For Canadians

[TvBabe]

Now that it's fall I really don't want to continue my walking program into the fall and winter here in Canada so I joined a gym today.

Has anyone looked into the possibility that joining a gym is a legitimate "medical expense" that I might be able to deduct on my income tax? Have you been successful using it as a deduction? (with a doctor's note of course)

[mg_2204]

... My doctor offered me to join a gym for free (on a special scheme) but I refused. Mind you it's in UK though. I wasn't aware we had such programs in Canada. In fact, I would be surprised if you could get a tax deduction for that...! My sister told me that would we go back to Québec, we would have to be put on a waiting list to have a family doctor. None are available at the moment!

For years I was lucky enough to work somewhere I could access a fully equiped gym for free and have 1h30 lunch break (instead of 1 hour) if I'd go every day. So I did. But I hate gyms. With a passion. I turned down my doctor's offer because I just wouldn't stick to it. Awful, isn't it? But I figure why take the place of someone who needs it too and who would stick to it?

Over here the winters aren't as harsh as back in Canada. I'll take my brisk walks rain or shine. I joined a walking club a few years ago when I was still in Canada but gave up at one point because it proved difficult (and dangerous!) to take brisk walks on icy sidewalks.

I'd try the tax deduction. The worse that can happen is... they will say NO you are not entitled to any.

Good luck!

[KickStart101]

Well, that's an interesting question Michelle. Many work places even supply the gym for employees, so it must be important. ;) Although I doubt
very much that our Govt. would deduct taxes for it. Maybe in about 5 yrs., they will Think about it. I will ask around though. Take Care. :top:

[HypnoToad]

i run every day outside until it gets too cold (i wont run outside in the winter, not healthy at all) but it just so happened that one of the people my mother in law cleans for owns a gym and gave my a really nice $1600 tredmill for free! so if its too crappy to run outside i run on that.

[Mario]

Ask to Paul Martin for a sponsorship ! :rolleyes:

Seriously, it is important to stay active. And like an old commercial said, Outdoor is the bigger gym and it is free !

[liz32]

Snow here in the maritimes can be a killer and hubby works shift work (leaves before light and comes home after dark) so getting out in the winter is a chore. I'd love to get a tread mill but were saving to buy a bigger home...need one with a wreakroom! I'm not sure how I'm going to handle getting excersize this winter but going to a gym is out...I take care of small kids and the schedual just won't fit! I geuss I'll just have to keep walking. At least with the extra snow it will give me a tougher workout....gotta look on the bright side. :1eye:

[TvBabe]

Well don't quote me on this but I just got off the Revenue Canada information phoneline and with a doctor's note attached gym memberships are a legitimate medical expense on Canadian Income Tax for diabetics :)