Joining a gym vs. Working out at home: which should you do?
Choosing to start an exercise routine is straightforward, but the real challenge is deciding on a workout location.
While joining a gym is convenient, many people end up paying for a membership they rarely use. Setting up a home gym is another option, but it's easy to get distracted by chores and other tasks. Today, we’ll compare joining a gym vs. working out at home to find which one best suits your lifestyle.
Regardless of where you choose to exercise, success depends on your commitment and finding a workout environment that aligns with both your needs and budget.
PROS AND CONS OF WORKING OUT AT HOME
PROS:
Variety of options: Exercising at home offers a unique array of options. You can enjoy outdoor activities, follow exercise videos, stream live classes on your phone or fitness mirror, engage in exercises, or use workout apps like the TRX app. The flexibility to combine weights, cardio, and yoga in any way you prefer adds to the appeal.
Convenience: There's no need to pack a bag, drive to a gym, or organise child care. You can even exercise in your pyjamas (we don’t recommend) but it isn't usually allowed at traditional gyms. You also have the freedom to exercise whenever it suits you, making it convenient for splitting workouts or fitting in sessions during unconventional hours.
Cost-effectiveness: You won't need a membership fee, and you can equip your home gym on a budget with just a few resistance bands, a slam ball, and a TRX suspension trainer. Additionally, you can perform bodyweight exercises that require minimal or no equipment.
Social Anxiety Isn’t a Concern: If you feel uneasy or self-conscious about exercising around others, you're in good company. Many people experience social anxiety, which can hinder them from fully engaging in workouts or exploring new exercises and classes. Working out at home provides a private space where you can focus solely on your fitness goals without worrying about external judgment or unwanted attention.
CONS:
It's easy to make excuses: When you work out at home, countless distractions can tempt you to skip your exercise. If you're not highly self-motivated, you might end up avoiding your workouts by doing trivial tasks.
You're on your own: You do not have the benefit of trainers when you are at home, as opposed to when you are at the gym, which can raise the likelihood of you getting hurt. Exercises that you are familiar with and that you are comfortable executing should be your primary emphasis if you want to avoid injury.
It Needs Self-Control and Motivation: At home, there’s often no immediate incentive to exercise, making it easy to get sidetracked by chores, snacks, TV, or the lure of a comfy bed. Establishing a daily workout routine at home demands significant self-motivation and discipline.
PROS AND CONS OF WORKING OUT AT GYM
PROS:
Becoming Motivated: Paying for a gym membership can be a strong motivator, but the real boost often comes from exercising alongside others. The friendly competitive atmosphere at the gym can inspire you to push yourself harder, a dynamic that's hard to replicate when working out alone.
Help you stay focused: The gym environment is ideal for staying focused on your fitness routine. With no household chores demanding your attention, no children interrupting you, and no distractions pulling you away from your workouts, you can fully concentrate on exercising.
Fitness Classes: While online classes at home are convenient, they can't quite match the energy and camaraderie of participating in person at the gym. Many gyms also offer additional amenities such as pools, hot tubs, and tennis courts, providing even more reasons to pack a well-equipped gym bag with essentials like a swimsuit or yoga mat.
CONS:
Cost: Joining a gym typically involves membership fees regardless of the gym's location.
Full of people: One thing about the gym is that it’s always bustling with people. Everyone is there to focus on their own workouts, often with earphones in, and it can sometimes affect your experience. You might encounter loud conversations on cell phones, equipment left sweaty, weights not re-racked, or overpowering cologne or perfume. These are common occurrences in a gym environment.
Hassle: When planning a workout at the gym, you must factor in the time and effort to get there. This involves packing a gym duffle bag, filling your water bottle, ensuring you're inappropriate attire, driving to the gym, finding a parking spot, and using the locker room. Consequently, your overall time commitment will be longer due to the travel and preparation involved.
HOW TO CREATE AN EFFECTIVE HOME WORKOUT
A successful workout doesn't necessarily need to be lengthy or rely on specialised equipment like heavy weights. Short, focused workouts of ten minutes each, repeated three times a day, can be just as beneficial as a single half-hour session. Choosing between working out at a gym or home depends on your individual preferences, fitness goals, and budget.
Many people find it convenient to have home exercise equipment even if they also use gyms regularly. With TRX, the team specialise in providing strength and training tools specifically designed for home use alongside TRX Training Club, so you feel supported along the way. Get 30 days free when you purchase any TRX product now. Click here for further info!
