Do you really need the gym to achieve to your goal?

TheSarahHill

I have just posted this up on my blog and thought it would probably make a better topic, I'm sure it will stir up some friendly banter as many people will have different views! Here we go!!

Do you really need the gym to achieve to your goal?
Yes I have asked myself the question and NO I don't need the bloody gym. Why? Because it's crap that's why! It's the dullest, ugliest waste of space I have ever seen, well apart from a few ex boyfriends! ;-)

Unless you want to look like Johnny Bravo then why bother? Why would I want to pay money to do something I hate? I have enough chores at home! I don't want to stroll down to the local gym on my days off work, feeling worse than what I do when I'm going to work and pay for the privilege!

Just be active and live life! Go for a nice walk in the park or swimming with the kids! Drive over to your nearest seaside and swim in the sea. Go play sports games with your friends and go hiking with a picnic at national parks. Ride your bike to the city and have lots of sex with the person you love and just be happy!

Lets face it, I'm fat because I get cabs instead of the bus, I get the bus instead of walking and I eat takeaways more often than not because I finish late from work and I can't be arsed cooking! The reasons above are why I'm fat, it's not because I don't go to the gym, it's because I'm not active! The gym is for people who want to keep fit, not get fit! That's why they keep going back because that's what they like to do it's a hobby! Let's not kid ourselves here ladies and gentlement if I liked to go to the gym and bust my gut I wouldn't be squeezing into size 18 jeans I'd be on the cat walk next to Naomi Campbell! That's just it we all wouldn't be fat if we actually loved going to the gym because we'd be there flexing our muscles to the opposite sex instead of pretending we like it!

I had an amazing walk with my best friend today, we talked about life, love and our futures, it was great! We walked 9 miles and even more amazingly I burnt over 1000 calories! We walked to a small town outside of the city, found a local pub and had a diet coke and then walked back, it was great and I can't wait until tomorrow and we can do it all over again! I'll reach my weight loss goal enjoying my life thanks not killing my spirit in the process, ack!

That is all /takes a bow ;-)

EmsyLou77

well said!

littlecaponey2

Bump. Want to be able to go back and read this, no time right now.

chevy88grl

Well. For ME -- I DO need a gym.

I've tried working out at home to lose weight and it doesn't work for me. I find myself making excuses why I don't need to workout today and next thing you know - I'm never doing it.

Having a gym membership makes me want to go and workout. I picked one that is on my way home from work so I can just stop on my way home if I'm feeling a little eh about going.

I work on my feet, so I need something with higher intensity to lose weight.

And at the end of it all - I really do love my gym. I love having all the different machines available to me all the time. It's awesome.

So, for some of us ... we DO need a gym to achieve our goals. I truly believe I wouldn't be below my original goal weight without my gym.

aippolito1

No. I think I achieved more as far as losing inches and gaining better endurance last summer when I was doing NMTZ, running and walking outside. I'm going back to that this month. I'm doing 30 Day Shred for 30 days and I'm going to be alternating running and rollerblading... then I'm going to alternate between TaeBo, Pilates, Yoga and running.

paulagabay

I have just come to the same realization myself and thanks for the humor too.

skinnyminimoni

I completely agree!

fitnessbugg

I think you are correct. I would say also that I do a lot of videos at home and have some equpment at home that I use.

hanna1210

bump!

PinUpMommy

For me, I really do need the gym. I LOVE going to the gym. I can take my kids, drop them off in child care, and do what I need to do. I tried working out at home, but I never stuck with it. Now that I'm paying per month, I feel like I have to go, and I do go.

thecanface

i need the gym. one side of my living room are my weights... the other side is my couch......................i'm gonna pick the couch thanks. lol

_SusieQ_

Well. For ME -- I DO need a gym.

I've tried working out at home to lose weight and it doesn't work for me. I find myself making excuses why I don't need to workout today and next thing you know - I'm never doing it.

Having a gym membership makes me want to go and workout. I picked one that is on my way home from work so I can just stop on my way home if I'm feeling a little eh about going.

I work on my feet, so I need something with higher intensity to lose weight.

And at the end of it all - I really do love my gym. I love having all the different machines available to me all the time. It's awesome.

So, for some of us ... we DO need a gym to achieve our goals. I truly believe I wouldn't be below my original goal weight without my gym.

Agree with Chevy, I need the gym. I need it for motivation and inspiration. I like the structure of an aerobics class, I like the equipment that I could never afford to stock my house with. I don't think that makes me weak, I think it makes me smart for finding out what works for ME. Everyone is on a journey, and as long as you keep your eye on the prize, why is my way of getting there "wrong" just b/c it is different?

JennLifts

I agree you definitely don't need a gym, but I also think the gym is a great place for people to get fit

fbmandy55

I think I need the gym as well. I've never been able to afford it but I'm going to try to work it into my budget. I am bored with pushing the stroller around my neighborhood, I am sick of dvd's and I've hit a plateau at 29lbs lost. At least with the gym I can drop my son off at the daycare and have access to the pools, any machince, weights, etc..

JennLifts

i need the gym. one side of my living room are my weights... the other side is my couch......................i'm gonna pick the couch thanks. lol

I have the exact same situation. I have the stuff, but I won't walk into a gym and walk out LOL. Once people see me, I feel obligated to at least look productive :-)

sharonuk10

I totally agree. I have been doing this a year and started out doing EA Active Sports on the Wii with walking on the weekends. I then changed that to walking 4-5 times a week. I now walk and jog. I don't need a gym when I can do the same thing for free.

rainbowbuggy

Your right, for some people its just a hobby. They use it as place to flirt and things of that nature. I think for me I enjoy the walking with my friends and I have weights at home that I use. For now, I will stick with that. But Curves is for women and its a great place to start ;-)

KBrenOH

Very well said!!

I do think that some people need the gym but the key part there is "some people". Me myself, doesn't do me any good, even if I pay for it; I still won't go, but I'm pretty good at working out here at home.

Enjoy your walking!

SueInAz

I walk, I run, I ride my stationary bike. I don't need a gym most of the year although during these hot months I've been considering it. Getting up at 5am to run and beat the 105° heat is getting really old! Especially when it's already 80° at 5am!! I think people who live in extreme climates probably need a gym because you can't walk or run when it's too hot or too cold.

ak_in_ak

I love doing both. My membership is only $20 and is really nice in Alaska when it is -40!!!! i ride my bike, walk the dog, and do videos but sometimes i just like to go to the gym and use all the machines. It is different for everyone.

EyeCanSeeYou

When I move to Decatur, GA I'm going to try my best to walk everywhere first.
First: I have never taken a public bus anywhere. Also I don't know the bus routes, so I might get lost.
Second: There is a gym at the apartments I'll be staying at, but I'm not really paying for a gym...
Third: I'm fat and I need to walk.

Selly7749

I have to admit, I really love the gym and really miss it at the min - in Sheffield, where I go to uni, the gym is a 10 minute walk from my house, and it's full of people who are all different shapes and sizes, and I used to go with a big group of my girlfriends, who were really supportive, and a lot of fun to descend upon a gym with! In Birmingham, where I am now with my family, I don't have that, and while I'm enjoying the walks and the anthea turner exercise video (!) I miss the social time with the girls, or even the times when I went on my own. There was something really nice about plugging in my i-pod, jumping on the cross trainer, and blocking out the world for a bit, as well as exercising. I also think a lot can be said for classes at the gym, and the staff at most gyms. Mine were great, tailored a fitness programme for me, helped me with diet and anything I was confused by. Gym's nice! Anything that gets you moving about and feeling good is great.

chevy88grl

I have just posted this up on my blog and thought it would probably make a better topic, I'm sure it will stir up some friendly banter as many people will have different views! Here we go!!

Do you really need the gym to achieve to your goal?
Yes I have asked myself the question and NO I don't need the bloody gym. Why? Because it's crap that's why! It's the dullest, ugliest waste of space I have ever seen, well apart from a few ex boyfriends! ;-)

Unless you want to look like Johnny Bravo then why bother? Why would I want to pay money to do something I hate? I have enough chores at home! I don't want to stroll down to the local gym on my days off work, feeling worse than what I do when I'm going to work and pay for the privilege!

Just be active and live life! Go for a nice walk in the park or swimming with the kids! Drive over to your nearest seaside and swim in the sea. Go play sports games with your friends and go hiking with a picnic at national parks. Ride your bike to the city and have lots of sex with the person you love and just be happy!

Lets face it, I'm fat because I get cabs instead of the bus, I get the bus instead of walking and I eat takeaways more often than not because I finish late from work and I can't be arsed cooking! The reasons above are why I'm fat, it's not because I don't go to the gym, it's because I'm not active! The gym is for people who want to keep fit, not get fit! That's why they keep going back because that's what they like to do it's a hobby! Let's not kid ourselves here ladies and gentlement if I liked to go to the gym and bust my gut I wouldn't be squeezing into size 18 jeans I'd be on the cat walk next to Naomi Campbell! That's just it we all wouldn't be fat if we actually loved going to the gym because we'd be there flexing our muscles to the opposite sex instead of pretending we like it!

I had an amazing walk with my best friend today, we talked about life, love and our futures, it was great! We walked 9 miles and even more amazingly I burnt over 1000 calories! We walked to a small town outside of the city, found a local pub and had a diet coke and then walked back, it was great and I can't wait until tomorrow and we can do it all over again! I'll reach my weight loss goal enjoying my life thanks not killing my spirit in the process, ack!

That is all /takes a bow ;-)

Hm. I don't go to the gym to flex my muscles or to impress the other sex. I go because *I* enjoy the way I feel when I bust my butt working out.

Please, don't generalize why people go to a gym. It would be like me picking at people who choose to workout at home. Not necessary. Do what works for you - but don't criticize those of us who use a gym (perhaps you're being critical because you'd like to try a gym out and are too nervous?).

TheSarahHill

This is my point though guys, motivation and spirit? What do you need that for? My point is don't make it about working out, or using machines or sweating like a mad woman infront of some energetic skinny person on a DVD.

Just go out and spend time with your friends, family and loved ones, just walk instead of bussing, or do more active things that you all enjoy and eat balanced meals.

StrawberrySprinkles

Thanks for posting this! It's nice to know that others agree that having a gym membership and some change in your back pocket isn't the only way to weight loss success.

I think we as a society forget that people did go walking, swimming, biking, and such before the invention of the gym.

So....here's a flower for you! :flowerforyou:

TCASMEY

No you don't need a gym to achieve your goals, but for some people it helps them stay motivated for working out and trying new exercises. Everyone has different goals and will achieve them in differing ways. So to each his own. FInd that exercise you will do for a lifetime, whether its in a gym, the outdoors or you own house....just keep moving!

chevy88grl

Well. For ME -- I DO need a gym.

I've tried working out at home to lose weight and it doesn't work for me. I find myself making excuses why I don't need to workout today and next thing you know - I'm never doing it.

Having a gym membership makes me want to go and workout. I picked one that is on my way home from work so I can just stop on my way home if I'm feeling a little eh about going.

I work on my feet, so I need something with higher intensity to lose weight.

And at the end of it all - I really do love my gym. I love having all the different machines available to me all the time. It's awesome.

So, for some of us ... we DO need a gym to achieve our goals. I truly believe I wouldn't be below my original goal weight without my gym.

Agree with Chevy, I need the gym. I need it for motivation and inspiration. I like the structure of an aerobics class, I like the equipment that I could never afford to stock my house with. I don't think that makes me weak, I think it makes me smart for finding out what works for ME. Everyone is on a journey, and as long as you keep your eye on the prize, why is my way of getting there "wrong" just b/c it is different?

I don't see how how people choose to workout is wrong -- if it works for them. I can't workout at home because I won't stick with it -- does this mean all the people who DO workout at home are wrong? Absolutely not. Just because *I* choose to use a gym (and not for flirting - as I have a boyfriend I go to the gym with, flexing or impressing someone else -- I'm there to WORK OUT) doesn't make me wrong either.

BetterWithAge

I need the gym. I feel more motivated when there are people around me working out. At home, there are too many distractions and I am constantly getting interrupted. I would love to have friends that want to get active. But, the few that I have are quite content trying to keep up with their kids. They gym by my house is not all hard bodies either. I would say about half of the people are overweight like me and are there to burn calories. I have a wonderful selection of machines and free weights along with classes and a theater. I will keep my membership

ChitownFoodie

I had a gym membership for years, but i can count on one hand how many times I went in the last year. Now, I am home...I get sweaty, hop in the shower and thats it. I have a whole room dedicated to weights and yoga mats, and I actually use them. They arent collecting dust, like my gym membership card was. To me, the more toned I got, the more guys would harass and it made it less appealing to be at the gym. When I am at home, there's no one but my boyfriend (who works out with me most of the time) and Shaun T or Tony Horton....no one disturbing me.

TheSarahHill

I have just posted this up on my blog and thought it would probably make a better topic, I'm sure it will stir up some friendly banter as many people will have different views! Here we go!!

Do you really need the gym to achieve to your goal?
Yes I have asked myself the question and NO I don't need the bloody gym. Why? Because it's crap that's why! It's the dullest, ugliest waste of space I have ever seen, well apart from a few ex boyfriends! ;-)

Unless you want to look like Johnny Bravo then why bother? Why would I want to pay money to do something I hate? I have enough chores at home! I don't want to stroll down to the local gym on my days off work, feeling worse than what I do when I'm going to work and pay for the privilege!

Just be active and live life! Go for a nice walk in the park or swimming with the kids! Drive over to your nearest seaside and swim in the sea. Go play sports games with your friends and go hiking with a picnic at national parks. Ride your bike to the city and have lots of sex with the person you love and just be happy!

Lets face it, I'm fat because I get cabs instead of the bus, I get the bus instead of walking and I eat takeaways more often than not because I finish late from work and I can't be arsed cooking! The reasons above are why I'm fat, it's not because I don't go to the gym, it's because I'm not active! The gym is for people who want to keep fit, not get fit! That's why they keep going back because that's what they like to do it's a hobby! Let's not kid ourselves here ladies and gentlement if I liked to go to the gym and bust my gut I wouldn't be squeezing into size 18 jeans I'd be on the cat walk next to Naomi Campbell! That's just it we all wouldn't be fat if we actually loved going to the gym because we'd be there flexing our muscles to the opposite sex instead of pretending we like it!

I had an amazing walk with my best friend today, we talked about life, love and our futures, it was great! We walked 9 miles and even more amazingly I burnt over 1000 calories! We walked to a small town outside of the city, found a local pub and had a diet coke and then walked back, it was great and I can't wait until tomorrow and we can do it all over again! I'll reach my weight loss goal enjoying my life thanks not killing my spirit in the process, ack!

That is all /takes a bow ;-)

Hm. I don't go to the gym to flex my muscles or to impress the other sex. I go because *I* enjoy the way I feel when I bust my butt working out.

Please, don't generalize why people go to a gym. It would be like me picking at people who choose to workout at home. Not necessary. Do what works for you - but don't criticize those of us who use a gym (perhaps you're being critical because you'd like to try a gym out and are too nervous?).

Sorry love that was just a joke about fit people, good on them for being fit too! If I was fit I'd be flexing my muscles! My first line says friendly banter I am just exercising my point about the gym.

Also apart from me finding it like a chore and work yes I am under confident in the gym and I'm always concious about my fat *kitten* jiggling everywhere!

Tree72

I am one of those people who need the gym. There are too many fun and entertaining things to do at home that don't involve being active. I can have good intentions, but seldom get much in the way of exercise there. And I live in a place where exercising outside just isn't much of an option for several months of the year. (We've been hitting triple digits for well over a month now; no way I'm going out in that for longer than it takes to run to the car to get me to somewhere else air conditioned.) Though if you live in someplace more temperate, being outside would be lovely. For the few years I got to live in southern Germany I'd walk or ride my bicycle for hours at a time.

I really do best with a dedicated time and place to exercise.