Gym or DVD?

xonicolette

Which do you perfer and why?

I am trying to decide if I should go ahead and get a gym membership for one year or just invest in more DVDs and gym equipment.

Which has worked better with you and why also?

Lina300

Have you been using your DVDs? I know I personally need someone there to push me. I started a boot camp style work out with ropes and medicine balls and crazy exercises that kill me and I know I work a lot harder when my trainer is right there pushing me.

xonicolette

So far, yes I have been but it has been only a month. I am worried that I will lose motivation after I get close to my goal weight and just quit working out or become lazy again.

The gym is also helpful because it is all womens gym and has a daycare.

thefuzz1290

I prefer the gym since there are too many distractions at home. I also prefer using the free weights and other equipment that I can't afford to own.

JellyJaks

I do the DVDs at home. It's much easier than trying to work out a schedule where someone can watch my kids while I head to the gym. My husband just distracts them long enough for me to workout or they workout with me. Nothing cuter than watching my 1 year old stretch with Tony Little

fitnessbugg

I work out at home in my basement. Over the years I have acquired several pieces of equipment and many DVD's. I figure that since I'm not paying for a membership or classes that I can get a few new DVD's every year and/or maybe some new piece of equipment to keep it interesting. I think I should charge my neighbors for access! No, I decided long ago that if I'm going to make exercise a regular thing that it's going to be first thing in the morning or life gets in the way, and I don't want to have to get up even earlier so that I can get to a gym. I also like how peaceful it is, and I don't have to worry about people watching what I am doing. It's me time. I told my son when he came down one morning that he had to be quiet or he was out of there. Needless to say, he had to go upstairs.

Divagettinfitin2011

I push myself harder @ home!!

hmseals

I go to the gym right after work four nights a week and then on Saturday mornings. If I don't and come home instead more than likely I won't workout at all. I do have several dvd's, but I'm not very motivated to do them at home. That is why going to the gym right after work works best for me.

cheeksv

dvd's never do it for me. I am so focused on form and they go so fast that I never get a decent workout. Gym for me at home or out of the house.

KimertRuns13_1

The gym for me.
I can accomplish a lot more there. My gym also offers a wide variety of classes that I like to take.
And I am more likely to make excuses to not exercise at home.

lewandt

I like working out at home. I have a treadmill, elliptical, bike and weights and of course my dvd's. I switch things up when i get board.

I feel awkward at the gym and would find excuses not to go.

hmcminton

I love the flexibility of having both options available to me - if i need a quick 30 minute workout, i do a DVD workout (love Jillian Michaels), but when i have a couple of hours, love to hit the gym and get in great cardio and strength training. having different choices keeps me from getting bored, plus when i am sick instead of spreading germs at the gym, i just stay home but can still get in a fantastic workout.

foremant86

I like working out at home, mostly because i live in a small town and going to the gym results in seeing every single person I know but never want to be forced to talk to.

GabyG69

I prefer the gym because, when I am at home, I am way too lazy to do the exercise videos... I used to hate working out but ever since I started going to the gym on a regular basis, I can honestly say that I love it!!

Stephiede

I do both. I get bored easily. I love the cardio machines at the gym and I love switching my Dvds up at home. The variety keeps me going.

2fit4fat

gym but its too hard with my kiddos lol so home.. although i am finding more and more home videos that i feel really help me :-)

Nopedotjpeg

gym. Or your own home gym.

BodyRockerVT

I prefer to workout at home because I know if I have to get dressed, leave, THEN workout it won't happen...I prefer to be able to just wear whatever I like (undies and tank if that is what I am wearing etc) and not have to go anywhere to exercise. In the summer I use the basement because we dont have AC.

sharonfincher1

they both have advantages. I like the ease of working out at home, but I like the classes and ppl interaction at the gym. So my journey has been a combo of both

sagj

I workout at home with Cathe Friedrich videos. It's much more convenient since there is not a gym near my house.

chrischinchilla

DVD and the open road. I had gym memberships for years. I get tired of all the people, first of all--machines and weights in constant use so that a routine that ought to take 30 minutes to complete winds up being an hour. Second, the machines--even if there was a treadmill open every time I wanted it, they 1) break down, 2) squeak, and 3) worst of all, even in peak operating condition, THEY GO NOWHERE and face TV screens. Sorry, you wanna watch TV cuz you "need something to distract my mind from exercise," then don't even exercise, just stay home. On the other hand, all other complaints aside, it's nice to have all those free weights.

With DVDs, I have to get specific weights, but a lot of DVDs offer some tremendous, weights-free exercise that kick my *kitten* harder than any free weights ever have! A 30-minute routine actually MEANS a 30-minute routine in my living room. Saves gas--no driving to the gym and back. Saves time--shorter workout, and no driving to the gym and back AGAIN! And since you ought to get in a good walk or run a few times a week, it's a good motivator to GET OUTSIDE. Exercising outside helps boost your immune system for the specific season of weather, as well as just in general. And there's nothing like soaking up Vitamin D from the sun, as well as a very nice tan! Try getting that from the fluorescent lights in the gym--yuck.

So, after years of exercise experience--ranging from the Marine Corps to my own time--I say: DVDs and outside. Lost almost 30 pounds recently with just DVDs and outside. Gyms are WAY overrated. I probably won't use a gym again until it's a fully functioning gym in my basement and I'm the only member.

MamaBear57

Home for me...it is easier and I can shower in my own shower. Plus, I hate the idea of paying someone to do something that I can do myself. It really is about what you are more apt to stick with. Try at home for awhile and if it does not stick then try the gym. Of like some others have stated. Try a mixture of both.

This is about you and do whatever it takes to make it fun you!

sundancer1966

I prefer to workout at home with dvd's for several reasons.
first, i workout in the mornings, and my living room is closer than the gym. I try to workout twice a day, my excercise program in the morning, and a workout for "fun" in the evening, i call it my bonus.
Second, i need a schedule to follow, I get the multi-month programs that make sure i get the right mix of cardio, weights and stretch. Keeps a balance
Third, the planned workouts keep me motivated because i have do not allow myself to miss any of the planned workouts.
Forth, the gym never offered the classes i want at a time i can attend, that got frustrating. I get the dvd's of my interests and can do when i want.

I also got tired of being mocked by the gym prisses, in their perfect makeup and outfits, not breaking a sweat making fun of me. I had a trainer at the gym, but was not getting results. the machines did not work for me, i do better with my dvd's.

you have to do what works best for your schedule. I found the key is to make my workouts nonnegotiable.

Jessica0982

I love going to the gym! I really enjoyed using the elliptical and doing my free weights workout in front of the mirrors to watch for form. I also did a Total Body Toning class that kicked my *kitten* as well as a fantastic spin class.

The problem is that I have a 5 yr old son. And some days he can go to the gym daycare with me, but other days he just doesn't want to. (Which I can understand since he's a kid and wants to go play at home)

My husband is a plumber and will be on call for some nights. Which really screws up my routine. So it would frustrate me that I was paying for a membership and barely going. It seemed like I kept making excuses for why I couldn't go or I'd get there and start my routine to have my husband call and say he had to go to work. So I had to come home.

A month ago I started doing stuff at home. Walking/Running when I have the chance and then my DVD at home. Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred. That way I have NO excuse as to why I can't workout. And I'm seeing better results because of it.

My son is able to be home and hang out to watch movies or play with his toys. I feel less guilty because I'm home with him. I can pretty much do my DVD whenever I want without really interrupting our nightly schedule.

I really thought I'd never stick with this. But I have. I do miss the gym. But if this is what it takes to keep me going, then I'll continue with my DVD's. And it's free compared to the gym!

curvygirl512

I joined a gym right after my daughter was born, and I never went. By the time hubby got home and I put my daughter to bed, I was way too tired to drive to the gym. And since I was breast feeding, I couldn't leave early in the AM for the gym either. It was a real waste of money for me. I could have bought equipment for the house with that money.

Fast forward to today: I now use several DVDs at home, and walk or run around the neighborhood, with my daughter outpacing me the whole way. When she has afterschool activities, I go to the gym at work--for free.

It was really hard for me to find the time when my daughter was younger. If I could give you any advice--squeeze in any exercise whenever you can, even if it's just 10 minutes at a time.

Katie3784

I do not have the option of joining a gym due to finances and also having kids to watch, but I have had tremendous success with at home workouts. I have 9 or 10 pilates dvds that I rotate, and I also have a bunch of dumbells that I use and an elliptical for cardio. I designed my own routine with the weights and have acheived a great deal of muscle tone and definition all over my body, especially in my arms, back, and shoulders. I find that it takes less motivation when working out at home as opposed to going to a gym. Basically, where there's a will, there's a way.

Nerple

I always go to the gym, I need to remove myself from home to be able to focus. Otherwise I always stop to change the channel on the TV, or check email, or grab a snack. When I go to the gym, I leave my phone behind, and just focus on the task at hand.

eatlift

I have both. I thinku should stay in the gym while u slowly build your home gym. Theres lots of machines at the gym that will give u an advantage. Workout at both places, I say.

clover5

I prefer to exercise at home. Sometimes I need to pause the DVD or back up 30 seconds and see that move again. I have severl DVD's. Also I DVR Denise Austin from TV in the mornings. And finally I check out exercise DVD's from the library. The nice thing about borrowing is that if I don't like one, just return it.

But, have to agree with Chris - outside is the best option. Jog, walk, shoot baskets at the park, hit tennis balls... (my local park has a solo wall) or invite someone to play with you - you don't have to keep score or be good player, go on a bike ride - you don't have to train for the tour de france as some folks think their doing. roller blades or skates. jump rope. play frisbee with the neighbor kid. rake the yard. shovel snow. Your options at home are nearly endless. You just need a little imagination AND to be a self starter.

I have to motivate myself. I can make excuses not to go to the gym because of time, or inconvenience to my family, or don't like something or someone. When it's just me either working out or not, then I have nobody else to blame.

Good luck.

mlb929

DVD. I'm freaked out by gym germs and other peoples smells and body fluids. Plus DVD I can do it whenever I want, maybe naked, or start and stop if it isn't just right for me that day. DVD is the only way for me to go.

Makethefatcry12

I only workout at home. I do Turbo Fire and have had great results so far. I am down 42 pounds with only 11 to get to my goal. I like being in the privacy of my home but in a class setting on the DVD.