I CAN SPEAK FOR BOTH
For over 50 years, I have done my workouts in public facilities – YMCAs, college weight rooms, Nautilus centers, bodybuilding clubs and fitness “spas”.
As of now, I do my workouts at home, every morning before breakfast. I still have a YMCA membership, but rarely use it.
This post will compare and contrast both “venues”. Many of us may prefer gyms, but have equipment at home as a back-up plan. Or we may prefer home workouts and reserve the gym membership if we seek a more “social” workout.
HOME WORKOUT ADVANTAGES
Convenience. We are able to workout whenever we like, without the need to commute to a gym.
Cost. Home workouts can be cost effective in the long run, since we don’t pay for a gym membership. We can invest in a few pieces of equipment, based on our preferences and budgets.
Privacy. Some people prefer the privacy of working out at home and may not be comfortable in a gym.
Flexibility. We may like the flexibility of choosing our workout types, whether bodybuilding, cardio, Online instruction or incorporating home equipment. I enjoy the ability to avoid wait times to get to a machine or a piece of equipment.
DISADVANTAGES
Limited equipment. Unless we invest in home equipment, we will have fewer options than we may find in a fully equipped gym.
Space constraints. We may not have sufficient dedicated space at home and this may affect the value of our overall workout experience.
GYM ADVANTAGES
Equipment variety. Gyms offer a wide variety of equipment – weight machines, cardio machines and free weights. This may give us more options to achieve our fitness goals.
Motivation and community. The presence of other people may inspire us to work harder. Group trainers and personal trainers may be available.
Structured environment. Gyms have designated workout spaces and professional guidance . YMCAs in my experience had swimming pools, steam / sauna and athletic courts.
DISADVANTAGES
Access to certain equipment. May be limited during peak hours. There may be a learning curve for beginners to properly use the equipment.
Competitive atmosphere. May not be suitable for everyone. I have heard loud voices, barbells dropped heavily and other distractions.
Fixed operating hours. May not suit everyone’s convenience.
Social interaction. May be motivating, but also may take us away from our routines if there is too much interaction.
EQUIPMENT FOR HOME WORKOUTS
This will be a listing of equipment that I use at home. Starting with Amazon as a resource, I will provide relevant links. As an Amazon associate, I may earn from activity on the links, though this has no effect on the pricing.
Each link will give full information, pictures and access to similar or complementary additional links.
Nordic Track treadmill. I have had this model for about ten years and use it every morning. It is very durable, with constant use, but not one of the more expensive models.
Teeter inversion table. This is a physical therapy item. By stretching out with progressing angles or suspending myself upside down, I have been able to eliminate the severe pain of sciatica.
Adjustable dumbbells. These will take up very little space.
Lighter dumbbells. This dumbbell set is for beginners or those who prefer less weight.
Resistance bands with handles. This set will provide resistance for a total body workout. Less than $25.
Loop resistance bands. I use these for physical therapy. They are popular with women as “bootie bands”. Less than $12.
Push-up board. This board allows me to have deeper push-ups because of the handles. Also, I can choose the muscle to be stressed, which is based on hand positions. This is the exact model I use.
Crunch device. This helps me to avoid back pain as I do crunches.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Please take a look at my permanent links at the side of my website:
Dick’s Sporting Goods. This has been my main source for sports equipment of all kinds for several decades. Click on the link for information on current specials.
Bullworker Fitness. This is a 60 year old company offering high quality home fitness tools. I have used the Steel Bow and Bow Classic for about 5 years. Click on the link!
I like to eat nutritiously, but often wonder if I eat enough green vegetables. I have very recently found a new source from Amazon – 8 greens. I am very impressed . One tablet gives me the following – Vitamin B6 equal to 6 cups of spinach, vitamin C equal to 6 oranges, vitamin B5 equal to 15 cups of broccoli, vitamin B12 equal to 7 cups of milk and zinc equal to 3 cups of peas.
Ultimately, the choice between home workouts and gym workouts depends on the following:
- Our personal preferences
- Lifestyle
- Fitness goals
Even when I was more of a gym person, I still had workout equipment at home. If I didn’t have a treadmill, I could run or walk outside.
The key to reaching goals of fitness has much more to do with our consistent effort than with where or when we apply that effort.
Please choose a lifestyle of fitness if you have not already done so. You will never regret that choice!
Leave me any comments or questions in the “Comments” section below. Or email me, richard@myworkoutathome.com.
Let’s stay active!
