Gym or No Gym?

Keenasgettingfitnhealthy · July 2012

Hi all,
I have been trying to decide if I join a gym or keep doing this without.
My partner thinks it's just a waste of money and I probably wont use it *SIGH* but he also thinks that I should be able to do it without the gym and their equipment.
I think I will use it - even if it is 4 days a week (after work and on my day off), but I also don't know if I can justify spending the money! I'm tempted to join Jetts 24 hour gym - because it is right across from my work (and sometimes I don't finish until 11pm) also some of my work mates also go there so I'd have some support. I just don't know!!!

What worked best for you? Have you tried doing this weight loss with out the gym - what were your results? (yes, I know everyone will get different but I am still curious)

Thank you for your advice (in advance)

UrbanRunner81 · July 2012

I lost the majority of my weight without a gym. But that being said I joined a gym last year and I love it. I love going there. I feel inspired by others working out. Plus now I work for one. I love the atmosphere.

good2bthaking · July 2012

I say join the gym, the support system definitely helps. You can actually talk with others there and get some different ideas and the people in the gym may give you tips on working out, proper form, etc. Go for it!!

muddyventures · July 2012

I joined a gym and got started there, I began running and when I could run for an hour or more I hit the road and didn't go to the gym for three months. I recently injured myself in a fall and am struggling with bursitis, and have to go back to the gym, I swim, and am now doing resistence lifting, and a ton of stretching. I'm back on the treadmill and I am working outside also.

I would join the gym do a little lifting and resistence training, and do cardio I am really sorry I wasn't more balanced in my work outs, I think many of us do the same thing over and over. Going to the gym I also people watch, not to be creepy but if someone is doing something I want to try I watch and then I work of the nerve to try something new. I'm going on week 5 of my injury and it is likely I will be down for another 5 to 6 weeks so the gym is going to be key to keeping me on track.

Try a short term membership and commit to rejoining if it works for you.

suzzie07 · July 2012

I have joined a gym a few times. I have joined curves a few times. I work full time and have kids. I sometimes get too tired to make it to the gym. We have family activities. Unless you can commit to the time it takes to go to the gym and workout you may be throwing your money away. You also have to not feel uncomfortable excersizing in front of others. A treadmill at home on my own time works better for me. Even if it is a few minutes at any hour of the day, I don't have to worry about the gym being closed when I get the time to excersize.

dad106 · July 2012

Well weight loss is really about diet and you don't even have to exercise. As long as the diet is in check you will lose weight.. Exercise is more to make the body look good then it is to lose weight.

That being said, I love my gym. I have a personal trainer there who I see once a week, and I do strength training there twice a week. I just started doing couch to 5K outdoors, and will prob. move back indoors on the dreadmill when it gets too snowy and cold in the winter.

Keenasgettingfitnhealthy · July 2012

Well weight loss is really about diet and you don't even have to exercise. As long as the diet is in check you will lose weight.. Exercise is more to make the body look good then it is to lose weight.

I want both!!! haha =D

Thanks for your input everyone

I might go in and see if I can try it for a few months and see how I go.

Rae6503 · July 2012

If you want to lift weights (and you should) a gym is really the best option (unless you can put $2000 into good home equipment).

anothermop · July 2012

I do better when I workout in the morning. I almost never feel like driving to the gym; but I never miss a day when I'm doing P90X or the treadmill in my basement.

Good luck

Kgood77 · July 2012

I lost most of my weight doing cardio without a gym because I didn't feel like I would get my money's worth. That being said, I finally joined a gym about a year ago and found that I enjoy it more than I thought I would. Cardio can be incorporated pretty easily without a gym but it is difficult to incorporate strength training (which is very important) without a gym unless you happen to have weights at home. The strength training routine is what made the biggest difference physically for me and I would never have been able to do that without going to a gym. Gym memberships are especially nice to have when the weather is too hot, too cold, or rainy. Otherwise, weather conditions may provide you with an excuse not to workout. It seems that a lot of gyms are offering "no contract" memberships these days so maybe you can look into that. Many also offer trial memberships so that could be another option for you as well. If you can afford it, I would say go for it. Just be careful not to lock yourself into anything long term.

alemiszki · July 2012

I LOVE my gym. It's less than a mile from me, I can ride my bike if the weather is right, or be there in five minutes (if I get stopped at the light). I look forward to seeing all the people there.

lowpro1983 · July 2012

Guess it depends on what works for YOU. I have some weights and a treadmill at home AND I have a gym membership. Sometimes I don't feel like driving to the gym (it's not convenient from where I live, but IS from where I work) so I will squeeze in a work out at home. Sometimes I'd rather hit the gym so I can do something OTHER than the treadmill.

It all is about what works for you:) Good luck!

torirodsmom123 · July 2012

I vote gym, simply for the moral support of others that you may meet at the gym. If you get involved in the classes, in particular, the friendships that are made are fantastic tools to help you attain your goal. Gyms also offer many different types of classes so that you may find one that you actually enjoy. In addition, there are professionals there to help you make sure you are using the equipment properly.

shannonmaria · July 2012

I've lost weight doing both and I think either way is great. It was nice going to the gym to use all the machines and lift weights. Some gyms can be costly, but my friend belongs to a Planet Fitness and she only pays $10 a month. ( I think that's what it's called)
Right now I don't belong to a gym. I'm walking/jogging around my neighborhood and doing work out videos. I like this because I can spend time with my family while I'm doing it.

astrampe · July 2012

If you want to lift weights (and you should) a gym is really the best option (unless you can put $2000 into good home equipment).

So not true.... I have a full set of adjustable and regular dumbells, bench, pull-up bar and more, for less than $1000 dollars and aquired over time - all in my bedroom and enough for hardcore heavy lifting.... I bought most of it new - if you shop around on Craigslist and such you can get it a lot cheaper.....

NZhellkat · July 2012

I was blessed to be given a Total Gym so I am able to do both cardio and strength training at home. I prefer it that way because I can train whenever I want. I also belong to a support group and we have monthly challenges. We post our daily exercise and encourage each other. Belonging to the group makes me feel more accountable. Do what works for you.

vingogly · July 2012

It's just a matter of personal preference. Some people like to work out at home, some like to work out in a gym. I get bored at home and there are too many distractions. I like the hustle and bustle of being in a gym, and being around other people. If you're an introvert or embarrassed to work out around other people, you may prefer doing it at home.

da1128 · July 2012

I belonged to a gym for 10 years and the cost of membership went up every year. I didn't mind all that much because I worked out regularly, even though it was a 26 mile round trip there and back. And then the price of gas went through the roof, we had some miserable winter driving conditions when it was just dangerous to get out on the road, and that membership fee kept creeping upwards. I kind of hated to do it, but I dropped the gym membership and bought myself a good treadmill and some free weights, exercise bands, a good balance ball and I had some other equipment at home as well. That was four years ago and I still lost the weight. (68 pounds)

I do miss a lot of the machines and the delightful sauna, but if I get desperate, I can still go to the gym and get a day pass. I do like saving that yearly membership cost though. (The price continues to go up!)

BVannillie · July 2012

I bought myself a cheap ski machine for £180 and I use it twice a day every day, I don't have to travel to get a work out and I can do it any time. My dad, mum and also one of my friends all have gym memberships that cost them £40 per month (my friend actually has a student gym membership so it only costs her £30) and they hardly ever go. Do you need a gym? Nope.

_Sara_A_ · July 2012

I bought a Civic Pass for the city I live in, and it gives me access to all of the Civic Centers here (7). It gives me access to their fitness rooms, their drop-in land classes, drop-in water classes, as well as if I take my step kids swimming I don't have to pay for myself because of my pass. I go 4 days a week and take 4 different classes: Cardio & Sculpt I, Low Impact Fitness, Cardio & Core, and Step I. I get bored easily with work outs and find just going for a walk boring because it's the same thing over and over again, no changes. However on that said, I try to go for at least 1 walk on one of my days where I don't take a class. I love the Instructor for Cardio & Sculpt I because at the beginning of the class she'll go talk to the people who are new in the class to make sure they know what to do, and then at the end of the class on her take on how they did and to see how they enjoyed it. Makes you feel welcome and want to go back. Not all instructors do it, which is why I tend to like the classes more when the instructor approaches the individuals. Somehow it makes me more accountable.

makemewannadie · July 2012

As a student I can't afford to join the gym, and I would be too anxious to go by myself (and don't have any friends who would go with me haha), but I do use the badminton courts at the gym, and I would use the swimming pool if I knew how to swim (: To reiterate what everyone else has said, if you think you can justify the money and will use it as much as you plan to, then go for it!

darrensurrey · July 2012

I don't think you need a gym unless you want to do group classes (great for motivation), have no space at home or want to lift crazily heavy. If you're just looking to lose weight, as long as you have suitably heavy weights at home, do some kind of cardio-vascular exercise and eat right, you will lose weight and look good. 90% of my training is at home and I am well on-target to achieve my goal. My kit includes a kettlebell, about 150kg of plate weights, a bench and a gym bicycle; I have a number of CV routines that I've put together depending on what I fancy doing.

lhughes404 · July 2012

I love my gym, especially the classes. Try finding a gym that has a trial membership or a few free day passes and see if you use it. If you have friends that are a member sometimes they get a few free day passes. I know my gym has an open house twice a year and everything is free.

calitravelingal · July 2012

I go to the gym. I was worried about the money at first, but since i've made friends there, I go 5 days a week, sometimes 6. It helps when someone says "see you here tomorrow". I looked at a few gyms before siging up. I ended up going to the YMCA. The prices is fair and there is no contract. Other gyms I looked at you had to sign a min 6 mo membership. I figured with the Y, if it turned out I wasn't going or getting my money's worth then I could quit with out having to pay. I like to go outside and do stuff to but I live in the south and right now it's just too darn hot. The gym has airconditioning!

jwatson7 · July 2012

I've lost weight doing both. Right now a gym membership isn't in the budget so I workout at home. I alternate workout dvds for my weight lifting (using dumbbells) and have recently gotten into running. I also have an elliptical machine. If you chose to workout at home I highly recommend looking into the 30 minutes to fitness dvds. They are great and I am getting great results with them.

freew67 · July 2012

I've lost 101 lbs without setting 1 foot in a gym.

RainaWalks · July 2012

Going to the gym is just too much effort for me so i go walking or i do exercise dvds at home.

i lost 145 pounds in 2008 doing just those two things....

i got ill and could not work out and was not counting calories which is why i am here...i regained some of it....

i won't be joining a gym in the near or distant future...

Hezzietiger1 · July 2012

A good gym has many tools that you wouldn't have access to other wise for the fitness aspect of your journey. You can lose weight without it. But you can't get on a weight training program without weight equipment. You can't try new cardio equipment without the cardio equipment available to try. Do you have bosu balls, kettle bells, medicine balls, trx, dumbbells, resistance bands and water weights at home? All of those things really enhance core exercise moves and are a lot of fun. Gym's have them. Kickboxing, H2O bootcamp, spinning, bodypump, and other classes-offered at the gym with different instructors and real people. Way more fun that the video in you living room. And internet support is nice, real life support even better. I say, invest in the gym. It's a great investment!

Hezz

scarlettesong · July 2012

Hi all,
I have been trying to decide if I join a gym or keep doing this without.
My partner thinks it's just a waste of money and I probably wont use it *SIGH* but he also thinks that I should be able to do it without the gym and their equipment.
I think I will use it - even if it is 4 days a week (after work and on my day off), but I also don't know if I can justify spending the money! I'm tempted to join Jetts 24 hour gym - because it is right across from my work (and sometimes I don't finish until 11pm) also some of my work mates also go there so I'd have some support. I just don't know!!!

What worked best for you? Have you tried doing this weight loss with out the gym - what were your results? (yes, I know everyone will get different but I am still curious)

Thank you for your advice (in advance)

I'm in a similar situation. My workplace is right across from the gym (but I don't have to pay for it because I'm military and they provide us gyms to stay in shape for free!) But the only thing that keeps me out is my laziness.

I say go for it! Change into your gym clothes before you leave work. You're less tempted to skip.
Try to go with your coworkers.
And if you work so late, try to go to the gym before work. I'd love to do this one but I have to be there at 5am... then when I don't leave until 5pm, I'm so exhausted I just want to sleep and I usually skip the gym. If you can go before work and get a healthy breakfast in, you'd be amazed how prepared you feel for the day ahead.

Edit: I thought of some more reasons I'm in favor of a gym. Running is extremely high impact and is difficult for me to do. I love that there a number of other cardio options including the row machine (my favorite) and the elliptical for low-impact running. You may find that you enjoy these more than "pounding pavement". And you may enjoy using weight machines more than dumbbells at home. You've really just go to try it out. If you like running and dumbbells and would rather do that at home, then go for it!

CHN_ · July 2012

I'd say it comes down to whether or not you're going to be actually going to the gym

The cost can usually be justified by how much time you spend there, and how important that type of training is. I go 2-4 times a week, either for classes or to train on my own (usually crossramp followed by weights, as I cannot run on treadmills). I also have a few friends I go with, which can make it easier some days. The fact that I live in a town where is rains a lot (Norwegians can pretty much guess which town it is), the ability to work hard indoors is a blessing sometimes. No fun to go running when it's raining buckets.

For me, having a gym membership is a must-have. I even had one as a student, and I used the regular gym and not the student union gym (which is much cheaper) as I went with the same as my friends.

If you can see yourself using it, and it works well with your schedule, I say go for it. It's always good to have options with what kind of training you want to do, and a lot of gyms have a ton of different classes, from yoga to spin class to weights, so there is something for everything, and you probably won't get bored easily

pupcamper · July 2012

Gym has worked best for me. I have to plan my day/week around going to the gym so it is dedicated 'me' time, I found it too easy to make excuses not to work out if I didn't. I love being a gym member because I can do so many more things - weights, cardio, classes, swimming so no matter what mood or energy level I have I can always find something to do. I think I burn off more calories at the gym than I would if I didn't go. The added bonus is that I get to go to the steam room or hot tub to relax and chit chat after my workout so not only do I get to have some me time but I get to have some girlie time too!

You don't need a gym to lose weight and I think if you don't use it at least 3 times a week it is pretty much a waste of money but it can be enjoyable and motivating for some people! Do they have a two week free trial or anything like that at a gym near you? It would be a good way to try it out and see if you really do like it or would use it without making a committment!

Gym or No Gym?

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