Choosing a Gym Wisely: Cost per Session

Using the real rates of three local gyms (city-run, budget and a full-service chain), students work out the true cost per session based on how often they would actually go and check the fine print in the contracts. Then they role-play a gym visit in pairs, asking the key questions to raise before signing up.

How to play

1. Present the three gyms with their monthly fee, sign-up fee, minimum term, hours, services and whether they include coaching; real information can be looked up on phones (4 min).
2. Calculation: each student estimates how many sessions a month they would realistically do and works out each gym's cost per session, spreading the sign-up fee over a year (8 min).
3. Fine print: in pairs, they find the minimum term, how to cancel, penalties and extra paid services in a sample contract (6 min).
4. Visit role-play: one plays the salesperson and the other the customer, who must ask about staff qualifications, the beginner program, hygiene, crowding at their usual times and the free trial; then they switch (8 min).
5. Each student writes which gym they would choose, why, and what free alternative they would use if none is worth it (4 min).

Rules

• Sessions per month must be realistic, not the New Year's resolution number.
• In the role-play, the salesperson can push, but always respectfully; the customer practices saying no.
• Don't post or share personal data when looking up real gyms.

Variations

Adaptations

• Blind or low vision: the contract and rates are provided in an accessible format or large print.
• Limited mobility: add facility accessibility, locker rooms and adapted machines to the list of questions.
• Math difficulties: uses a table with the operations already set up and a calculator.

Learning goals

• Calculate the real cost of working out at a fitness center.
• Spot unfair clauses and must-have services before signing a contract.
• Make a well-informed consumer decision about one's own physical activity.

Equipment for a class of 25

• worksheets: 30
• tablets or phones: 15
• timer: 1

Teacher tip

Practicing how to say no to the salesperson is what students remember most. Stress that a good option always includes a qualified person to teach technique at the start.

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