to gym or not to gym

EmilyStopFlying

I have thought about getting a gym membership, but I'm not really sure if it is worth it when I can walk, run, ride and do sit up or push up type exercises all for free. What is the thing about gyms? Should I maybe just buy some weights to have at home and do all the normal cardiovascular stuff I already do?

smcassaro

The reason I finally joined is because I learned that I just won't do it at home. Given the choice between the couch or exercise, I always choose the couch. Most gyms offer a free week so you can try it out to see if it is something you like.

circuitsix

I do not see a oint to a gym if your workout is mainly cardio, If you are heavy into weight training than it is worth it for the variety of equipment. As a runner all I need is the road, I still do push ups and use bands for resistance training.

Enforcer25

I had a good home gym, my problem was, I was always finding an excuse to not workout. Some people can workout home and have that motivation, if you are one of those people, then you don't need a gym. I do like the variety of machines, weights, pool, indoor track, etc. I also like the atmosphere. Good luck, if you do join, try to find one that has a free trial and no contracts.

LittleFootHafner

In my opinion, it all depends how dedicated you are to working out on your own at home, or how much you enjoy it - which will cause you to stick with it.

I tend to burn more calories and enjoy myself MUCH more when I particiate in a group class at the gym - which is why it works for me.

Most gyms will offter you a free 1 week membership to test them out. Maybe it's worth it for you to try one?

Krisengel

I think it depends on the person. I personally don't like going to the gym alone. I used to go with a buddy, which worked well. She had to drop her membership. I tried to stay with it, but I soon dropped mine too. I'd say if you are working out without the gym and it's working, then stick with it. Why spend the money if you don't have to.

Charyse4

I think gyms can be great if you have the time to go everyday. If you don't have the time or motivation to actually go to the gym I would suggest just doing your workout at home. If you do get a gym membership you should use all of their tools to your advantage, such as, the classes they have, all of their work out tools and even their pool if they have one.

RichardCh

I chose gym cos it somewhere to go and exersise and dont like outdoor running much

sweetheart03622

Building muscle is SUCH a huge part of weight loss. It sculpts you, tones you, and helps your body be more efficient. Most people don't have the equipment and the discipline to really BUILD muscle at home. I'm at the gym 4 days a week and the only cardio I ever do at the gym is speedwork for my running (they have a track). Everything else at the gym is weight training.

If you don't do a lot of weight training already, PM me! It's SO helpful, I'd love to give you a quick crash course

Brandicaloriecountess

I love the gym

prettyfitchick

I cant afford the gym so I have a collection of dvds and jog and stuff outside when the weather is nice but i would say check it out you might enjoy it but if your fine with what already do why spend the extra money

AlsDonkBoxSquat

I wouldn't be as successful at home because 1) I like the community feel of group classes and 2) I don't have access to the same quality of free weights at home and can't afford to buy an olympic bar, the weights that go with it, a rack, a tower, and the various size dumbells I'm using now much less having to invest in more as I get stronger.

malaika1981

My physio therapist said the thing with a gym vs at home is it adds variety and if you do not become bored with your exercises you are more likely to keep doing them. So there is a variety at the gym.
i do a combo of both
some times (timing or whatever) i exercise at home (i have a stationary bike, bosu ball, ankle weights, resistant bands, pilates dvd's etc) and sometimes i go to the gym and do different weights and ellyptical or tread mill to mix things up

OlibecaMom

I had a treadmill; it became an extended closet. I had weights; they gathered dust. I had a dog; he didn't want to walk either! The list was endless... so for me, I joined a gym. I have a monetary investment and because of my frugal nature, I won't waste it. I have also found that I absolutely LOVE the Zumba classes. In fact, my initial goal was to go 3x/week; because I love Zumba so much, I've upped it to 4 times. Everyone is different; you know you best. Also - at least in our area - most gyms will give you a week or two free. Try out some different classes and see if maybe that is something that intrests you enough to join.

genxrider

For me, the gym needs to be SUPER convenient for me to make a commitment. Like, I have to drive by it on the way to work and they have to have showers. At the moment, no gym meets that requirement for me so I work out at home.

I am going to look at treadmills this weekend. There are some fantastic deals out there.

Hippititimus

I have a membership, however i always enjoy either a sport or cycling,walking etc that requires no Gym, Once in a while though (particularly in terrible weather) it is useful and I use the swimming pool and badminton courts regularly.

I guess whatever works fr you is the answer

lamp1

My reasons for maintaining a gym membership:
1. If I paid money, I'll use it.
2. Variety...there are a lot of different classes that keep me interested and challenged as well as using the cardio equipment and weights.
3. Comeraderie...making new friends who keep you motivated. Seeing the "regulars" and talking about our interests, families and the workouts ("Boy, that instructor kicked out butts today!" or "Where were you yesterday? We missed you."
4. My son loves going. I'm glad to have introduced him to a healthy lifestyle.
5. It's a habit...a healthy one!

I still do outdoor runs, cycling, walking, etc. but the gym offers me even more ways of challenging my muscles and keeping fit.

caveats

I finally shelled out for a gym membership because I don't have an ideal home setup (we have a treadmill in a very small home, but no workout bench/weights even if we could afford more equipment) and we live in a part of the U.S. where we get extremely hot weather in the summer and snow in the winter. So, while I love being active outdoors, I needed an indoor solution during days where it wasn't feasible to be outside.

I also have a tendency to work out really late at night because I work long days and I dislike fighting for equipment at the gym. So I love the fact that my gym is open 24 hours, and I share the gym with only a few people between 11 p.m. and midnight. I bought into a 3-year membership a while ago and it gives me the option to renew at $99/year, so since my membership is now less than $10/month, it's a lot easier to justify.

H_Factor

if you can self motivate yourself, there are a TON of things you can do at home...many of which can be done without any equipment or with minimal investment. Below is a blog I posted that lists several things you can do at home, without equipment. In addition to the things in my blog, I also do a resistance circuit with a set of adjustable dumbbells, an adjustable bench and a stability ball 2-3x per week. but you can do wonders with just bodyweight exercises and HIIT.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/hmalin1/view/short-and-efficient-work-out-ideas-156906

Ally_Clare

I own a membership and go three times a week usually (sometimes more) however i dostill go for walks or runs and even do exercise dvds at home. I find the gym more motivating and push myself more there. I like using the equipment that i wouldnt have access to at home and i actually do strength training on the machines. It's up to you, if you feel like you can commit at home then perhapsyou dont need a membership just stock up on dvds and weights.