The cost of staying fit
Between instant noodles, rent, and the cost of living, a gym membership sometimes feels like a luxury few students can afford
Many students in Hamilton are finding that staying fit isn’t entirely about motivation; it’s about money.
Third-year Communication student Gabriel Bowen said, “Money is the main reason why I don’t have one. Got to make sure I pay for food before I get them gains.”
The rising cost of living has made balancing finances hard. The University of Waikato estimates weekly student expenses between $276 and $332, while Studylink allows students to borrow $323.43, it is barely enough to cover essentials like rent, transport and food without also finding a job.
A sample survey of Wintec students showed that 60% don’t have a gym membership because they couldn’t afford it.
Nursing student Rose Rayner said she made the choice to cut back. “I cancelled my membership due to placement at the hospital. I realised I can walk around the local park and climb stairs for free”.
According to the Ministry of Health, only 46.6% of adults met the physical activity guidelines of at least 2.5 moderate-intensity activity in a week. The same survey found that nearly 1.5 million people were classified as obese in 2023/24 health survey, which was up from 1.25 million in 2018/19.
Those in the sample survey who do pay for a gym membership spend an average of $16. For some, it’s a justified expense. International student Emma Willecke said “It keeps me fit and helps distract me from stress or other things”.
Design student Oliver Armishaw kept his membership for the social aspect, “my membership allows me to let people in, so sometimes I take my friends and we hang out”
For students tight on a budget, sometimes getting out and about is key. Hamilton is surrounded by bush walks like the Hakarimata’s or Pukemokemoke reserve. 40% of the survey respondents said walking was their free way of staying active.
Innes Common and Waikato University also have an outdoor callisthenics gym for those wanting to build muscle without the cost.
Still, for many, staying active comes second to getting by. As living costs climb and the pressure of study increases, exercise becomes less about achieving goals and more about finding affordable ways to move.
