Money doesn’t always motivate people. But it sure can impact behavior.
During the California Gold Rush in the mid-19th century, many prospectors paid a significant fee to stake a claim and mine for gold. Those who invested more money in their claims were often more committed to their pursuit of finding gold. They worked harder, endured harsh conditions, and were more likely to strike it rich compared to those who obtained claims for free or at a lower cost. This demonstrates how a financial investment can lead to greater commitment and effort in achieving a goal.
Just as the miners of 1849 felt a bigger commitment to their efforts the bigger the paycheck got the same is true for most products and services in our world today. The more we pay for something the more we, typically, value it.
This is true for gyms and personal training. Especially because it’s our body, our life and the health we’re committing to. The more we invest in our own health the more we start to care, value and commit to it being great.
Investing In Motivation
When you sign up for a more expensive gym membership or engage in personal training, you’re making a financial commitment to your health and fitness goals. This commitment often translates into a psychological one. The more you’ve invested, the more likely you are to hit the gym regularly and make the most of the facilities and services offered.
When you pay for a gym membership, you’re not just paying for access to equipment. You’re investing in an environment that fosters motivation, discipline, and a community of like-minded individuals. This environment can be incredibly powerful in keeping you accountable. After all, skipping a workout is harder when you’re reminded of the financial stake you’ve placed in your fitness journey.
The same is true for personal training and even more so! With personal training, you’re paying more than just a gym membership and sometimes if you cancel within 24 hours you’ll still get charged. So you’ll really have more external commitments than just skipping a workout.
We’re a boutique personal training studio in Gulfport, Florida. One of the things we hear our clients like most about our services is that they have to show up for someone else (the trainer). That alone is a motivating factor to keep coming back for workouts. So when they pay for this, they commit more to their own health by having these external accountability factors.
Often times people feel they should always be able to motivate themselves to exercise and having a personal trainer is somehow not as good as doing it alone. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Sometimes people need another person to be an accountability partner and provide that personal touch.
Thinking about what you should do, whether it be strength training, group classes, yoga or any new fitness fad can create a heavy mental burden. When you have a personal trainer you don’t have to think about your workouts. It’s all done for you. All you have to do is show up. How much mental space does that free up for you?
Freeing up mental space, reducing guilt about missing workouts, and getting rid of being embarrassed in front of your doctor through the admission of another year without exercise. Through a financial commitment to a healthier lifestyle, this can be achieved. It’s not the only way but if what you’ve been doing isn’t working then it might be worth a shot.
We recently had a business executive come to us in his mid-50s. He had put a lot of time and energy into his career and family but didn’t focus on his health as much. He was overweight, had muscle imbalances and experienced pain every day. As he started working with us he loved that he didn’t have to think about his workouts. That’s what stopped him in the first place trying to do it alone and fit everything into his schedule.
Now, he just scheduled his sessions with us like any other meeting, showed up and executed what we told him to do. It was easy for him, from a motivational perspective, because he didn’t have to use as much. He was already so invested in his career that there wasn’t as much left over to put in his body.
He ended up working through a lot of his muscle imbalances and has been shedding weight as he continues to work with us and show up every week.
Exploring All Options
The cost of a gym membership can also be a driving force in exploring and utilizing all the available resources. You’re more inclined to try different machines and attend classes. These experiences not only add variety to your workout regime but also increase your knowledge and understanding of fitness, thus enriching your commitment.
However, it’s important to recognize that while the price of a gym membership can be a motivator, it’s not the only factor in achieving fitness goals. Personal motivation, lifestyle, and setting realistic goals are equally important. A high-priced gym membership won’t magically make you fit; it’s the dedication and effort you put in that counts.
The real question is not how much you’re willing to spend on a gym membership, but how much you’re willing to invest in yourself. Your health and well-being are worth every penny, and a gym membership can be a valuable tool in your fitness journey. But it’s your commitment, your determination, and your hard work that will ultimately determine your success. So, invest in yourself, set realistic goals, and embrace the journey towards a healthier, happier you.
