what’s more effective? the gym or home workouts

I am not ready to go back to the gym and I may eventually drop my membership. For cardio I find that I work harder trying to keep up with exercise videos than I worked at the gym. I tended to slack at the gym. I do need to get better with strength training at home.

I love working out at home. It’s easier to fit into my day.

For me it is both.

I love the gym environment. There is just something energizing about being around a lot of other people with fitness goals even if they are different from mine. I wouldn't mind having a complete gym at home but even if I could find enough room it would not replace that gym experience.

With that said I also like the convenience of doing some of my exercise at home. If I tried to do it all at a gym it would take more time and be a less ideal life balance. I also like the peace and the solitude of getting up early and it just being me for a time.

The one you are more likely to do. I've never had a gym membership and always been exceptionally fit, often with minimal equipment. I'm way more likely to workout if I just have to toss on some shorts and go downstairs.

However, I'm an intrinsically motivated introvert. For others, a gym membership can be better because so long as they can find the motivation to get there, once at the gym the sense of community takes care of the rest.

As far as "effective" in terms of performance; a person could forge a world-class body in terms of raw strength, power and anaerobic/aerobic capacity with the only equipment needed being a bar to pull up on.

For years I had a gym membership. I needed the routine of stopping there on my way home from work every day. I also enjoyed using the pool at the facility on Saturday mornings. Now that exercise is just part of my every day life and an ingrained habit, I dropped my gym membership a couple of years ago. Depending on the season, my cardio is running, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, or paddling. I also did a spin class at a small studio during the shoulder season (too miserable to run but snow not good enough to ski or snowshoe), however that won't be opening any time soon due to COVID. I do yoga at home, have an ancient elliptical machine, and some weights. I also have two large dogs that need exercise every day.

One thing that I really appreciate is that my gym also has a punch card type system, as well as the full on memberships. I purchase a 10 pass card and if I feel like going to the pool, or the weather is really bad, I can use the card. Its a really nice option to have and over the course of the year I probably go through two cards, which is still way cheaper than an annual membership. I love the flexibility of being able to go the gym if I want to, without a significant financial commitment.

So my thought is that different times in your life may require different approaches. Regular gym workouts were a must for me during one period of my life, but not so anymore. I've learned that there isn't only one road to fitness.

I'm just waiting on my barbell, and I'm done going to the gym. Sure, I will not have the equipment selection, but that's where creativity comes into play. Not to mention, I can play my music, and don't have to wear earbuds. I already have been doing conditioning workouts at home. We bought a tractor tire, kettlebell, slam ball, and am picking up a battle rope today.

For me, the gym hands down. No kids to interrupt my flow and it gets me out of the house. My mental health needs it.

both! its all about being consistent and regularly working out.