What's the deal with gyms?

Gotta chime in here. I too, tried the "home workout" routine, but on a limited budget. I wound up with a set of barbels, a few weights, and a rather small bench. I did what I could, with a bench that had a 50Lb maximum. Prior to that, I used a treadmill, and stationary bike. I saw pretty limited results, to say the least. Then I turned 65.

I discovered a Medicare "Advantage Plan" that INCLUDES a membership in a program named "Silver Sneakers", which also includes free admittance/membership in well over a couple thousand gyms across the country, anywhere I go, I have access to a major gym, (24 Hour Fitness, Golds, Anytime, etc). I decided to see what would happen. I discovered equipment I could only dream of owning, and instructions were easy to come by, personal trainers were happy to answer questions, and give limited guidance. Of course, they live on personal training sessions income, so I can understand that, and have no problem with "limited advice". I started seeing results, I came off my plateau, and watched the body fat % go down, in only 2 months! I LOVE the gym, and to be honest, there's something to be said that after an hour, or hour and a half workout, hitting the steam room for 15-20 minutes, then the jacuzzi for another 20-30 is totally relaxing.

Unlike some, I'm retired, and can afford to spend that kind of time at the gym, and for me, it's "me" time, I put on the IPOD, loaded up with 60's rock, and go like crazy.. I could never afford the equipment that I've found at the gyms, and I honestly believe that I could never see the results as much, or as quickly as I have using the gym, rather than my limited set of weights. All for free...:happy:

I enjoy my new gym.. Never have to wait long for equipment, or anything like that. Plus I like the classes here a lot better.

My old gym.. it was fine, but I out grew it. Too crowded, and not enough of what I wanted to do.

I love going to the gym. I have 3 kids and a crazy mother in law at home. I get to get away for an hour a day. Whats not to like?

I love going to the gym. I have 3 kids and a crazy mother in law at home. I get to get away for an hour a day. Whats not to like?

I also need to admit, my gym has a bar. :drinker:

Why wouldn't I want to go to a gym?

1- There are people there.

2- There are TVs there.

3- I am 20 miles from the nearest traffic light, probably 20-30 minutes drive to and from whatever gym would be "nearby." By the time I've driven there and back I would have already finished my workout.

4- My wife gets home from work any time between 5PM and midnight and she doesn't know when she's done with work until she's walking out the door. So I can't schedule a specific time of day for my lifting.

5- Did I mention, there are other people at the gym?

6- After working out I'd have to choose between showering with other people or sitting in the car all sweaty.

7- Reading the "gym etiquette" threads is enough to tell me I never want to see the inside of a gym.

I really like my gym, however, if I had the option to workout at home I would do it in a heartbeat. I know a lot of people at my gym and everyone is really friendly but I prefer just to get my workout done. Home gym would mean no distractions and no waiting for equipment. Plus, since we moved its a 20 minute drive each way. Like someone above said, by the time I get there and back I would be done. Also, I work shift work so my gym hours don't always work with my work hours.

I use both a gym and workout at home. I think it is a matter of preference for each of us. I pay a minimal fee to use my gym $10.60 a month and everyone is doing their own thing but sometimes I just want to workout on my total gym and bands at home. I think mixing it up works best for me so I don't get bored doing the same things all the time. Have a great workout no matter what you prefer.

I LOVE my gym. It's my 'Me' time! I workout both at home and the gym, but definitely prefer my gym. I joined one month after I started my weight loss journey, and I honestly don't think I would have reached my goal without my gym. They are fantastic!

I love going to the gym. My gym has a great class schedule and excellent instructors/trainers.

Did anyone else read the topic name in Jerry Seinfelds voice?

:laugh:

I the gyms I go to, they are my escape. Going to the gym keeps me sane and fitter than I would be attempting to work out at home. To each their own, we all gotta do what we gotta do!

Forgot a couple more things:

- I can have my water/milk/protein shake sitting right there and drink between sets.

- I can 'grunt' as much as I like. Apparently a lot of people don't understand that it's not a grunt, it's a word that has no translation into any other spoken language. Anyway I can lift more, and I enjoy it more, when I'm squeezing my vocal chords. (And same with when I'm flexing my calves too. It's probably cross-wiring in my cerebellum but seems to recruit more muscle.)

My gym is now in garage. Which means I've now got zero excuses to not stick with my workout schedule.

When I had a gym membership it was too easy to make excuses to not go and keep my butt planted on the couch and gain weight.

I'm a home body and prefer it this way. Everyone is different. Don't be knocking people for their preferences. There's enough ways out there for everyone to get regular exercise in. A gym membership is simply one of many different options.

I've got over 400 lbs of weights, a squat rack, suspension trainer, 20 lb medicine ball, kettlebells, dumbbells, rebounder, a 100 lb heavy bag, and even a bosu at home. So exactly why should I give a gym another shot?

People eye-ballin' ya. j/k Your setup sounds pretty sweet.

I'm a runner, so of course it's so much easier and faster to knock a quick 3 mile run than go to the gym. But there are just days I don't feel like running or it's pouring rain and I have to get a workout in - those are the days I'll use the gym. Plus, our 24 Hour Fitness has a pretty good kid's club, so I take advantage of that.

But when it come to cardio, it seems like it takes forever to do 30 minutes indoors (on the cardio machines) vs. running outdoors. And I feel like a get a better workout walking/jogging on real hills than doing it on a machine. However, i'm more disciplined to do strength training (weights, weight machines, crunches, push-ups) at the gym than at home.