When having trouble deciding between an at home workout, or getting a gym membership, there’s a handful of things you might want to consider. Since consistency is key; it’s important to figure out what is the right fit for you.
Working out on your own doesn’t cost a thing, and can offer a number of body-resistance workouts to target core areas of the body.. However, gym equipment can open up many more options for you.
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Setting up a home gym can be very convenient if you have the space and the investment required for an at home workout facility. Joining a gym can be a comparatively cheap investment; as long as you are using it.
Time is a big factor as well. If the nearest workout facility is a 30-minute drive and your schedule does not allow for that, you can opt for an at home workout. Most membership gyms also are not open 24/7 and must fit with your weekly schedule.
If you like having peace and quiet when exercising, and are a self-starter, working out on your own time will be no problem. On the other hand, if you cannot effectively work out without instruction or other people around to keep you motivated, then a gym membership might be the better way to go.
Whichever your decision, there are always pros and cons associated with both options. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of gym membership and setting up your gym at home.
Advantages of joining the gym:
More Options
Professional gyms are well equipped and offer a lot of different machines and gym equipment to target just about every muscle in the body. In an established commercial gym, you will have plenty of equipment at your disposal.
Such as:
- Cardio Machines
- Treadmills
- Stair Climbers
- Elliptical Machines
- Stationary Bikes
- Rowing Machines
You will also have wide assortment of cable machines and free weights to choose from.
There may also be other less monotonous activities you can do, depending on the gym. Like basketball, swimming, boxing, or even rock climbing.
Motivation
Working with other people can be motivating, exciting, and fun. You are likely to reach for more while in the gym. You can pick a friendly competitor to work with, and make the workout a bit more exciting. That way you both can help each other increase results and reach your personal goals together.
Staying Focused
If you prefer getting your workout by gym membership, you can focus strictly on the workout. You will not have any other obligations or distractions while you are there. There’s only you and the equipment.
Disadvantages of a gym membership:
Cost
Gym memberships involve parting with some money. As compared with establishing your gym at home, this fee may is still inexpensive; but it is ongoing. If you are using the gym regularly, it is money well invested in yourself. If you don’t use it however, the gym is just an unnecessary monthly cost in the long run. Gym membership fees vary; but in some areas can be as high as $100 a month.
Inconvenience
Driving to a gym every day can be a hassle if you have a very busy schedule. In fact, the time you take to pack your bag, get dressed, and drive there can even be longer than the time you used to workout at home. Also, planning to go to the gym has to work between your availability, and their hours of operation.
Crowds
This can be a good thing or a bad thing. Popular gyms are full of people who are busy doing their own things. Some may be using their cell phones loudly, which may or may not disrupt your focus. Some people like crowds when working out, some don’t. It all depends on your preference.
Advantages of working out at home:
It’s Economical
There are many home or outdoor workout activities that you can do without the need for your own costly workout equipment.
Convenience
Working out at home is very convenient, as you don’t have to drive anywhere, and you can do it whenever you want to. Heck, you can even work out in your pajamas if you want to.
Body Resistance
Body-resistance exercise, is a natural way to use just your body & gravity to get an effective at home workout in. It’s great for burning calories, strength building, and cardio. There are wide assortments of exercises that you can do at home. Including walking or running outside your home. Pushups, situps, towel resistance exercises, etc; You can also use exercise videos to get motivation.
If you’re short on ideas, you can always look online and find just about any no-equipment workout ideas you can think of. Here’s one from BuzzFeed.com to brainstorm and start out with.
Disadvantages of home workouts:
Lack of Motivation
Studies reveal that most people are more likely to skip workouts while they are at home due to lack of motivation and being distracted. Which is understandable; we all have priorities that need to be met, and things to be taken care of every day. When we don’t make working out one of those priorities, we can easily skip working out, and let it fall by the wayside.
If you have trouble finding the motivation to get up and do it, don’t worry, this is very common. There’s a helpful little mental trick you can use to find the motivation. It’s by tricking your own mind. Tell yourself “I’ll just work out for 10 minutes, and if I do more, that’s great. But if I only do 10 minutes, that’s just fine too”.
This is helpful because a lot of times, the hardest part is getting going. Once you do, you find all kinds of motivation; and usually go for more than 10 minutes. Remember consistency is most important; even if for only 10 minutes.
No Workout Partners
This can be difficult if you are alone without a room full of other people working out along side you at the gym; depending on the person. For some, it’s easy to become bored or lose steam if there is nobody else there to inspire them. And then there’s others, that thrive on working out all by themselves. See what your preference is, and what works best for you.
Final Verdict:
Deciding between a membership at a nearby gym or working out at home comes down budget, time, and personal preference. If you are self-motivated and know that you can avoid endless distractions at home, then an at-home workout routine can be of great benefit for you.
However, if you cannot withstand the day to day tasks all by yourself, and you need some motivation to get going and work out, then a commercial gym facility may be the better option.
It may be good to try both out and see which suits you better. This will give you a better idea as to your preference. The best way to really know is in doing.
Whatever it is gets you the better results, and whichever one you enjoy more. Working out should be mostly fun. The more you enjoy it, the more you’ll want to do it. Whether at a gym, or an at home workout routine.
