Do I NEED To Join A Gym?

cue_chik · July 2012

I really want to get back into my fitness program (have 60 LBs to lose) but I'm very hesitant to join a gym, mostly because of the cost. Is it possible to get the same types of workouts/results by working out at home?

I'd like to hear both the pro's and con's. Do you workout at a gym or at home? if at home, what types of exercises do you do? If at a gym, whats the benefit versus working out at home in your opinion?

Thanks in advance for taking the time to read and respond

mfanyafujo · July 2012

I've done both.

The gym:

Pricey, except when I worked there and exercised for free. Lots of access to machines and equipment. It's easy to hire a personal trainer to get started if you aren't sure what you are doing. Often, gyms have other spiffy things like pools, hot tubs, etc. If you need workout buddies for motivation, you might can find one or two. But - sometimes the gym could get crowded and would slow my workout down. I definitely prefer going at slower times.

At home:

At home I jump rope and do body weight exercises (since I have pretty much zero equipment). There are a lot of great body weight programs out there, and some minimal-equipment programs (books, DVDs, etc). I'm following the book "You Are Your Own Gym." I like that someone else designed my program. I have gotten great results as well. Motivation wasn't much of an issue for me, but I do miss having access to cardio machines and free weights.

To conclude: I won't join a gym unless it's relatively inexpensive, and if I already know I'll have a dedicated work out buddy to spot me. Otherwise I'll stay at home. As far as results - it depends on what you want. If you feel like you can get your cardio outside and have room for basic strength training, stay at home until you feel you are ready for more.

castadiva · July 2012

I don't think it's necessary at all, but you have to figure out what will work for you. Are you likely to exercise more if you're paying for it, or does the thought of going into a gym fill you with revulsion/dread, and exercising outdoors or at home seems possible?

For me, time and financial constraints, plus the fact that 'I Just Don't LIKE Gyms' means that I haven't joined one, and have lost 41lbs to date. I use my commute for cardio (walking/cycling) and do strength exercises at home (body weight/calisthenics/hand weights), plus the occasional bit of yoga if I wake up early enough or can't sleep. Occasionally, I go to a dance or Zumba class for fun, with exercise as a side benefit. Other people on my newsfeed swim, pole dance, cycle, use DVDs at home, walk or run outdoors, and those things seem to be working for them.

Do you need structure and competition to stay motivated? Will seeing stronger bodies than yours motivate you, or leave you feeling inadequate and demotivated? Are you looking for guidance from Gym Staff, or are you reasonably happy to do your own thing? Is there something in your schedule that could be turned into exercise so that it's almost unavoidable eg. I have to get home from work somehow? What's your 'style'?

EmmaM2211 · July 2012

I refuse to join a gym, they're expensive pockets of hell in my opinion haha

I do exercise videos, Wii games, cycling (I'm building up to being able to cycle to work - 12miles each way) and walking/jogging. I love the outdoors and getting into the countryside. I do go swimming or to classes occasionally when the weather is bad, usually zumba, body combat or boxercise

I've also been spending the money I would have spent on the gym on equipment at home, I've got dumbells set, pilates mat, hula hoop, exercise bike, and I've just bought a weights machine for a bit more heavy lifting. My dining room is becoming my own gym!! I think thats a much better investment than the gym.

Its your own choice either way but I certainly dont think you NEED to join a gym if you dont want to xx

dad106 · July 2012

I do my cardio(C25K) outdoors at the moment.. and my strength training at the gym. I also use a PT at the gym.

I pay 33.50 a month to use my gym.. and that includes cardio equipment, weight machines/free weights, a pool, a hot tub, a sauna, and unlimited classes.

For me, I'm a girl that would never take an exercise class. They are too crowded and I am not a people person. I prefer to workout on my own and do my own thing on my time.. not when someone else says I have to do it.

So in the end, it's up to you.. but I really don't think i would have seen as good results had I not gone to the gym.

UpEarly · July 2012

No... you definitely don't need a gym.

I lost 63 pounds without ever setting foot in a gym. I hiked, I lifted weights at home, I rode my bike. The weight came of really easily.

MrsSWW · July 2012

Not in my opinion

Oops, forgot to mention what I do at home! Wii Fit and games, Tae Bo workouts, Pilates, LONG walks with our dogs (1-2 hours at a good pace), and walking everywhere I possibly can (I have a little shopping trolley I now use so I don't even get the bus to the shops at weekends)

Swissmiss · July 2012

You can do cardio at home with DVDs. I lost 55 pounds doing this. I am now in a gym and I love it. I am the type who has to have someone telling me what to do. So, classes are the way to go for me.

kvissy · July 2012

If you're dedicated enough and do your research there is no reason to join a gym. Buy a jump rope, some weights, and a kettlebell or two. Body resistance exercises are great and can be done while you're watching TV (pushups, situps, burpees, etc). Run outside when its nice out, go up and down the stairs of your house for 15-20min/day. The possibilities are endless, it just depends on how creative you can be.

tlc12078 · July 2012

I workout at home, I do hip hop abs n Jillian and I am seeing result, plus enjoy the hip hop ab dvds. When I see people they cant believe the transformation.

gjulie · July 2012

I dont think you have to do absolutely anything,you can walk for miles or run if you want to without joining a gym I feel it should be a personal choice.For me I love the gym our weather in Ireland is usually wet and yucky and I hate running or walking in the rain,lol I wear glasses and I cant see if they get wet,also Im carer to my elderly mum and the gym is my one hour in the day when Im not on call so as I say its up to you whatever you enjoy and more so what works for you,my son joins me most mornings at 6.45 and we hit the gym then otherwise I would never get the time to do anything.

LadyIntrepid · July 2012

You definitely don't need a gym -- there are so so very many things you can do on your own, even without a stitch of equipment at all. However, for me, I tend to not push myself as hard at the home, and then get distracted if the phone rings or some other "urgent" thought pops in my head. At the gym - no distractions, plus having other humans around keeps me somewhat "competitive". I push myself super hard in classes, and if I work with a trainer, well, there's nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. Plus, it simply feels more like a commitment to me that I have to keep because I have spent the money for it so I'm not going to waste it, and just making the effort to get to the actual gym helps with my commitment level as well. AND many many many people do great on their own. I don't seem to be one of them. But if you find yourself slipping on your home program, a gym membership may be a worthy investment.

amystyran · July 2012

I think it's easy enough to do things at home - sometimes you need to invest in things like a dvd and weights, but then you have them for life, and you can use them again and again! I don't have any money to throw at the gym now that I'm a student, but I still manage to lose weight at home for free (after you pay for the dvd of course) which works better for me

Moriarty_697 · July 2012

I was a gym member for a few years but finally gave it up. As I got more and more into running and cycling, I found I just wasn't going to the gym enough to make it worthwhile. The treadmills were what did me in. Even on a cold rainy day, I can find some fun in being out running. Once you accept you're going to get wet, it really isn't that bad. So I can get my runs in. I found that it was just too easy to quit on a treadmill. Knowing that no matter how far I ran, i was going to wind up no closer to that speck on the wall just drained me of any motivation.

On the other hand, I do know people who love and swear by gyms. I'm not trying to bash them, or even treadmills. It's just that, for me, I'm much happier when I'm exercising outside.

MtnKat · July 2012

I've lost plenty of weight without a gym though currently I have a membership (it cost around $10/month here - paid in semesters since it's a college gym - $40/semester). This is actually the first semester I purchased in the last 3 years. The only reason why I am using it now is novelty (new things to discover) and classes (pilates). For the classes, I'm going to renew my membership.

However, I am finding more and more reasons to work out at home. At my gym, the kids do not seem to want to wipe the equipment and I find that NASTY. I've complained but the staff doesn't say a word to them. They just sweat all over the floor and the machines and the weights......why do I want to touch that? So now, I have become the weird older lady who wipes the machine down before she uses it and then wipes it down after lol.

Unless its cheap or has a lot of nice little extras (hot tubs, pools, etc), I wouldn't waste your money.

Keiko385 · July 2012

So I can get my runs in. I found that it was just too easy to quit on a treadmill. Knowing that no matter how far I ran, i was going to wind up no closer to that speck on the wall just drained me of any motivation.

Any video techie on board could make a killing filming their outdoor runs on a DVD for us home treadmill users

HauteP1nk · July 2012

I don't have a gym membership. I run, and use programs that I have found online. Here are a list of sites that offer free workout videos:

http://www.shape.com/fitness/workouts/10-best-workout-videos-youtube?page=1

davert123 · July 2012

I have joined the local gym and love it. It allows me to vary the exercise I do. I love running outside though and I think running is the best form of exersise you can do for loosing weight and general fitness so if you don't want to join the gym join your local running club or at least buy a pair of running shoes. There are plenty of sites on the internet which give programs to get people who can hardly walk to run so whatever your standard you will be able to join in :-) Good luck

beingmotivated · July 2012

I'm not joining a gym, even though it would be nice to go but they are just too expensive.

I go on long hour walks, use the boxing bag I have in the backyard, skipping rope, Wii Fit and also the stationary bike. I also have two dumbbells which are 2kg (4.4lbs) each and I just use them whenever I'm reading an article or don't need my arms for anything

ginamc04 · July 2012

I went to the gym for ages & didn't change at all. I didn't know what the heck I was doing!

I saw an infomercial for P90X and life changed! It came with DVDS and a food guide. I lost 14 lbs and 3 pants sizes. I love having the DVD because its like someone working out with me everyday, telling me/showing me what to do and its in my house. No daycare for my kids, no monthly fees, no waiting, no time schedule. I love it. Now I do Insanity.

dinosnopro · July 2012

You don't NEED to, as most have said you can do it at home ( videos , tread mill, buying weights ) For me the gym is a motivator, when I tried doing it at home it was too easy not to. If cost is one of the main factors and you have health insurance, I would check to see if your health insurance will pick up any of the cost. My insurance provider picks up $20 a month all I pay is sales tax, so it cost me about $9 a month.

BenderFitness · July 2012

I do all of my workouts at home. I have a website with free videos of all of my workouts if you need ideas: www.benderfitness.com or www.youtube.com/mdloughy

I think it depends more on what motivates you. I like working out at home because there isn't any excuse for missing a workout.

BigGuy47 · July 2012

No need for a long term gym contract.

johloz · July 2012

You need to do whatever gets you moving. I have found that paying for a gym membership motivates me to go -- don't want to waste my money! But if you are able stay consistent with home workouts, you can get into great shape without a gym membership. Running and body weight exercises (like push-ups, lunges, burpees, etc) can get you in great shape without the need for a gym membership. I also use workout DVD's (esp. Jillian Michaels) for great at-home workouts. That being said, if you are not being consistent with working out at home, it may be helpful to go to a gym. Especially when you become a "regular," you start to learn familiar faces and get to know other gym goers, which to me is a great motivational factor. I met my workout buddy at the gym, and now we exercise together regularly outside of the gym. Like I said, the best kind of exercise is the kind that you DO!

stfriend · July 2012

I currently work out at home as I have a fully equipped gym and I have begun "walk-jogging" on a nearby trail. I do not, as a rule, like gyms because they make me feel self-concious (SP?) and claustrophobic. However, I may start using the one where I work (hospital) when the days get shorter. We only have one vehicle and between our 2 schedules running the trail in daylight will be virtually impossible most of the time.

That said, if you don't want to join a gym, you don't have to. If you're just starting you can pick up a set of adjustable hand weights at Wally-World for about $40 or just start with body weight exercises. I can recommend several cardio DVDs if you'd like. If you do want to join a gym check and see if there is one you can use at a hospital, or if you're near a university check there. Where I am both options are super cheap. At the hospital, for employees, its $3 a year. $10 for nonemployees.

10acity · July 2012

Plenty of people have lost significant amounts of weight and built lots of muscle by working out entirely outside of a gym. I say if you have the motivation, DO IT! I'm sure there are tons of people around here who have great suggestions.

I'm a gym person. I hate paying for it every month, but over the years I have learned that my personality (or whatever) is just so that I require a gym membership. It's just the only thing that gets me to actually work out consistently. I don't know if it's the fact that I'm paying for it and feel like I need to use it for that reason, or what. But it's what works for me.

I have quite a few MFPs who've seen incredible results without stepping foot in a gym. I really think the key-- with both exercise and eating-- is to just figure out what motivates you to stick to it. Find whatever that is and get to it! :flowerforyou:

Moriarty_697 · July 2012

I definitely sympathize with and understand the gym users who keep their memberships as motivation. I've started taking running clinics with the Running Room for exactly the same reason. That sense of obligation sure goes a long way towards getting me up off my butt.

lpeterson · July 2012

I workout at home and I like it a lot better. I run around my neighborhood and bike on a nearby bike trail for cardio and I have a bowflex dumbbell set and a bench for strength training. I enjoy at home by far more than a gym as I can lift without anyone around in front of my TV and I enjoy doing cardio outside instead of a treadmill or stationary bike.

shortcaketx · July 2012

I workout at home now. I presently am doing Jackie warners 10 by 10 which is free weights and jump rope and running either outside or treadmill. I was at the gym up until I got a treadmill for my house, now I dont go at all. I would rather invest in my own equipment and have the option to workout whenever. when I was at the gym I couldnt get there till 7:30 pm, and childcare was only till 8 plus childcare wasn't that great either. I also do alot of dvds normally . I ride my bicycle in the neighborhood or walk. I will b starting insanity next month where u dont need any equipment. I say if ur not highly motivated yet join a YMCA where u r not stuck in a contract and it is based on ur income, and keep in mind this is a lifestyle so u should invest in home eguipment so there is never an excuse not to workout.

Gym neg- cost, childcare's normally arent that great, hours r not always convienent, gas cost, other people.
gym pos- has childcare, fitness classes, I enjoy some of the machines better for certain moves, trainers

DanaDark · July 2012

You can do cardio anywhere... you definitely do not need a gym.

What a gym does bring is many machines and lots of free weights at your disposal.

For strictly weight loss, I would suggest you do cardio by running around the block a couple of times. As well, go get yourself one or two free weights that are pretty heavy in your opinion (Something you can lift 6 to 10 times). The weight training will just encourage your body to use more fat for energy since it sees muscle being actively used.

If you decide you eventually want to start full weight training (You'll need a calorie surplus, this should be done AFTER you've lost the fat you want to), then a gym is the way to go.

On the plus side for a gym, the cost does sort of motivate you to go...

to_the_surface · July 2012

Short answer: no need for a gym. Key is to find out what would motivate you to workout.

Gym Pro: Some people find that paying and/or having to drive to it is motivation to workout. Specific machines and other amenities depending on facilities (swimming pool, etc). If beginning, help from a trainer could be a good thing

Gym Con: Cost, and added extra expense that could be done without. Requires more prep time (driving both ways, etc)

Home pro: No cost ( if using weights then a one time expense in Craigslist or Wmart). Very little prep time. Convenient. Plenty of material to use as guidelines widely available (online, smartphone apps, etc)

Home con: Need discipline. There are more distractions that could easily veer you off working out.

Do I NEED To Join A Gym?

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