Fitness Budgets, streaming memberships, and Zoom

JackieB · 12-02-20, 03:18 PM

I'm just curious....I used to spend a lot of money on dvds. Now that technology has evolved....what's your limit as far as streaming subscriptions or Zoom classes you're willing to pay for? I think it's interesting what people consider is reasonable vs too expensive or not worth it.

I have 2 memberships that I use regularly; ETV and Ellen Barrett. Considering a third.

I do also Zoom my own classes and other instructors.

Demeris · 12-02-20, 03:58 PM

I don't stream much because I live in a rural area and have satellite internet, which charges by the gigabyte. When I have some gigabytes to spare at the end of the month, I download workouts from YouTube or Vimeo.

BUT if I lived where cable internet were available, I doubt I would ever spend that much on streaming, anyway. I like owning the workouts, and I try to limit leaks in my budget. I would probably, however, be willing to do the free trials that so many streaming sites offer, but that would be to determine whether or not I ought to buy their workouts.

As for Zoom, I've had to use Zoom several times during lockdown. I don't like it much. It really doesn't replace an in-person experience, at least for me it doesn't. And it uses up gigabytes like mad.

prettyinpink · 12-02-20, 04:51 PM

I have two now that together are a little over $200 per year. I don’t like managing monthly charges.

On top of that, I might do an additional sub or purchase for a month or two at a time, every so often. This year, I purchased one weight template during the initial shutdown, and then recently a couple months of another one during a different place.

I do have a no-frills gym subscription, but that is more for my family, for a couple of my kids to keep in shape over breaks or when sports are not happening. I use it a little bit because I have it, but if it were just me I’d do without.

fanofladyvols · 12-02-20, 04:53 PM

If I had to rely on streaming, I would still treat it as if it were a gym membership. That's how I treat my fitness budget now.

I would try to find subscriptions that filled my needs within that cost. So I would probably want three: 1) essentrics, 2) pilates and then 3) a site that provided cardio/strength.

If I couldn't achieve that within that cost I would opt for cardio/strength and essentrics.

bubbles76 · 12-02-20, 06:12 PM

I think I would make do with free resources on YouTube, if I had to

. It's amazing what I would spend monthly on dvds but would balk when it comes to streaming. Maybe it's that feeling of ownership.

Usia · 12-02-20, 06:30 PM

I like to keep my streaming subscription limited to 2 sites and I almost always commit to the annual membership because most of the time it's a better deal. I usually do my research before I commit and if I'm not sure, I'll only subscribe for one month. My upper limit for monthly subscription is $19/month. If I buy an annual membership it's about $130/year - but most are cheaper. I wait for specials.

Bubbles, I like free youtube workouts but I hate being constantly interrupted by ads that youtube intersperses within the workout itself. Example: latest Gina B's 80's Retro workout. Ads in the beginning, 8 minutes into it - another ad and that's when I just gave up. Youtube is aggressively pushing paid subscription in my area, and I'm just not going to do it. That's why if I like the instructor, I'm willing to pay for subscription so that I can enjoy my workouts ad-free.

jusca · 12-02-20, 06:33 PM

The most I'd spend is $10/monthly for a short-term period of 1-2 months. I'd try a service out then quit it. I neglect any non-entertainment streaming so it's a money waste for me. The streaming services I've tried have been for rut busting when I'm tired of my dvds, which is rare.

laurajhawk · 12-02-20, 06:35 PM

I pay $99/year for Beachbody On Demand, and I pay $60/month for a yoga studio membership. Right now, I only use the studio membership for Zoom classes - I have unlimited access to both livestream and recorded classes. I find the livestream experience - especially on Zoom, where we can chat before & after class - to be much more immediate and personal than a recorded class or DVD, but that's probably because it's a small studio and we all know each other.
Back in the before time, I would occasionally go to yoga workshops and retreats. I have an allowance that I used for those expenses plus DVDs and gear, and most of that money is stacking up right now.

fanofladyvols · 12-02-20, 06:54 PM

Dana I think your monthly upper limit is a good one.

I also agree I'm frustrated with the frequency of the youtube ads. They ruined my pilates challenge experience.

Even before the ad in your face campaign, I rarely returned to a workout on YouTube. Couple that with videos randomly disappearing and I just have no desire to subscribe to YouTube.

Izzy · 12-02-20, 07:11 PM

My income is pretty low and expenses high. I don’t have a gym membership and only stream ETV and Ellen. When I had an additional PT job I did streaming with a yoga studio but had to give that up when Covid hit and lost the job. I know eventually streaming will not be an option for me if I ever retire so I am happy I have all my CS/Essentrics DVDs. But I do love ETV but I have also had issues of the episode freezing or just stopping which then I have to re log in etc.

I would pay for a Zoom class. I have had a few issues with those as well. It’s frustrating to pay $10 for a class and have tech issues. I pay the $14.95 for ETV which I think is pricey. I for sure would not pay more than that. Essentrics IS pretty good with new content. It is bothersome to pay a lot and only get 1 or 2 new classes per month.

I will add this. I respect the work these instructors go through but I don’t need bells and whistles, fancy sets etc. I am happy with their live classes and wish they offered them on DVD or downloads.

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12-02-20, 03:18 PM
JackieB VF Supporter Join Date: May 2005 Location: Minnesota	Fitness Budgets, streaming memberships, and Zoom I'm just curious....I used to spend a lot of money on dvds. Now that technology has evolved....what's your limit as far as streaming subscriptions or Zoom classes you're willing to pay for? I think it's interesting what people consider is reasonable vs too expensive or not worth it. I have 2 memberships that I use regularly; ETV and Ellen Barrett. Considering a third. I do also Zoom my own classes and other instructors. __________________ Jackie Certified Essentrics Instructor, Level 4---February 2017! "Movement is a privilege. You don't have to exercise. You get to exercise. Visit a person whose mobility is severely limited, and you'll appreciate the distinction. Do what you can, count yourself lucky, heal yourself in the process." Essentrics Colorado

12-02-20, 03:58 PM
Demeris Join Date: Dec 2006	I don't stream much because I live in a rural area and have satellite internet, which charges by the gigabyte. When I have some gigabytes to spare at the end of the month, I download workouts from YouTube or Vimeo. BUT if I lived where cable internet were available, I doubt I would ever spend that much on streaming, anyway. I like owning the workouts, and I try to limit leaks in my budget. I would probably, however, be willing to do the free trials that so many streaming sites offer, but that would be to determine whether or not I ought to buy their workouts. As for Zoom, I've had to use Zoom several times during lockdown. I don't like it much. It really doesn't replace an in-person experience, at least for me it doesn't. And it uses up gigabytes like mad.

12-02-20, 04:51 PM
prettyinpink Join Date: Jun 2009	I have two now that together are a little over $200 per year. I don’t like managing monthly charges. On top of that, I might do an additional sub or purchase for a month or two at a time, every so often. This year, I purchased one weight template during the initial shutdown, and then recently a couple months of another one during a different place. I do have a no-frills gym subscription, but that is more for my family, for a couple of my kids to keep in shape over breaks or when sports are not happening. I use it a little bit because I have it, but if it were just me I’d do without.

12-02-20, 04:53 PM
fanofladyvols VF Supporter Join Date: May 2004 Location: Low Key City, State of Fierce	If I had to rely on streaming, I would still treat it as if it were a gym membership. That's how I treat my fitness budget now. I would try to find subscriptions that filled my needs within that cost. So I would probably want three: 1) essentrics, 2) pilates and then 3) a site that provided cardio/strength. If I couldn't achieve that within that cost I would opt for cardio/strength and essentrics. __________________ Linda-- (Watulan Bell Mistress, a.k.a. Queen Modify, and proud member of the Watula Fan Club Don't just work hard, work smart....Pat Head Summitt Never give up on your body!-- Miranda Esmonde-White Word for 2021: Resilience

12-02-20, 06:12 PM
bubbles76 VF Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: New Jersey	I think I would make do with free resources on YouTube, if I had to . It's amazing what I would spend monthly on dvds but would balk when it comes to streaming. Maybe it's that feeling of ownership. __________________ "You humans have the potential to be the most wonderful beings there are - if you can get past all these enormous stupid spots you seem to have in your hearts. It's not your fault. You just don't know how to work your hearts right yet. That's why there are dogs." - Jim Butcher, Zoo Day

12-02-20, 06:30 PM
Usia VF Supporter Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Chicago Area	I like to keep my streaming subscription limited to 2 sites and I almost always commit to the annual membership because most of the time it's a better deal. I usually do my research before I commit and if I'm not sure, I'll only subscribe for one month. My upper limit for monthly subscription is $19/month. If I buy an annual membership it's about $130/year - but most are cheaper. I wait for specials. Bubbles, I like free youtube workouts but I hate being constantly interrupted by ads that youtube intersperses within the workout itself. Example: latest Gina B's 80's Retro workout. Ads in the beginning, 8 minutes into it - another ad and that's when I just gave up. Youtube is aggressively pushing paid subscription in my area, and I'm just not going to do it. That's why if I like the instructor, I'm willing to pay for subscription so that I can enjoy my workouts ad-free. __________________ Dana Avatar: Our new family member Oliver!

12-02-20, 06:33 PM
jusca Join Date: Aug 2011	The most I'd spend is $10/monthly for a short-term period of 1-2 months. I'd try a service out then quit it. I neglect any non-entertainment streaming so it's a money waste for me. The streaming services I've tried have been for rut busting when I'm tired of my dvds, which is rare.

12-02-20, 06:35 PM
laurajhawk Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Colorado	I pay $99/year for Beachbody On Demand, and I pay $60/month for a yoga studio membership. Right now, I only use the studio membership for Zoom classes - I have unlimited access to both livestream and recorded classes. I find the livestream experience - especially on Zoom, where we can chat before & after class - to be much more immediate and personal than a recorded class or DVD, but that's probably because it's a small studio and we all know each other. Back in the before time, I would occasionally go to yoga workshops and retreats. I have an allowance that I used for those expenses plus DVDs and gear, and most of that money is stacking up right now. __________________ - Laura "Don't say 'I can't' ... say 'I presently suck at this thing.'" - Matt Meese, BYU Divine Comedy

12-02-20, 06:54 PM
fanofladyvols VF Supporter Join Date: May 2004 Location: Low Key City, State of Fierce	Dana I think your monthly upper limit is a good one. I also agree I'm frustrated with the frequency of the youtube ads. They ruined my pilates challenge experience. Even before the ad in your face campaign, I rarely returned to a workout on YouTube. Couple that with videos randomly disappearing and I just have no desire to subscribe to YouTube. __________________ Linda-- (Watulan Bell Mistress, a.k.a. Queen Modify, and proud member of the Watula Fan Club Don't just work hard, work smart....Pat Head Summitt Never give up on your body!-- Miranda Esmonde-White Word for 2021: Resilience

12-02-20, 07:11 PM
Izzy Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: West of Chicago in the Illinois Corn Belt	My income is pretty low and expenses high. I don’t have a gym membership and only stream ETV and Ellen. When I had an additional PT job I did streaming with a yoga studio but had to give that up when Covid hit and lost the job. I know eventually streaming will not be an option for me if I ever retire so I am happy I have all my CS/Essentrics DVDs. But I do love ETV but I have also had issues of the episode freezing or just stopping which then I have to re log in etc. I would pay for a Zoom class. I have had a few issues with those as well. It’s frustrating to pay $10 for a class and have tech issues. I pay the $14.95 for ETV which I think is pricey. I for sure would not pay more than that. Essentrics IS pretty good with new content. It is bothersome to pay a lot and only get 1 or 2 new classes per month. I will add this. I respect the work these instructors go through but I don’t need bells and whistles, fancy sets etc. I am happy with their live classes and wish they offered them on DVD or downloads. __________________ Mary