what’s more effective? the gym or home workouts

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Replies

  • ridiculous59
    ridiculous59 Posts: 2,910 Member
    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.
  • cgvet37
    cgvet37 Posts: 1,189 Member
    kshama2001 wrote: »
    For me, as a competitive powerlifter, the gym is more effective.

    Lol, I was just thinking of you - that it would be neither cost effective nor practical for you to try to set up a home gym.

    For someone like me who uses way less weights, a home gym plus cardio outdoors is fine.

    And yet, I'm still trying. Gotta be ready for the next lockdown. :p I've got a power rack and a barbell, now I need to find some weight plates.

    Try TAG fitness. I bought all of my Olympic plates from them.
  • cgvet37
    cgvet37 Posts: 1,189 Member
    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.
  • gymoclock1
    gymoclock1 Posts: 7 Member
    Gyms having varied equipment provides a complete body workout compared to restricted equipment at home, but then depends how well-equipped is the home gym. Gyms for a social butterfly like me enables to be socially active as well. Although home gyms are also good option if you are self disciplined. But then i am a gym fanatic.
  • Chef_Barbell
    Chef_Barbell Posts: 6,644 Member
    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.
  • dragon_girl26
    dragon_girl26 Posts: 2,187 Member
    I like aspects of both. There are people at my gym that it was nice to see each week, but since COVID, I've really appreciated just doing my workouts at home. I'm probably going to cancel my membership. The group exercise options were nice, though, and the track when its cold outside.
  • LivingtheLeanDream
    LivingtheLeanDream Posts: 13,342 Member
    both! its all about being consistent and regularly working out.