10 Signs It's Time to Quit the Gym

Written by
Nikki Chavanelle
When you first joined the gym, it seemed like the most proactive move you could make toward sculpting a fitter body and turning healthy choices into a true lifestyle—not just a once-a-week activity.

But now your gym-centric motivation has come and gone, and you're still locked in an expensive membership for however long is specified in that teeny-tiny fine print on your contract. Every day that you skip, you feel like you're throwing money down the toilet.

So what's a former gym-goer to do? No matter how many times you've told yourself you'll go more often, you might need to heed the signs and finally realize, it's time to quit the gym.
1. You Never Go
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Okay, it's honesty time, people. If you haven't been to the gym in months, even weeks, it's time to wiggle your way out of your gym membership.

Quitting the gym isn't easy—in fact, it's very tough. Most gyms make you come in just to quit, so they can lure you back in, but don't fall for it. If you're not going now, you won't be going later.
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2. You Only Go Once a Week
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The average cost of a gym membership is $58 per month. That means if you only go to the gym once a week, you're paying nearly $15 a visit, and you definitely won't see enough results from a one-time workout to justify that type of expense.
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3. You Can't Afford It
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Gym memberships are expensive, and they're recurring until the end of time unless you find the courage to quit. While the average gym membership is $58 a month, some of the more expensive gyms can charge up to a whopping $200.

Fitness is a very important aspect of your life, but if you're already working with a tight budget, you might want to look into cheaper options.
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4. You Can Be Fit for Free Right Now
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With free fitness tribes, YouTube videos, workout apps and, of course, the great outdoors, there are plenty of options to stay fit outside of the gym. Experiment with one of these more cost-efficient methods, find something that works for you and kiss that expensive membership goodbye.
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5. You Only Do Cardio
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If you're a big weightlifter or require numerous machines and equipment to complete a workout, then having a gym at your disposal is key. But if you're a cardio bunny or just need one set of dumbbells to break a sweat, then you're likely wasting money on your membership.
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6. You Spend All Day Inside
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If you spend all day inside at a desk, then signing up for a gym membership might not be the right move for you. Getting fresh air while you exercise will likely be more energizing than spending even longer hours trapped inside four walls.

Try taking your exercise outdoors. Your body—and brain—will thank you for it.
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7. You Joined the Wrong Type of Gym
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There are so many different types of gyms. From your average Joe, Planet Fitness, to the ever-expensive Equinox, to a local Crossfit box, there's bound to be one out there that's just right for you. Always tour the gym before you join and ask about all the amenities to make sure you're taking full advantage of your membership.

Sometimes quitting the gym can mean just quitting that gym.
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8. You Aren't Seeing Results
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If you joined a gym with specific goals in mind and you're not seeing the results you want, it's time to readjust your strategy. If you're a runner and your goal is to set a new PR, the gym probably isn't the place to make it happen. If you're a triathlete, you might see better results from adding in an extra swim or bike session to your training plan, instead of an extra lift.
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9. You Have to Drive More Than 15 Minutes
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While there are exceptions to this rule, if you have to drive more than 15 minutes to get to your gym, there's a very high chance that you won't go, especially after a long day. There are many excuses you can use to avoid working out, and drive-time doesn't need to be one of them. So quit your far-away gym in favor of a more convenient option.
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10. You Get Anxiety From the Gym
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If you get anxiety every time you skip the gym because you're wasting money—quit the gym. If you get anxiety from working out in front of other people—quit the gym. If you get anxiety because you don't know what you're doing in the gym, get a trainer or an app—and maybe, quit the gym, too.

If you're paying that much to work out, it should be an environment conducive to your personality and individual needs. If the gym is something you dread, it's likely time to give it up.
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