Deciding between working out at home and applying for a gym membership can be challenging. After all, the two options have their own advantages and disadvantages.
In this day and age, when staying healthy and being fit are of utmost importance, deciding on the right option can be tricky. However, with proper research and an open mind, making the right choice is definitely not impossible.
Which takes us to the question: Is a home workout really as effective as hitting the gym? The answer is yes! However, we know it is not that simple. While working out at home may sound like the most logical option, there are a whole lot of factors to take into consideration before choosing what is suitable for you.
Read on as we talk about how working out in your preferred environment is the best way to go and why many people are still on the fence when deciding between these two options.
Can Home Workout Replace Gym?
A home workout can replace working out at the gym. However, the demands can be a little bigger and more challenging for this to succeed.
As you might have already guessed, working out at home is more than just doing different exercise routines for an hour or two. When working out at home, you will have to spend more time, effort, and preparation to develop a workout plan that works for you.
And when you finally have a solid plan that you can use as a guide, you then have to consider time, the equipment to use, and of course, your biggest roadblock – yourself.
Pros and Cons of Home Workouts
Like all life choices, working out at home can have advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular pros and cons when it comes to working out in the comfort of your very own home.
Pros of Home Workouts
- Time: If you’re a busy person and don’t have much time on your hands, especially during working days, working out at home is something you might want to consider. With home workouts, you can begin (and end) a workout session any time you like.
- Convenience: With home workouts, you don’t have to travel far to start a session. In fact, you can begin one right in the middle of doing some laundry or homework. You also don’t have to worry about what to wear during your session. And most of all, you’ll be exercising in the comfort of your home.
- Cost: Many people prefer to work out at home because this option doesn’t involve any fees. This means that they get the result they want without shelling out a fortune. For those strapped for cash, working out at home is the way to go.
- Privacy: Another great advantage of working out at home is privacy. If you do workout sessions right in your living room, bedroom, or garage, you wouldn’t have to worry about being around strangers, feeling judged or being anxious about training in front of others.
Cons of Home Workouts
- Distractions: It’s easy to come up with excuses not to work out when you’re in the comfort of your own home. With no one to stop or advise you, you could quickly get distracted and end up doing something completely different instead. Instead of lifting weights or doing sit-ups, for example, you could end up spending all your time on an unfinished book, doing household chores, or watching a favourite show.
- Boredom: Working out on your own may give you the concentration you need, but it can also be pretty boring. Without hiring a personal trainer to encourage you to keep going or tell you that what you’re doing is right, you could quickly lose interest and focus your attention on other things that are easier to do.
- Space: One of the most important factors to consider when deciding where to work out is space. You may have the motivation and drive to work out regularly and religiously at home. Still, without the space required to do a routine correctly and adequately, it’s easy to lose interest and finish working on other projects instead.
Pros and Cons of Gym Workouts
While working out at home has continued to gain popularity over the years, many people still prefer to work out in an actual gym. Let’s list down some of the many advantages and disadvantages of doing gym workouts.
Pros of Gym Workouts
- Amenities: The most obvious reason people still prefer working out at the gym is the availability of gym amenities. When you sign up for a gym membership, you get access to all the equipment designed to improve specific areas in your body. Achieving certain workout goals like weight training may be extremely difficult or impossible without these tools.
- Classes: Certain gyms offer specialised classes that cater to the specific needs of their clients. Gyms can offer dance fitness classes, for example, for those who just want to stay active while still having fun. Other gyms may also offer circuit training or high-intensity training classes for groups that want to achieve specific fitness goals together.
- Support System: Working out with others who share the same passion, goals, and interests is extremely important. Although you might not realise it, being exposed to this group of people will help you in many ways. Not only will you get free tips on how to execute routines properly, but you will also have your very own support system to motivate and encourage you to keep going to achieve your goals.
- Challenge: Working out in a gym is a great way to challenge yourself to go further and push yourself to the limit. If you’re used to lifting 10kg dumbells, for example, the availability of heavier weights may encourage you to go one step further. When you’re at home with minimal equipment, you may stick to the same routines that usually don’t yield obvious results.
- Holistic Growth: Working out at the gym is a great way to explore other possibilities in improving your body. When you work out at home, you focus only on areas that you believe need improvement. However, when you’re in the gym, you will see a wide range of equipment and activities that you can try to make your progress more holistic.
Cons of Gym Workouts
- Fees: Unlike home workouts, gym workouts require a lot more commitment and dedication. Gyms require their members to pay a monthly or ‘per-session fee to access the amenities and equipment. And if you want more specialised training, you would have to set aside a few more dollars for your personal trainer’s fee. Additionally, most gyms require an initial sign-up fee too.
- Hassle: Unlike home workouts, where you can practically do your routines wearing anything you like, working out at the gym is an entirely different story. Most gyms require their members to wear specific workout attire while within the gym premises. Additionally, if your gym isn’t located close to your home or workplace, you must properly manage your time to account for travel.
- Other people: When you work out in the gym, you will interact with many other gym-goers. As most gyms accommodate as many members as possible, you will often have to deal with people looking at you or working out very close to you. At times, you even have to wait in line to use a particular machine if it is in use by someone else. Also, if you are conscious about how you do your workout routines, working out at the gym can prove to be quite a challenge.
- Lack of Energy: After a long day at school or work, the thought of doing homework can be draining. It’s a well-known fact that homework can take a toll on one’s energy levels, leaving you feeling fatigued and unmotivated. After all, it’s hard to summon the will to complete a lengthy math assignment when all you want to do is crawl into bed and binge-watch your favourite show. However, although the lack of energy may be a con of homework, there are still ways to combat this hurdle and conquer your assignments despite feeling drained.
A healthy energy booster snack we have found is Peak Energy Chocolate, it has as much natural caffeine as an espresso shot, protein enriched and no sugar. It is that guilt free treat that will get you motivated to get that workout done!
What’s Better Gym or Home Workouts?
Although home workouts have a lot of advantages, it also cannot be denied that it has limitations and the setbacks tend to outweigh the benefits. Therefore, with all the essential factors considered, it is safe to say that signing up for a gym membership is still the better option.
How Do You Know if the Gym Is Right for You?
When choosing a gym, there are usually three things that you need to consider: Convenience, Fees, and Member Privileges.
Before making a choice, be sure to prepare this short checklist and run through each item carefully.
- Convenience: Convenience is an essential factor when choosing a gym. Pick a gym that is easily accessible or is located close to where you work or live. You might also want to consider parking availability, hours of operation, and proximity to other establishments like restaurants, banks, and shopping centres.
- Fees: Depending on the goals you want to achieve, you can find a gym that doesn’t ask much in terms of fees. Fees will vary depending on the type of gym and its services. If gym fee is an essential factor to consider for you, you might want to focus first on a specific workout program that costs a whole lot less compared to complete programs that you wouldn’t even be able to take full advantage of.
- Member Privileges: Before finally signing up for a membership, ask around for the benefits offered to paying members. You might be surprised to know that you can enjoy several privileges for which you might expect to pay extra. Some gyms, for example, offer free sauna passes, free massage sessions, free expert consultations, and more to registered members.
Home Workout FAQs
Can You Build Muscle With Home Workouts?
When you work out at home, you are often limited to exercises and routines focused only on body weight. That means that the results would usually just revolve around losing weight and getting toned. Building muscle can be difficult with home workouts.
With the absence of barbells and weight machines, achieving this goal can be difficult. But with the amount of online information about building muscle, it is not entirely impossible. In short, you can still build muscle when you work out at home. You would just have to double your efforts and wait a little longer to see solid results.
Are Home Workouts Effective for Weight Loss?
Yes, home workouts can be effective if you want to stay fit and lose weight. However, there are a lot of things to consider. If your goal is to lose weight and work out at home, you must remember that you would have to spend more time and put in more effort.
Weight loss doesn’t happen overnight. And with all the distractions at home, such as access to food and with no proper guidance from professionals, achieving your desired weight loss could prove to be a challenging task.
Do Home Workouts Work Without Equipment?
Yes. You can work out at home without using any equipment. Many online tutorials offer tips on how this can be achieved for free. Simple workout routines, for example, can be done by focusing only on particular body positions, correct breathing techniques, and a proper diet.
However, as gym equipment is designed to help hasten improvement and progress, you can expect a delay in results. Having a personal trainer design a targeted fitness plan for you can help you achieve better results through home workouts.
Disclaimer:
This article is published for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice and does not take into consideration your individual circumstances, medical conditions or abilities. Always consult a medical professional before beginning any program of exercise. A fitness industry professional can provide personalised advice to suit your needs.
