Gym or no gym ?

mmapags

Okuda81 wrote: »

A gym can help, but you have to understand, as you gain muscle mass whilst still loosing fat, the scale may stall. Not because you're not loosing, because you're replacing it with healthy lean muscle.
The scale is a right wench at sometimes and that's why I don't only rely on that. I judge by taking progress pics, how clothes fit and measurements.
Also, no gym will fix a bad diet.
A gym however, really improves my mental health and makes me a nicer person, if for nothing else, that's worth it to me.

Not true. A person can lose fat fat faster than gain muscle mass and gaining muscle in a calorie deficit is challenging at best.

IHaveMyActTogether

If you want to be a smaller version of your current body shape, calorie counting only will work.

If you want to be smaller and reshape your body, be firm and tight, (or muscular), also do exercise that is in accordance with your goals.

mmnv79

I don't have a gym around there. So a while ago I bought a static bike, and progressively adquired other stuff, a small rowing machine, some weights, a matt + exercise ball,... and also have a Fitbit and make sure I walk x steps everyday. I know it's not the same as attending a proper gym, but if you don't have one near you either, you could always do the same, buy some equipment and watch Youtube workout videos.

fishgutzy

YMCA membership costs a lot less than building and maintaining my own pool.

jogetsgains

Going to the gym has been a huge motivator for me. Getting thinner and stronger is a one-two punch for my health. My herniated disc doesn't give me trouble anymore, no more sciatica, my balance is back, I can carry heavy things again -- because of the combo.
I would suggest that whatever you choose to do in the gym, if you choose to go to the gym, make if different from the movements you do at work. For example, if you lift heavy things at work, do cardio and flexibility/range of motion at the gym.

iRyanS

Gym is the only true supplement to weight loss. Though not required, it definitely helps with weight loss and overall health, provided your diet is in check.

Remember - weight loss starts in the kitchen.

I go to the gym almost daily. I do it to improve my cardiovascular health and overall strength - things that I desperately lacked before I dropped 115 lbs. Still a long way to go, but gym has helped me tremendously.

GreenValli

I have regularly been a regular gym member for about 10-15 years. I believe it is good for me even besides weight loss. I currently do go to a gym 3 times a week. I am in my 60's now and have a desk job so now it is even more important for me to exercise. Even through those years my weight has fluctuated. I lost over 70 pounds but have put some about 15-20 back on. I am currently trying to take those pounds off. Exercise does not seem to make a difference except I feel I can eat back some of my calories on my gym days. I appreciate being able to do that because I have to limit my calories greatly to even take off 4 pounds a month.

I think I am healthier than I would be if I did not go to the gym regularly. In the last 3 years I have only taken one sick day off from work and it was for a annual medical check up, which was very positive. The doctor did tell me I should still take off more weight. Many of my coworkers seem to have so many health problems. I work at a hospital and am exposed to many sick people but I have not gotten sick except for 2 very mild colds. I think eating right and exercise make a difference.

rheddmobile

While the gym won't cause you to lose weight unless you also eat at a deficit, it's an excellent aid to eating at a deficit. Adding 400 or so calories a day to your energy output and eating back those calories can make the difference between feeling deprived and feeling content. Exercise is also essential for health in every possible way. And while eating at a deficit, regular strength training will help you preserve muscle.

You don't need to use a gym to exercise. It depends on your goals. For gaining a few extra calories to aid in weight loss, I found using the stationary bike in my own house was more useful, because I could do it without having to go anywhere, and no matter what the weather. I was also able to do strength exercises at home until I gained a level of strength past which I needed equipment I didn't own such as a squat cage.

Regardless of what you do about the gym, I strongly recommend tracking your calories and getting your eating under control. That's what will make the difference.

Keto_Vampire

Depends on which environment best suits you (home vs. gym) & how compliant you will be

Some of us feel more motivated watching others with similar goals & view going to the gym as a social activity...even if everyone is heads down, laser focused, & has the get-in get-out (kill it) attitude. Personally feel more motivated going to the gym...even if I'm not the one setting PRs. Just feels less lonely vs. training @ home (this is coming from a very introverted person).

CarvedTones

iRyanS wrote: »

Gym is the only true supplement to weight loss. Though not required, it definitely helps with weight loss and overall health, provided your diet is in check.

I would substitute "exercise" for "gym". It doesn't have to be "home gym" exercise either. I have been paddling SUP since the beginning of April and through the summer got to the point where I would paddle 3+ hours twice a week most weeks. I sometimes walk 6-8 miles at a time. While the neighborhood pool was open, I often would swim for 60 to 90 minutes non stop (never standing, holding the side or just floating; staying in motion the whole time).

A lot of my activity was reliant on warm temps outside and I do fear a drop off, so I finally joined a gym a few days ago. When I met with a trainer, he told me I am in usually good full body shape for someone my age with an office job that has not been working out, especially given that I just finished losing 68 pounds the beginning of March. He is about my age, which is why he could say the bit about age without it it being back handed.

However, you have to note that I have been discussing what I have done since losing, While losing, I started with short walks and progressed to about 5 miles as the max last winter and was doing that 2-3 times a week. Last Christmas, i was only doing 2-3 mile walks a couple of times a week. I lost it from diet. I keep it off with diet. The exercise adds enough hunger to offset the additional calories most of the time. It does not make it significantly easier to maintain a deficit, but it does make it possible to have a bigger one and still have a reasonably normal diet.

The exercise has me in shape to enjoy more activities and feel really good about myself, which makes staying this size and in this shape very important to me. I think that is very important for successful maintenance.

jogetsgains

@jlsmith4439 I would like to know what you decide and what kind of workout you choose 🙂

CarvedTones

jogetsgains wrote: »

@jlsmith4439 I would like to know what you decide and what kind of workout you choose 🙂

I am not @jlsmith4439 but I have a suggestion base on my experience...

I sat down with a trainer and told him my realistic goals and on what schedule I am likely to actually come in; it's very important to be straight up. For me, it's stay fit and trim when I am not doing enough outdoor activities and maybe get a little more definition in my abs. But I am only going to make it in 3 times a week for an hour each time. This coming week, most of my time will be in group training.

He showed me a little on the TRX and I am taking a small group TRX basics training class from him this coming week. I was sold enough on that just from the intro that I ordered a TRX knock off and will do some of that at home, which will help push up my exercise time.

I am going to mix and match 30 minutes routines.

• A standard circuit training done in a special area where everyone has to move on at the same pace in the same order. I am also doing a small group training on that this coming week and he will help me with some modifications for my knees and shoulders.
• Cardio - one of the machines
• Abs - taking that course on Friday
• TRX, barbells and some specific weight machines

But that's me. I suggest you talk to a pro about you.

jogetsgains

CarvedTones wrote: »

jogetsgains wrote: »

@jlsmith4439 I would like to know what you decide and what kind of workout you choose 🙂

I am not @jlsmith4439 but I have a suggestion base on my experience...

I sat down with a trainer and told him my realistic goals and on what schedule I am likely to actually come in; it's very important to be straight up. For me, it's stay fit and trim when I am not doing enough outdoor activities and maybe get a little more definition in my abs. But I am only going to make it in 3 times a week for an hour each time. This coming week, most of my time will be in group training.

He showed me a little on the TRX and I am taking a small group TRX basics training class from him this coming week. I was sold enough on that just from the intro that I ordered a TRX knock off and will do some of that at home, which will help push up my exercise time.

I am going to mix and match 30 minutes routines.

• A standard circuit training done in a special area where everyone has to move on at the same pace in the same order. I am also doing a small group training on that this coming week and he will help me with some modifications for my knees and shoulders.
• Cardio - one of the machines
• Abs - taking that course on Friday
• TRX, barbells and some specific weight machines

But that's me. I suggest you talk to a pro about you.

Thanks!
I was just asking because jlsmith4439 was the original poster. The one who actually posed the question.
Good advise tho

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quiksylver296

billbobagzdathird1 wrote: »

Def no gym. Just terrible people in there. I would get a home gym and start running outside.

Wow. Nice stereotyping...

vanityy99

billbobagzdathird1 wrote: »

Def no gym. Just terrible people in there. I would get a home gym and start running outside.

I agree I’d much prefer to workout at home just because I’ve had annoying experiences at the gym. I bought and elliptical and a treadmill- I get much better workouts at home.

Tacklewasher

I just switched gyms from the Y to Anytime, solely based on location. I might miss the pool but have not been swimming.

I've had one conversation in the gym so far. Guy asked about my earbuds. I'm not lifting heavy but don't notice any mean looks because of it. I'm there at ~5:45 am, so I can get access to the squat rack fine (was an issue at the Y) and pretty much just left alone.

It all becomes a personal choice and what works best for the person.

sgt1372

I have a free gym membership but I don't go to the gym, except to use the steam room and sauna, because I have everything I need to use to workout at home.

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