformer classes a week, plus $20 per week on standard gym. I also spend an additional $100 on average per month on fun runs. I like the variety and don't want to get bored."

Sophie.

"I spent $8,000 on a bike so if I do girl math it's, like, $133 per month for five years."

Hayley.

"I spend $89 per week on a reformer pilates membership that gives me access to two reformer classes per week plus unlimited mat classes BUT the studio is so popular that I can only get into max. two classes per week. It's pretty exx ybut it's a five-minute walk from my house and I love it when I'm there. With the work and kids juggle, I have to remove as many barriers as possible so being able to leave my house five minutes before class starts is a must."

Alex.

"I spend $35 per week for my online trainer, and about $30 per week for my gym membership. So $65 a week. I'm not going to work out what that is per year or I'll quit.

"Also, I'm about to bring dance classes back into the mix, so that's $95 for a five-class pass — not sure yet how many classes I'll do per week because, time, but one or hopefully two! Then I want to start pole dancing again... not the cheapest hobby."

Alina.

"I just signed up for a gym that is $77 a week for three sessions, but it’s $85 a week for unlimited. I think it's worth it."

At Mamamia, we think exercise should make you feel good and that’s it. That’s why we made MOVE, an exercise app for anybody, anywhere. Head here to start your free trial.

How much do you spend on the gym? Let us know in the comments below.

Image: Getty.

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Top Comments

mrsak 10 months ago
I pay $34 a week for 2 reformed classes. I'm 34 and have two young kids and NEVER been this fit and toned in my whole life. Reformer is an absolute game changer, I also have fibromyalgia, bad joints and eat mostly plant based but can absolutely smash a pilates class. You don't need to spend as much as some of these women are spending to get fit. 

joblow84 10 months ago
My $42 per month gym membership where I go 4 times weekly is looking like a total bargain 👌