Should you work out at the gym? Or should you work out at home? There’s no right or wrong answer. However, one of these solutions may turn out to be better for your goals and lifestyle.
In this guide, we’ll compare the unique benefits of each.
Why work out at the gym?
Greater range of equipment
Gyms tend to have a much better range of equipment, which can be useful for specialist training. Some like Fitness 19 have a particularly exciting variety of workout gear. Unless you’re a millionaire with a large home gym space, you’re not going to be able to acquire the same level of equipment for home use.
Access to trainers
If you’re interested in hiring a personal trainer, the gym could be the perfect place to meet one – most gyms have multiple trainers and you can compare each of their training styles by watching them with clients. Gyms also tend to have classes hosted by trainers where you can get expert workout advice (some of these classes may even be free for members).
Social camaraderie
A big reason that people visit the gym is for the social aspect. You can enjoy working out with friends and family, or you can meet new people at classes. Even if you don’t talk to anyone, the buzz of being around other people could be motivational.
More accountability
Having to pay gym fees can pressure many people to keep up an exercise schedule. Many people who also have exercise buddies or trainers at the gym also feel guilty when they miss a session. When working out at home, you don’t have these same pressures motivating you to keep exercising. It requires much more self-discipline.
Why work out from home?
No gym fees
Gym membership fees can vary, but in all cases they can add up over time. When you work out from home, you don’t have to pay these ongoing fees. You do need to consider the cost of buying your own home gym equipment, but if you’re happy with basic equipment, you’ll ultimately still save a lot of money.
No queues for equipment
At home, you don’t have to share your equipment with anyone. Some gyms can get busy at certain times of the day, and you inevitably end up planning your workouts around other people if you want to exercise at these times. Training home allows you to use each piece of equipment when you want.
Exercise around commitments
Home workouts can also be flexibly scheduled around commitments like housework and kids. You can squeeze a workout into a spare half hour without having to travel anywhere or arrange childcare. Admittedly, some gyms do have creches for young kids, but these aren’t common.
Private exercise
If you’re shy about exercising around other people or you’ve had bad experiences with people at the gym, then being able to exercise in the privacy of your own home could be much more enjoyable and motivational.
Should you exercise at the gym or at home?
Weighing up these benefits can help you to choose the best workout method for you. All in all, choosing the gym could be an option if you want more equipment, access to trainers and social interaction. Workout out from home could be better if you want affordability, flexibility and privacy.
