A lot of people are beginning to make strides towards becoming a healthier version of themselves. For a lot of people, this means embarking on their own fitness journeys. However, it can be a little daunting trying to work out where to start. Is it better to head to the gym, or are home workouts just as effective? In all honesty, there are upsides and downsides to both; read on to learn more.
Gym Workouts – The Pros
First and foremost, the gym will likely have better equipment than you will have at home unless, of course, you have a home gym. You get access to a lot of equipment that would be incredibly costly should you try to invest. If you do have the money, then you may not have the room to set it all up. The bigger range in equipment allows you to try out exercises or techniques that you otherwise would not be able to. If you are unsure of how to use a piece of equipment, then there are plenty of people to ask. Most of the time, the gym will also host different exercise classes, which you can sign up for; you might find you have an affinity for spin class, or swimming or yoga.
The gym also offers you the chance to be a part of a community, which depending on your personality type, might be beneficial to you. The social aspect can act as a motivator; you can join with friends or make friends while you are there. It can make you more likely to show up and put the work in. You can learn from watching others, or you can even hire a trainer, which can also help to keep you motivated and on track. The atmosphere of the gym may help you to keep focused, and it can also be uplifting when you receive helpful advice and tips from other gymgoers. Finally, if you struggle with discipline, then working out in a gym might be better because you have nothing else to do besides your workout.
Gym Workouts – The Cons
Arguably one of the biggest downsides to working out at the gym is the time commitment that it represents. If you lead a busy lifestyle, then you might struggle to find the spare time to go to the gym, and it isn’t just the length of your workout; it is the travel time too. Gyms can also be a hotbed for germs, although you should really be cleaning the equipment before and after you use it anyway, but even so, the germs can linger. Lastly, the other big downside to working out at the gym is the price, gym memberships aren’t cheap, and so it might not be possible for you if you are on a strict budget. Although, if you are paying out for the gym, this can act as a motivator to actually go so that you don’t waste your money.
Home Workouts – The Pros
Firstly, you get way more privacy if you work out at home. You don’t need to feel self-conscious about trying out a new exercise or how much you are sweating. To put it simply, you have the luxury of making mistakes without onlookers, which can be nice for novices. Being surrounded by glistening gym gods and goddesses can be really damaging to your self-esteem, especially if you are just beginning your fitness journey. Being able to work out without worrying about the judgement of others can be a huge weight off your mind – pardon the pun.
You can find a lot of workout videos online that you can follow, along with many of which don’t require any specific equipment. It can be great for beginners who don’t know much about working out; they can explore a lot of different options. Working out at home can also save you time, you don’t need to worry about travelling there or finding parking. It also means that you are out of excuses since your workout space is in your home. Working out at home also save you money. As mentioned above, a gym membership can be pricey, but it isn’t just that; if you drive to the gym, then you have to pay for gas and maybe parking too. Although depending on your workouts, you might have to buy a few pieces of equipment, but you can often get these things secondhand, which makes them cheaper.
When you work out at home, you don’t need to worry about the germs because you are at home, and obviously, no one else is using your equipment or at least no one outside of your household. You don’t need to worry about picking up viruses or germs from other people, which can give you peace of mind, especially in a post-covid world. Lastly, there’s no risk of queues or crowds; you don’t have to wait for other people to be done with something before you use it, which can drag out your workouts. You have full access to your own equipment, and you can plan your workouts accordingly.
Home Workouts – The Cons
Working out at home can also have its downsides. Firstly, depending on your living environment, you might find that you have a lot of distractions around you, be they kids, partners or pets. These can interrupt or even derail your efforts. You can try working out when you are alone or setting a boundary, tell the other inhabitants that it is your time to work out, and you don’t expect any interruptions. You might also need to invest in some equipment which can be costly, but it is an investment; the equipment will last you. Finally, working out at home does mean that you miss out on the sense of community that being a member of a gym offers and the support system that it comes with. Home workouts can be lonely, and there isn’t anyone to hold you accountable.
Which One is Right for Me?
The one that you choose will depend on a whole host of factors: whether you can self-motivate, how much free time and money you have and what your end goals are. For example, if you are aiming to build muscle, then working out at a gym might be better. Either way, to maximize the efficacy of your workouts, you need to make sure that you are eating right. Getting the proper nutrition is paramount; protein is one of the key ingredients; it helps to build muscle within the body. For most people, the question is how much protein can or should your body absorb? You can find resources on this online, including this Ingredient Optimized article. They also have a range of protein products too.
In Conclusion
In the end, it all comes down to personal preference. Whether you work out at the gym or at home, all that matters is that you are working out and making strides towards a healthier future. If you are a motivated self-starter, then working out at home should be a breeze for you. On the other hand, if you often find yourself lacking motivation or looking for excuses not to work out, then getting out of the house might be the better choice for you.