I pay $100 a month, which is expensive, but this price is reduced at the end of the year when my workplace picks up part of the tab. It's worth it to me--the fitness club has a great pool (2 of them) with lounge chairs, and a grassy area with a volleyball court, two hot tubs, spin classes, tennis courts, a wonderful indoor clubhouse and outdoor deck area under oak trees, a sauna, and the usual gym equipment. In the past I've used it almost as a retreat of sorts, a place I can go to relax and read or write after a run. My sport is running, though I love to have the pool available when I feel like swimming (or possibly need to in the event of an injury). It was also expensive to join, initially, and I would lose that money if I canceled my membership. Another incentive to stay with it.

My wife and I joined the YMCA with a family plan....best move we coudlv'e made.  I have been a member at Ballys and 24 Hour Fitness and I love the Y.  We can go to any location in the area and get discounts on various activities and things (handy for us with 2 kids) plus the child care area is included...so our 12 year old can work out a little and our 6 year old goes to child care at no extra cost to us.

Love the flexibility of multiple locations too...we live pretty much same distance from two locations, one of them is an "Express" which is a smaller version of Y - weight room, cardio machines, and a room for cardio classes, etc. - also child care and locker rooms (of course).  The other Y is a big one with basketball and raquetball courts, pool, etc.  I go to the Express most of the time because it's less crowded, but go to the other Y to play hoops and we can all swim there, etc...

Highly recommend checking the Y in your area before joining another gym.

I don't feel ripped off, because I have my reasons for being there, but I pay $75/mo for a very boutique bootcamp studio. Nothing but classes and a limited schedule at that.  Which, on an objective scale, is fairly outrageous.

But I GO THERE. I've paid half as much for gyms I've used not at all, so if that particular place gets me to show up, then it's worth it to me. For now. When I'm in better shape and want more options I'll probably switch over to the Y.

Ballys Total Fitness,12 a month.open 5am-11pm,pool,sauna,free weights and everything else you can think of.