Gym or home?

lisakatz2

Do you prefer to work out at home, or in a gym?

I'm currently working out at home (going for brisk walks daily, exercising with fitness bands). I'd like to join a gym eventually. I find it more motivating. I find working out at home more challenging because I work full-time at a fairly stressful job and find it easy to head to bed to rest before dinner (my hubs does the cooking).

Retroguy2000

Home. I like the convenience and don't need the motivation of others. I have bench, db's, barbell, pullup bar.

lisakatz2

Wow, you have a nice set of equipment! I'm glad you enjoy working out at home! For me, other gym members don't motivate me, but having to go someplace outside my home does. Once I get there, there is no turning back! No bed to lie down on, no distractions. I am very focused when I work out at a gym.
At home, that's more of a challenge.

AnnPT77

Neither, if we're talking preference. I like this best:



(That's me in yellow, my 70-something rowing buddy J. in pink. I think I was around 64 in the photo, now 68.)

Other than that, I mostly work out at home these days, or ride my bike on the local trail system, because I got into the habit during the pandemic. I used to take group classes, sometimes swim or do strength exercise at the Y, and may resume that eventually, dunno.

At home, I have a stationary bike (bought during pandemic to replace spin class), rowing machine (owned/used since around 2004 or 2005), weights, bands, stability ball, and some other small stuff I can use. In Winter, I mostly stationary bike and machine row. In summer, I mostly row boats and bike trails.

lisakatz2

That sounds like a nice "program" Ann! A nice mix of fun outdoor stuff and good indoor equipment when the weather gets harsh. Looks like you live in a beautiful area, I like the photo very much.

nossmf

I would enjoy having the convenience of a home gym setup for lifting, but admit I'd probably still go to the gym to have access to spotters if needed for the heaviest sets.

lisakatz2

With a 980 square foot condo, we really don't have the storage space for a bench and a full set up of dumbbells/barbells. We don't have a garage, and my husband has loaded up the closets with DVDs, musical equipment, and model train stuff much to my chagrin (still love him, though). But mostly, the motivation is easier when I work out outside my home. That's the bottom line for me.

Lietchi

I'm lucky enough to have the space in our garage for a home gym: treadmill, rowing machine, weightlifting rack and dumbells/ barbells.

I do all of my running on the treadmill - I like the convenience of controlling my pace (outdoors I tend to go too fast) and I watch TV while I run.
The rowing machine is used occasionally to diversify my workouts.
I haven't done any strength training in aaaaages (but my BF uses the equipment).

I'm introverted and socially awkward so having a home gym is just the most comfortable for me, as well as not having to worry about how I look (messy hair etc) or losing time to go to the nearest gym (not many options where I live anyway).

I walk outdoors as well, but that's mostly on holiday or weekends (long walks).

lisakatz2

Wow Lietchi you are so lucky to have the space for a home gym! What a set up!

AdahPotatah2024

Home! I've worked out in a gym exactly once in my entire life, haha. I do some pilates and light weight lifting at home. Hiking is my #1 favorite exercise, though.
I have a completely separate area in my house for my job. I do think it would help to have a separate area devoted exclusively to exercise, too.

dougii

Both. Kayaking, walking, biking, rowing, all done from home. Daily elliptical and weight lifting at the gym. I wouldn't want to devote the space or the money into the equipment I'd need for a home gym. Besides, then I'd have to clean around it LOL

lisakatz2

dougii wrote: »

Both. Kayaking, walking, biking, rowing, all done from home. Daily elliptical and weight lifting at the gym. I wouldn't want to devote the space or the money into the equipment I'd need for a home gym. Besides, then I'd have to clean around it LOL

Dougi I think you are the first person on this thread that mentions liking the gym! I know exactly what you mean about space and money. One concern I have is "outgrowing" a weight set as I lift heavier and heavier. I simply don't have the room.

All your outdoor activities sound fun. You mention kayaking/rowing, I assume you have a river by you? Must be nice.

lisakatz2

AdahPotatah2024 wrote: »

Home! I've worked out in a gym exactly once in my entire life, haha. I do some pilates and light weight lifting at home. Hiking is my #1 favorite exercise, though.
I have a completely separate area in my house for my job. I do think it would help to have a separate area devoted exclusively to exercise, too.

Adah I enjoy hiking too. There are mountains close to where I live and the area is very hilly. Quite a challenge!

FibroHiker

My hubby and I had gym memberships for years. I appreciated the different classes offered and all the equipment available.

When COVID lockdowns hit we had to change our exercise routines. I started taking walks, hiking and jogging again. We began a home gym with free weights and work out bench. I put a TV in that room and used YouTube videos to supplement my exercise. Once the gym reopened I found my desire to go there had faded. I enjoyed the peace and solitude of my own home better.

When we bought our current home I made sure that we would have an extra room to set up a home gym again. I'm not using it as often as I probably should but I don't see myself having a gym membership again any time soon. I am looking to add some more equipment and heavier weights to our home space.

lisakatz2

FibroHiker wrote: »

My hubby and I had gym memberships for years. I appreciated the different classes offered and all the equipment available.

When COVID lockdowns hit we had to change our exercise routines. I started taking walks, hiking and jogging again. We began a home gym with free weights and work out bench. I put a TV in that room and used YouTube videos to supplement my exercise. Once the gym reopened I found my desire to go there had faded. I enjoyed the peace and solitude of my own home better.

When we bought our current home I made sure that we would have an extra room to set up a home gym again. I'm not using it as often as I probably should but I don't see myself having a gym membership again any time soon. I am looking to add some more equipment and heavier weights to our home space.

You are lucky to have a house/the space. I don't. Sounds like a nice set up you have there! You've almost convinced me to buy a home but I live in the Los Angeles area and home prices have gone through the roof! I don't drive and take public transportation to work. It's pretty close.

ridiculous59

Both.

The gym I use has several different options for passes. When I worked I had a full pass because I needed the discipline of stopping by the gym every day on my way home.

There is also has an option where a person can buy a six month pass so I went through a phase where I bought one for the winter months, but in the summer I did outdoor things instead.

Now that I'm retired I prefer to be outside: snowshoe, ski, run, hike, kayak, dragon boat, etc, and I have some weights at home to use. But I also load up single visits on my gym pass so if the weather is particularly ugly, I can go there. Or during shoulder season, when the snow is too yukky to ski or snowshoe, but too messy to run or hike.

I don't think a lot of gyms have that kind of flexibility so I really appreciate it. I don't hate the gym, but I don't love it either. It's just a tool I use to keep me on the path to being healthy.

connell3462

I use the gym , I tend to get a better workout when im in the environment. The home has too many distractions and not enough variety.

lisakatz2

connell3462 wrote: »

I use the gym , I tend to get a better workout when im in the environment. The home has too many distractions and not enough variety.

I agree with you completely. Team gym!

lisakatz2

ridiculous59 wrote: »

When I worked I had a full pass because I needed the discipline of stopping by the gym every day on my way home.

I can relate to this very well. Once I get there, there is no turning back!

Retroguy2000

lisakatz2 wrote: »

I know exactly what you mean about space and money. One concern I have is "outgrowing" a weight set as I lift heavier and heavier. I simply don't have the room.

That's why I never recommend anyone get fixed db's. However, you can get a pair of adjustable db's that go up/down quickly in 2.5 or 5 pound increments from 5 pounds to whatever their max is, 25, 50, 80, 100, depending on the brand and model. Check garagegymreviews site and YT for reviews of many. So space isn't really an issue there. And the cost soon pays for itself compared to a gym membership, especially if you can get them used. Having a bench helps too, and those can often be stood up vertical between workouts to save space, or in some cases folded.

Someone mentioned lack of variety at home. You shouldn't need variety to make progress, you just need consistency.

lisakatz2

Retroguy2000 wrote: »

Someone mentioned lack of variety at home. You shouldn't need variety to make progress, you just need consistency.

I believe this is very true! Your posts always make a lot of sense, Retroguy!

You're convincing me that working out at home may be a good option for me. I would definitely want a bench.

Theoldguy1

lisakatz2 wrote: »

Do you prefer to work out at home, or in a gym?

I'm currently working out at home (going for brisk walks daily, exercising with fitness bands). I'd like to join a gym eventually. I find it more motivating. I find working out at home more challenging because I work full-time at a fairly stressful job and find it easy to head to bed to rest before dinner (my hubs does the cooking).

If you're napping instead of working out when you get home, go to the gym.

lisakatz2

Theoldguy1 wrote: »

lisakatz2 wrote: »

Do you prefer to work out at home, or in a gym?

I'm currently working out at home (going for brisk walks daily, exercising with fitness bands). I'd like to join a gym eventually. I find it more motivating. I find working out at home more challenging because I work full-time at a fairly stressful job and find it easy to head to bed to rest before dinner (my hubs does the cooking).

If you're napping instead of working out when you get home, go to the gym.

Point taken!

nossmf

Retroguy2000 wrote: »

That's why I never recommend anyone get fixed db's. However, you can get a pair of adjustable db's that go up/down quickly in 2.5 or 5 pound increments from 5 pounds to whatever their max is, 25, 50, 80, 100, depending on the brand and model.

I bought a set of adjustable DB's years ago, but the latch which allows change in weight snapped after only a few uses. Here's hoping the years have made them more durable.

Retroguy2000

nossmf wrote: »

I bought a set of adjustable DB's years ago, but the latch which allows change in weight snapped after only a few uses. Here's hoping the years have made them more durable.

With so much competition now, some offer two or three year warranties, and also may sell spare parts.

I've seen some tests dropping them from tables on to concrete and some do well with that. It's a fair point that they should be able to withstand a short fall in case you suddenly need to drop them due to potential injury. Ofc you can help reduce that damage risk by bringing out pads to place on either side of the bench.

Gisel2015

Gym team here although I haven't been at the gym for a long time (health issues and limitations). I am doing PT now and I hope to return to my "almost" regular routine in a couple of weeks. I live in a gated community and we have two gyms available and doesn't cost me anything to use both or either since they are included in the monthly HOA fees.
My house is not set up for a gym, and like other members said, I don't want to invest money in gym equipment either. I have some dumbbells and exercises bands at home that I use often, but that is all. I find the gym more motivating and it gets me out of the house for one to two hours a few times a week.
I also like variety in my routine, and by that I mean the use of different cardio or wt. lifting equipment that the gym provides. I can have determination and consistency but always doing the same thing is boring. I am already limited in what I do due to age and physical problems and working out at home makes it worse.

rileysowner

Home.