Gym or DVD?

2

Replies

  • Edithrenee
    Edithrenee Posts: 546 Member
    I workout at home with Cathe Friedrich videos. It's much more convenient since there is not a gym near my house.

    Yes! Cathe is AWESOME! And i push myself better at home.. I am a home body i guess.. If i had to drive to workout and drive home id lose interest before i even got to the Gym..

    Oh i also like to go outside and Jog, it keeps it interesting for sure.. jog then dvds with Cathe she has weight workouts and aerobics and bootcamp and premixes on all her dvds so it is like getting 5 different dvd's on one !!
  • davenportk83
    davenportk83 Posts: 44 Member
    For me, the gym was the answer. We have DVD's and some basic equipment at home. I used it sporadically at best, simply because I tend to put everyone else's needs in the home before mine. Always something to do, laundry, school projects, dinner, you get the idea........ This went on for 8 years, I recently joined the gym that has a daycare, I haven't missed a day yet!! It is wonderful, my youngest was hesitant at first since she is usually the oldest in the gym daycare but now she loves it. Not only that, but my gym has wi-fi and TV right on the treadmills so I can actually catch up on my HGTV during part of my workouts. Believe me it makes the time fly! My banner says I have lost 3 lbs since I joined myfitnesspal but I have actually lost a total of 17 lbs. since i joined the gym prior to finding this site.

    Good luck with whatever you decide.
  • tiff200782
    tiff200782 Posts: 15
    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.


    i totally agree with this...this is pretty much me :)
  • luvyourself
    luvyourself Posts: 12
    I personally prefer DVDs. My gym is 20 minutes away so I find myself becoming lazy to go at times and then I'll skip a workout because I don't feel like driving to the gym. Also, I find the gym setting very boring and dull after awhile. I like the option of switching it up with different DVDs. It helps me from being bored and quitting. If I want a break from DVDs, I go run outside or go swimming or something like that but I'm not too big of a gym fan. If I go to my uni gym, it'll be to strength train only for the most part.
  • jwelch7290
    jwelch7290 Posts: 42 Member
    Gym...more options! Although its my college's student center gym
  • mrschappet
    mrschappet Posts: 488 Member
    DVD :-) I love being able to workout with connivence.. I do all my workouts from home with the exception of the occasional free class :-)
  • grapenutSF
    grapenutSF Posts: 648 Member
    Different preferences for different phases of my life. When trapped at home with very small child, DVDs worked well for naptime. Now that I have more freedom, I adore the escape of the gym. And the social aspect. And the variety. And the specific salsa class I'm obsessed with. And the access to the bar for heavy lifting.

    But sometimes I prefer the great outdoors (ie, running there). Variety is the spice of life (and fitness).
  • Mybabie
    Mybabie Posts: 239
    I go swimming at the fitness centre, and I do the rest of my workouts at home. I go on the treadmill while watching TV. Keeps me going to at least the end of my show. Maybe longer if something else I like comes on.
  • Daddio43
    Daddio43 Posts: 3
    I used to only love the Gym and now I have no time for the Gym since I'm always away from home working so I tried DVD's and I love them. I mix it up with P90X and Turbo Jam / fire , treadmill, free weights, just because I always seem to get injured pushing myself too hard with just P90x. I don' t know why I have a need to compete with someone on a DVD but I do. Beach Body.com workouts are increadible and motivational.

    I need to workout first thing in the morning since it makes my day and that works for me doing it right at home and/or at work where I work shift work 12 hours / day and have the luxury of a gym at the camp I stay at. My wife and I do them together when I'm at home and I use a gym at a camp where I work(DVD's or Gym equipment).

    I'm married but if I were single I'd have a gym membership and that could be the deciding factor. Motivation looking at others is a good thing and especially when they start looking at you because of how good you look. I get enough motivation just looking at my wife hahahaha.


    Cheers everyone, exercise is fun.
  • MissHellsing
    MissHellsing Posts: 133 Member
    GYM FTW! It's mental thing in a way. Being at the gym I know I GOTTA workout vs. at home I'll get lazy etc
  • Articeluvsmemphis
    Articeluvsmemphis Posts: 1,987 Member
    BOTH, I love having options, so sometimes it's school gym, other days Jillian Michael is my best friend/ Chalene Johnson or the Earth is at my disposal
  • Elle_Jamaicangirl81
    Elle_Jamaicangirl81 Posts: 418 Member
    would love the gym.. but I dont have the time to spend there now. so i rock out to my Wii and DVDs and my treadmill and do shorter, more frequent workouts at home
  • Smansfield1
    Smansfield1 Posts: 50 Member
    I use the gym at my college, I'll get the credits for that class as electives, I do have to do a certain number of hours each semester to get an A but that is my motivation, plus it will help my GPA. Saying that I just bought Wii Zumba Fitness 2 and I use Netflix to add into my workouts in case I can't get to the gym (I have 4 yr old twins and a 3 year old-school gym no daycare)
    Here is a cheating way of figuring out what you like best, most gyms offer a 3-7day free trial membership, go to each of them, use the free pass and decided what gym you like best or if a gym membership is even for you.
  • tundradarling
    tundradarling Posts: 6
    I live in a remote village in Alaska, where there are no gyms. I use DVD's and my wii fit. So far it was been successful. The boxing is a great workout. Best of luck! :)
  • Captain_Mal
    Captain_Mal Posts: 945 Member
    I've relied on Dvd's so far and they've worked for me. I'm socially awkward and really loathe the idea of the gym and the people at the gym. Lately though, I have been considering getting a gym membership mainly to go learn a few new things and see what I can get out of myself. We'll see though.

    Dvd's I've used :

    P90X (really great, really tough, but works)

    30 Day Shred (also great and works, perfect for days when you don't have an hour to devote to working out)

    A few of Bob Harper's Dvd's : Yoga, Kettlebell, Cardio, Pure Strength
  • albinogorilla
    albinogorilla Posts: 1,056 Member
    for me, gyms, i have spent much money on home equipment in the past, and have never used any of it for very long, so now its all gym for this fella
  • Squir88
    Squir88 Posts: 24
    Gym... Gets me out of the house and I love to see the eye candy of chicks working out.
  • beautyreaps
    beautyreaps Posts: 151
    Both. I have a home gym (treadmill, fancy studio set up of lights and mirrors, elliptical, steps, dumbbells 10-40lbs and bench with bar). I've done DVD workouts and still do some P90X workouts when I come home late and can't be bothered to drive to the gym. I love using the gym for weight training (seeing as I don't have over 100lbs at home) - I find classes to be too clique-ish.
  • kasmir8199
    kasmir8199 Posts: 507 Member
    I, personally, love DVDs and gym to supplement. I can say this now because I've worked with and have learned a LOT from personal trainers that I know exactly what I need to do to replicate those results on my own time (without that added expense). Before then, I'd strongly suggest a gym of some sort and maybe DVDs to supplement.

    Whatever you do - ENJOY IT!! Signing up for some sort of activity or sport is probably the best way to go. Take a CrossFit, Kickboxing or MMA class, or dance to really shed some weight while also monitoring your caloric intake (MFP). Winning combo. :)
  • 77tes
    77tes Posts: 8,521 Member
    For me the more options the better. However, make sure you love your gym before committing for a year. How convenient the gym is, and if you'll have a workout buddy there are other considerations. My sister and I joined Curves, and it is a treat to meet and exercise together. It definitely keeps me motivated. Having DVDs at home helps when you can't make it to the gym.
  • penelepurr
    penelepurr Posts: 204 Member
    I enjoy having both. I don't have distractions at the gym like I do at home, and the gym is only a mile from my house, so it allows me to get in a quick half-hour if I want or go in the morning without having to get up way too early. On the other hand, if it is raining or I just feel like hanging around, I can do some calisthenics and basic exercises at home improvising for equipment (tricep dips on a chair, etc.)
  • Sierra_419
    Sierra_419 Posts: 201 Member
    i loveeee the gym & having access to all that equipment.. if i had my own elliptical & a weight machine id be ok .. BUT those are costly unfortunately ..
    i work out at home.. i have cardio & strength training apps on my phone & some dvds ..
  • sw33tn3ss07
    sw33tn3ss07 Posts: 71
    DVDs! You can workout at home and they really work!
  • GC131618
    GC131618 Posts: 15 Member
    I prefer the gym. When I had my membership I went frequently, it was my way to take myself out of my home and focus on my own mind and body. I loved it. Sadly, I had to stop my membership temporarily. But I am planning on bringing it back up so I can work out after class. Home videos never work for me because when I am home I want to do other things for my home, not so much stop everything and work out. I always give up in the middle of the videos because i just dont feel that motivation as i do being surrounded by other people that are working out.
  • jessielanee
    jessielanee Posts: 3
    The gym is motivating, you see other people working hard and you want to as well!
    I find, myself, I cant get motivated to work rigorously at home... Too many distractions!
  • YassSpartan
    YassSpartan Posts: 1,195 Member
    To me it all comes down to my goals.

    To get lose body fat and gain some muscle while at it to look ripped, I use DVDs. So far the only equipments I have are my Bowflex Selecttech Dumbbells and my pull up bar (I do P90X btw).

    Once I'm done with the DVDs and reach my goal, I'll start going to the gym because my next workout plan, which is designed to gain muscle mass with a plan similar to powerlifting, I need more weight and more variety of things to do that I can't at home unless I have my own gym.
  • mugsisme
    mugsisme Posts: 127 Member
    I also like both. I joined the gym at my husband's work. It is opened until 11pm. I go at night, and there is rarely anyone there. The only down side is, who feels like getting dressed and going out at 9pm when the kids are in bed???

    So when that happens, I toss in a DVD and blast my own music from my computer (I can't stand the canned music in the background of the DVDs I have.) The advantage is it is much shorter cuz I am home and don't have travel time. What ever works for you and gets you moving is the most important.
  • JT1090
    JT1090 Posts: 79 Member
    DVD

    I save money by not getting a membership or wasting gas. I have privacy to focus and not feel insecure. I can shower and get on with my day quicker when I workout at home. I have more variety and I feel confident in what I'm doing because the DVDs show me how to do everything correctly.
  • daryls
    daryls Posts: 260
    I love the social interactions at the gym. I don't do the cardio machines - just the classes. I like spinning, circuit training (boot camp), Kickboxing, Step aerobics, bar class, etc. I work harder at the gym!!!
  • muwchck
    muwchck Posts: 261 Member
    Right now I work out at home with VHS and DVD, On Demand videos, and walking around the apartment complex. It's an issue of money for me right now. To use the Y, I'd have to pay for a family membership so that I could use the gym and put my 2 kiddos in daycare, or I'd have to pay a membership and a babysitter. It's just easier for me to work out from home right now, and my oldest will "work out" with me most days too. He's keeping me motivated to do some sort of working out. If money weren't an issue, I'd probably be doing both, because the gym would give me more variety to my work out. Of course, the On Demand videos give me a pretty good variety, but I wouldn't mind having some equipment to use too.
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