Buzz
Running often seems like an affordable and straightforward workout option—until bad weather hits, whether it’s a rainstorm, blizzard, or scorching heat. That’s when you start envying those who have treadmills at home or access to a gym. Here are some strategies to help you keep running when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Seek Out a Local Fitness Center
Many communities feature fitness centers that offer low-cost or free memberships for local residents, which often fly under the radar. High schools may have gyms that are available to the public on weekends or during breaks. While you might need to pay a small fee for a day pass, these can be surprisingly affordable. Don’t forget to check for day pass options at your neighborhood YMCA as well.
Choose a service that allows you to pay by the minute
Flexit and Popin both offer gym access on a per-minute basis, but they are currently available only in select cities. Flexit operates in locations such as 'New York, New Jersey, D.C., Virginia, Maryland, Arizona, Illinois, and Florida,' while Popin is limited to New York City. On the Flexit app, we found gyms charging as little as $5 per hour and as high as $30. If you just need to pay for a short workout, this option can be more affordable than getting a gym membership or buying a treadmill.
In certain areas, Classpass credits can provide you with access to open gym hours. Classpass works through a subscription model (pricing varies by location) and is mainly designed for people who want to attend fitness classes. However, some of the 'classes' are actually just open gym slots—depending on the location. You could also choose cardio classes as a substitute for your running workout. If there are convenient gyms near you and the pricing fits, Classpass can be a good way to get an occasional treadmill workout.
Look for free trial offers at commercial gyms
We’re not recommending you take advantage of free trials excessively, but if your friend’s gym offers a 'bring a friend' deal, why not take part? You might enjoy it.
Bite the bullet and invest in a membership at the most affordable gym in your area
Even if the atmosphere of a Planet Fitness or the local gym in a strip mall doesn’t appeal to you, many of these gyms offer memberships at bargain prices, typically between $10 and $20 a month. Be mindful of any hidden fees, but crunch the numbers—sometimes, a low monthly rate plus a few extra charges still adds up to a great deal.
If you’re okay with missing a workout here and there, you might not need a treadmill. That’s your call. However, if you’re sticking to a training plan and need to stay on track with your daily miles, the cost of a low-cost monthly membership or the occasional day pass might actually be worth it.
