When you’re ready to get serious about your health, you may be asking yourself, should I buy a home gym or a gym membership? Both come with their share of positives and negatives.
Public Gym Memberships
A public gym can provide you with exercise equipment you can’t use at home. This can decrease your chance of getting bored quickly. Gyms also have a social atmosphere where you can meet and work out with other people. If you are just starting out on your fitness journey, it can be extremely beneficial to workout with a personal trainer. Most gyms offer a day or two of free personal training with the purchase of a gym membership.
The downside to a gym membership is the cost. Some fitness centers require a one-year commitment, or a couple months of membership fees up front. It is also difficult for many people to stay committed to going to the gym. You might find yourself making excuses that it is too far away, you’re too tired, or you don’t have enough time. And depending on the gym you choose, it might be hard to find parking or overly crowded.
Home Gyms
The greatest thing about a home gym, is that you can workout at any hour of the day that is convenient for you. This allows you to get in anywhere from a 15-minute workout at 3am, to a 2-hour workout at 9pm. You can play your own music, and exercise in complete privacy. If you are insecure about your body or working out, this might be the best option for you. You can also purchase all the equipment that you need to meet your fitness goals. When at a public gym you are essentially paying for every piece of equipment, including some you presumably won’t be using.
Studies have shown that people are more likely to stick to their exercise routines with a home gym. This is largely due to the fact that it’s more difficult to make excuses: you don’t have enough time, or that the weather is too bad to go out. If you have a home gym you also don’t have to share equipment with complete strangers. You have the freedom to take your time without waiting for your next machine to free up.
One downside to a home gym is that people can become distracted. When you work out at home, you’re more likely to stop and take a phone call, answer the door, or tend to your children. If you are really serious about exercising, try working out early in the morning before your family gets out of bed. This will help eliminate any distractions and increase your energy throughout the day. You should also be sure that you are buying the best home gym: the best bag for your buck. This will ensure that when you do have time to workout, you are getting the most out of that time.
Photo by donnierayjones 