Unemployed Gym Membership Face Punch?

[onemorebike]

My family and I are moving from Denver to Minneapolis in just about two weeks. My wife hates the cold (I know, Minnesota is cold), I'm an avid bicyclist and bike year round to work and for transportation but usually, even in Denver, purchase a 3-4 month membership during the colder months to help me stay fit.

When we arrive we will be without jobs (but also without debt) in our newly purchased (smaller, less expensive and highly walkable/bikeable) home and have a healthy nest egg to get settled. My wife and I have both agreed that part of what our lifestyle and mustache have provided us is a stressfree transition.

So the YWCA in Minneapolis has a $122 monthly family membership. This includes work out equipment, classes, an indoor water park for the kids and unlimited daycare drops (2 hours a day, I think) for working out. This membership could provide hours, if not days, of indoor fun and relaxation for our family during a time of transition (and as we move into a smaller home). I'm seriously considering signing up when we first arrive, as there will be much snow on the ground and we will have a lot of time in our days (a wonderful gift!).

I guess the question is whether this is a lavish luxury that deserves a facepunch or if it would be a good use of money during a rocky time?

-onemorebike

The question, I suppose,

[Ricky]

Well there's no way to make such a meaningful assessment without knowing your finances. No debt and $50k net worth is much different than no debt and $500k net worth.

I'd say go for it for a few months at least, and if it starts eating into savings too much then stop it, at least until you find jobs.

[Cromacster]

I'd say your probably fine.

Welcome to the Twin Cities!

[jda1984]

As a Minneapolitan, welcome to the area!

I'm not sure where exactly in the city you are, but the parks in Minneapolis are pretty great.  It's tough to find a place where there isn't a park/playground/walkiing-biking path within 6 blocks.  We're also into the home stretch for the winter here (probably just another 4-6 weeks, April might have a freak snowstorm, but those usually melt in a day or two).  I'd say go with the membership for a couple months as you make the transition.  I'm sure by mid April the whole family will be more than happy to play/exercise in the park than at the Y.

[mginwa]

Sounds like it has a ton of upsides, and the only downside the cost. You, your wife, your kids could all make friends in a new city, no small feat. You can stay fit in the winter, also a big deal. You can have a healthy way to de-stress. Assuming it won't harm your finances, it sounds like a great solution. Moving sucks and is really hard. It's important to find ways to enjoy your new city so you don't find yourself miserable and wishing you could go back to Denver.