gym membership or buy a treadmill?

whichever you think you will do consistently - I've had a treadmill in my basement for years but I never use it, but I go to the gym 4-5 times a week for the last two years because it is way more fun for me

whatever you will stick with and adopt into your lifestyle is the way to go

In my experience, actually going to a place dedicated to fitness (the gym) made me work out. Where as having exercise equipment at home... there was always something else I had to do, and I never got around to doing it.

If all you plan to do is drone away on a dreadmill...I mean treadmill, then just get the treadmill. A gym is going to provide you with a lot more than just access to a treadmill and a pool. Personally, variety is the spice of life. Not to mention, most gyms have a weight room...resistance training is essential to a balanced fitness regimen.

For what it's worth, most people who have exercise equipment in their home rarely use it...or rarely use it for long. They usually just end up being really expensive coat racks or places to hang your laundry. At least with a gym membership you can just do month to month...if you find yourself wusing out just cancel...no harm no foul and you didn't drop a grand on a coat rack.

You've had access to walking your entire life. Why do you need a treadmill?

I agree with the others....go to the gym - more variety. Plus you can always stop your membership if you move for example or want to try another gym (whatever), but that treadmill would have to go with you and who gets to move it? Plus the treadmill loses it's value like a car.....the minute you take if off the lot.....you lose half the value!

I say go to the gym where you can get a full body workout and lift weights. They may also have some good classes. For me, I get motivated seeing other people around me workout. I also don't think you're going to get the best workout by just doing a tredmill. It may be OK for cardio, but what about building muscle and getting toned? Only muscle looks good naked

are you going to do anything other than cardio?

the answer to this = /thread.

You've had access to walking your entire life. Why do you need a treadmill?

If you can actually commit to an activity during entertainment, it's a solid investment. Can watch a show and exercise at the same time.

And some people live in areas where a treadmill is a much better option at night.

We had a treadmill for a while that we got for free. Was a good investment at that price. When we got tired of it, we put it on the street and it was gone in a day.

Took me awhile to figure out myself but I will do the gym membership, a couple reasons, if I am going to spend money on a gym membership damn than I rather use it than lose out that money. Some reason it doesn't work out that way with me when it comes to be in my house, example would be my Sony PS3 and Xbox 360 they just sit there and I play PC games instead. :frown:
So I know to myself it just be one really big and expensive paper weight. Also I like the idea of doing weight training or spinning or something else the gym offers over the treadmill.

I have a treadmill in my garage and use it minimum of 3 times a week. My answer to you...join the gym, much more equipment there than just cardio on the treadmill. Possibly classes you can join in on, etc. I love my treadmill and when the weather outside is bad I really like it. But to add to my workout I have a ton of DVD's but would love to join a gym. Unfortunately I live in a very small town and we have 2 different ones, the VERY expensive and the reasonably priced one. The reasonably priced one is extremely small and always crowded. Search to see if there is a good gym close to you that is reasonably priced, then go for it!

I have both a treadmill and a gym membership. I've owned a treadmill for use and have used it consistently. I decided to join a gym last year. I prefer the gym. I use the treadmill, BUT I also use other machines, weights, etc. I also prefer the gym, b/c it's less boring than my basement. I'm a stay-at-home mom, so I felt isolated while working out at home. The gym has allowed me to meet other women with kids my age. Definitely prefer the gym.

A gym membership for sure. You can walk and/or run outside your home if you want... any time. With a gym membership you can lift weights and swim when you want to. Way more versatile!

Personally: the treadmill does not offer any weight training options, so I'd go with the gym membership or spend the money on a decent weight set for the home.

I own a treadmill and a stationary bicycle. Oh really hot days this time of year I tend to use them 3-4 days a week while watching one of my favorite shows that I never can get around to watching. That is a draw in itself. When it starts to get somewhat boring I will wait until it cools down to 80 to go for a long walk in my neighborhood. During the winter I would much rather use them at home than go out
in the pouring rain. In fact I tend to use them even more during the winter just as something to do. However I am somewhat of a home body, so that maybe influences my choice. Did belong to a fitness club for a while, but got tired of fighting for the cardio equipment.
Also I would think during the winter months more flu bugs etc circulate in the gym. Hope this helps......

I have both. I love to have access to my treadmill when I can't get to the gym. But on the other hand, I LOVE going to the gym as it always makes me want to work out harder and longer once I get there and see everyone else doing their thing! It's also a LOT less boring than going on the treadmill at home as you can people watch!

I love swimming laps (sounds like you might too), so it's awesome having access to a pool. I also love cross training, meaning instead of going on the treadmill for an hour at home (blah) I can go on it for 30 minutes at the gym, and then go 20 on an elliptical and 20 on this other machine they have that rocks, but I can't remember the name of it. Makes it a LOT more interesting, and also works different muscles, so your body gets a better overall workout.

Finally, I've just started doing the weight machines every other day after my cardio, and that adds a whole different level to my workout. There are for sure some days I don't have the time to do both, but when I do, I love it!

I would highly recommend you try the gym first (many will let you have a week trial membership for free). Please don't be intimidated - everyone starts out sometime, and no one is watching you to see how much you do, or what speed you're going.

Great luck to you, whatever you decide to do!