It was explained awhile back. Basically, the equipment is subject to wear and tear and is significantly more expensive than a basketball or shuffleboard disks. In addition, free weights and dumbbells, if not monitored, have a way of disappearing. And again - they're more expensive than basketballs and shuffleboard disks. The fitness centers also require an employee who will sanitize the entire room at least once every single day. That's not something done with other amenities, and costs more as a result.
Instead of passing these expenses on to every Villager, they charge a fee. The good news, is you don't have to commit to a whole year. You can get a 1-month membership for $45, or even just a day pass for $10. The longer the membership, the cheaper per day. A year is $363 - just under a dollar per day. If you plan on going every day it'd be worth it.
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