I'd love to agree with you about the cost aspects of joining a gym, it's just that, in general, the difference in price tends to be so marginal, and the facilities maintained so much better that it does make sense for many people to join a gym. For me, the closest municipal swimming pool is the opposite direction to work from home, meaning more driving etc. The cost of going to the pool at home near Durban was about 80% of the cost of what my monthly gym membership will be here (assuming I go 15 times a month). Buying weights is an expensive business. Expect to pay at least over a thousand Rand. That's if you're going for a minimal set of free weights, and it turns out that specialised machines are well out of many peoples' price range. Buying weights is also only feasible if you have place to store them/use them. I also don't think the social argument is that great -- many people have a gym buddy, which helps motivation, gives you a break between reps, gives you someone to spot you, etc. Enjoy your bike, it'll be a lot more fun than any gym ;) (PS, my limited research suggests that Planet Fitness > Virgin Active)