Once you decide to start working out regularly, you have to figure out how to do it. Signing up at the gym seems to be the obvious choice, but it’s not the only option. It’s also possible to exercise at home, which can be equally effective.
So how do you decide which one is better for you—the gym or a home workout? We’ve made lists with the advantages of both options to make it easier for you to choose. Take a look at them!
Advantages of training at home
Here are the most important benefits of exercising at home.
You can exercise whenever you want
Working out at home is very convenient. There are no opening hours, no waiting for the equipment, and no class schedules. There’s also no need to pack your bag and spend time in traffic to get to the gym. If you choose the home workout option, it’s much easier to fit it into your day (or night J). You can basically exercise whenever you feel like it.
You can be yourself
Some people are insecure about their bodies and don’t feel at ease exercising at the gym. They often have the impression that everybody is watching them (even though, most of the time, that’s not true), and don’t do their best when working out. At home, on the other hand, they feel comfortable and don’t have to hide anything. They can just choose the music they like, make it as loud as they want, and focus on the training.
The variety of workouts is endless
It’s easy to vary your training routine at home. With the abundance of fitness apps, you can choose a different exercise program every day. Whether you feel like doing a strength workout with equipment, having an energetic cardio session, or relaxing while practicing yoga—you can! On the other hand, if you prefer to exercise in silence—just you and your thoughts—there’s no better place for that than home.
The costs are lower
Gym memberships are quite expensive, and in many cases, they require you to commit for a long period of time. Home gyms, on the other hand, are much cheaper. A home gym only generates costs at the beginning. If you invest in high-quality equipment, it will serve you for years. What’s also great is that the equipment is only for you so you can take good care of it.
How to make the most of your home workout?
It’s convenient to exercise at home, but sometimes it can also be difficult to motivate yourself to work out. There’s always something to do at home. Whether it’s the new series on Netflix, cleaning, cooking, or spending time with your family—it’s easy to find an excuse to skip your training. That’s why if you decide to work out at home you need to make a plan.
Establish your goals and choose workout routines that will help you achieve them. Next, plan how often you are going to exercise and for how long. It’s crucial that when it’s time for your training, you know exactly what to do instead of looking for possible exercises. Dedicating a specific space for the home gym can be helpful as well. This way you won’t have to arrange it every time. Think about some home gym equipment as well. A small investment in equipment significantly expands your exercise options.
If you feel that you are not capable of creating your own workout routine, but you still want to train at home, take a look at our article about the best fitness apps and try exercising with one of them. It’s fun and brings fantastic results!
Pros of working out at the gym
Exercising at the gym also has many advantages. The most important ones are:
Motivation and company
People who prefer to exercise at the gym say that the atmosphere there motivates them to do the workout. They are surrounded by other people investing their time in physical fitness, there are no distractions, and the music motivates them to exercise harder and give more of themselves. Many people enjoy working out in a group where they can motivate each other, and ask for help with an exercise if necessary. They say training at home is boring, because you have nobody to share it with! If you’re one of these people, then the gym is the perfect place for your fitness routine.
You can ask for help from professional trainers
Gym trainers are always at the gym and ready to help. They can show you how to do a particular exercise correctly, how to increase the efficiency of your training, or even create a full workout routine, especially for you. Their help is invaluable, and it’s not possible to recreate this kind of assistance at home. No app can do that.
You can use more advanced equipment
Even though your home gym can be pretty well equipped these days, some things just won’t fit into your room. Also, you probably won’t buy as many machines for yourself as there are at the gym. It would cost you a fortune! That’s why the gym offers much more when it comes to equipment.
There’s more space for exercising
Unless you have a whole room or a big garage for exercise , the actual gym provides much more space for your workout. Usually, people are only able to allocate limited space for a home gym…somewhere between the dinner table and the couch, right? J So, it’s not possible to do every exercise at home.
How to make the gym workout more effective?
The gym can be overwhelming, with so many machines that seem to be too complicated to use. Especially for beginners, it’s challenging to start somewhere and know how to exercise well. That’s why we recommend asking a professional trainer for help. These people can show you how to use the equipment properly and how to stay safe at the gym. They match exercises to your goals and tell you how to do them more efficiently so that you can quickly see the results of your efforts.
The gym or a home workout – which one to choose?
Working out at home is the right choice for people who are so busy, that it’s challenging for them to go to the gym regularly. We also recommend a home workout for those of you who don’t feel confident exercising surrounded by other people. If you’re an introvert, or just feel insecure about your body, a home workout makes it possible for you to stay active. It’s also an inexpensive solution.
You should choose training at the gym if you want to practice under the supervision of professional trainers and have access to more advanced equipment. The gym is also a good choice if you’re a sociable person and the presence of other people working out motivates you to stay fit.
We hope this article helped you decide which solution is best for you. In any case, whichever option you choose, just remember to stay active and exercise regularly. Your body and mind will be grateful! Good luck!