HOME WORKOUTS OR GYMS?

THE VENUE IS NOT THE POINT

Where we exercise is not really important. Consistent exercise is a worthy goal and far more important than the place where it happens. It becomes a matter of what is more convenient to us individually.

I can speak without bias in either direction. Though my website is all about home workouts, my experience over the years has been mostly with public gyms – YMCAs, Nautilus gyms, college weight rooms, health spas and the like.

My choice 15 years ago was to do my workouts at home in the morning before breakfast. But I was retired, 67 years old and fitness- knowledgeable. I still have a public gym membership. As I previously went to public gyms, I always kept equipment at home.

Home gyms need not be loaded with equipment, especially since bodyweight exercises can be done anywhere – push-ups, free squats, planks or lunges, for example. We can also go outside for a walk or run.

I enjoyed commercial gyms for several reasons:

• There was plenty of equipment
• Instructors were available when needed
• I could be energized by others
• I could get a steam bath or sauna (at the YMCA)
• Socializing with others was easy

My current preference for my home gym is based on:

• Freedom to exercise at the time I choose
• Being able to dress as I like
• Eliminating commutes to a public gym
• Less total time involvement
• No membership costs

Here is what I consider an excellent comparison of public gyms and home gyms. Totally fair to both.

COSTS OF EQUIPMENT FOR HOME GYM

As stated above, we can begin home workouts with no cost at all. Bodyweight resistance exercises or outdoor walks, jogs or runs may keep us fit. The point is to do them.

We will very likely see the need for variety in our routines. Plateaus or monotony may become deterrents to our progress. We can invest in home equipment, beginning with very inexpensive outlays of money. We can then add more equipment as we see the need.

Speaking personally, my only “large” expenditure was for a treadmill, though I didn’t purchase an expensive one. At first, I needed a treadmill to provide indoor cardio during wintry months of the year. Later, I found that knee and lower back issues led me to appreciate my treadmill even more.

My treadmill and similar ones are available from Amazon. First, this is my relationship with Amazon – I am an associate as well as a customer. I can use Amazon links in my articles and benefit when the links are converted to sales. (This is affiliate marketing. See my upper menu – “BECOME AN AFFILIATE MARKETER ” for information on this).

Each link will provide detailed information, pictures, reviews, prices and suggestions for other similar or complementary items. See the treadmill link and others that are the same or similar to the equipment I use.

Nordic Track treadmill – the one I use.

Resistance bands with handles – less than $25. Full body workout.

Loop bands – also known as “booty” bands. Less than $7. I use them for physical therapy and sometimes for arm resistance.

Adjustable dumbbells – lots of resistance. Not much space required.

Light dumbbells – pairs of 3, 5 and 8 lbs., with stand

Medicine ball – this is the medicine ball I use, though mine is 6 lbs. This is the best purchase I have made for core exercise. See my recent article on core training.

In addition to the above items, I use Bullworker equipment, available directly from the Bullworker company. These are high quality workout tools, not inexpensive but worth every penny in my opinion. I have the Steel Bow and the Bow Classic. Total full body routines may be constructed with either of these. I have developed a very effective core routine with the Steel Bow. See the details here.

For complete information on Bullworker, see my link at the side of my website. Click on the red link.

FINAL THOUGHTS

As our needs for physical fitness vary, so do our preferences. For newcomers to workouts, I would suggest a visit to your medical professional for advice on a new program that can be strenuous. I would also recommend beginning with the instruction of a personal trainer or someone to help out at a public gym.

Be careful to seek advice from a competent source. Fitness classes are great, whether for yoga, aerobic dancing, swimming or weight training.

For many people, including myself, playing a sport is the best way to become fit. I played basketball, tennis, golf and other sports. I never thought of any sport as a fitness endeavor. Sports were for competition and fun.

Believe it or not, workouts can be fun. If “fun” is not the correct word, “rewarding” may be.

Let’s stay persistent on our track to better fitness. It’s worth the effort!

Please leave me any comments or questions in the “Comments” section below.