One thing I’ve learned since graduating from university in 2017 is how expensive it can be to keep fit after leaving campus. I was always active growing up, and played on competitive sports teams throughout my teens. These habits continued through university, where I played soccer, joined the campus rowing club, worked out at the fitness centre, participated in an intramural sports club and played pick-up soccer regularly throughout the course of my degree. While I was a student, I had ample access to a variety of exercise-related facilities, including a fitness centre, an Olympic pool, squash courts, a climbing gym, gymnasiums, an ice skating facility – you name it. My access to these venues was paid for through my tuition fees, and it was at a much discounted rate from what the general public had to pay. Fast forward to now. I’ve spent several hundred dollars in the last year alone on various gym memberships, punch card passes for hot yoga studios, drop-in soccer fees, work-out equipment, day passes for the climbing centre, et cetera. The reason I hop from one venue to the other is that I enjoy different forms of exercise – be it running, swimming, cycling, yoga, climbing, weight lifting or playing different sports. Most gyms don’t offer all of these options in one place, so I’ve had to pick and choose where I get my exercise. And it’s started to add up in cost. The only places that offer that “one-stop-shop” exercise experience are large recreation complexes or university campuses. But their membership fees tend to be a bit out of my price range, and I’m not very close to any of them. Plus, if you drive to a college or university campus, you then have to pay to park, which needs to be factored into the pricing, as well. As I get older, I find the need to exercise and stay active is becoming more necessary. I’ve been working desk jobs for the last three years, and I find I’m sitting a lot more than I did when I was younger. I’ve gained about 10 pounds since my university days, and I get out of breath easier. Yes, it’s possible to workout for free, and I do that, too, whether it’s going for a jog in my neighbourhood or doing push-ups in the living room. But I feel I take it easier when I’m on my own – I’m less accountable to myself with no one else around. While I don’t miss most aspects of being a student, I definitely miss the easy and affordable access to a wide variety of exercise options.
