Last Updated on April 30, 2021 by
Anyone wishing to start working out has one main dilemma: to work out at home or the gym. Which one should you go for? Working out at the gym gives better fitness results due to the availability of different gym equipment. However, due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, one would prefer to work out at home as it feels safer and cost-efficient.
Working out is great for your physical and mental health, and it helps us stay fit. For some people, working out at the gym motivates them since they get to interact with like-minded individuals, while for others, working out from the comfort of their homes is their ultimate goal. Before deciding where you will be working out from, it is advisable to look at both options then choose what works for you. This article takes you through the perks and downsides of each option to help you make a more informed decision. Read on!
What Are The Benefits Of Gym Workouts VS. Working Out At Home?
Below is a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of working out at the gym;
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Access to amenities | Overcrowding |
| Availability of trainers and fitness classes | Relatively expensive |
| Enables one to focus | Leaving the house is mandatory |
| Weather Independent | May restrict your freedom |
| It creates motivation | |
| Socialization | |
| Habit creation |
Advantages
1. Access To Amenities
There are a variety of exercise tools to choose from depending on what fits your needs best. There is also enough space for equipment set up at the gym compared to the limited space at home for set up.
2. Availability Of Trainers And Fitness Classes
You have access to trainers at the gym who will take you through some exercises that you might find difficult working on. At an additional fee, you also attend fitness classes that will help you achieve your goals faster.
3. Ability To Focus
When working out at the gym, there is little or no distraction as compared to working out at home. While working out from home, you find it a little hectic because of the piles of clothing, kids moving in and out almost every moment. Some daily unattended chores can also make you shift your focus. None of this will happen when at the gym.
4. Weather Independent
At the gym, one can exercise at any time regardless of the weather, unlike at home, where bad weather can disorganize your schedule. For instance, during bad weather, a runner will have to skip the fitness schedule, leaving the gym the better option.
5. Motivation
Interacting and working out with people with the same goal is a motivating factor to keep you going. At the same time, since you’ve paid for the services at the gym, you will desire to get value for your money. Hence, you won’t skip a session; thus, it’s a monetary motivation.
6. Habit Creation
Dropping by at the gym after work, during leisure time, or even after dropping kids to school creates a routine. Over time, you will develop a regular habit of working out regularly, making your fitness dream a reality.
7. Socialization
Since you are not the only one attending the gym, diverse groups of people come around to attain different fitness goals. Interacting with these people grants you new connections that can lead to meaningful lifelong relationships. Some links might give you job leads, business opportunities, education scholarships, or even life partners.
Disadvantages
1. Relatively Expensive
The estimated monthly cost of gym membership in the U.S is $58. The price can get even higher with the type of gym you choose and your location. In most cases, the initiation cost and monthly subscription can total $800 per year. When you add extra costs such as additional training sessions, childcare, and transport, working at the gym can be quite costly. If you are on a budget or trying to reduce unnecessary spending, working out at the gym can come as a liability and add extra weight to your finances.
2. Overcrowding
Sometimes after a long day, alone time is all you need to relax nut at the gym, you will have to meet and interact with other people. If you choose to go during peak hours, the facility might be crowded, making access to some amenities limited.
3. May Restrict Your Freedom
Working out at the gym may restrict your freedom in that you may not do things your way. As a beginner, you might also feel nervous about handling equipment or fear what other seasoned fitness enthusiasts will think of you.
Working Out From Home
Working out at home has its fair share of advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a summary of some of the key factors to look out for before you decide to work out at home
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Cost-effectiveness | No supervision |
| convenience | Distractions |
| Time | Boredom and lack of motivation |
| Variety |
Advantages
1. Cost-Effectiveness
Working out from home is affordable since you can start with no equipment, and you won’t incur any subscription fees or transport costs. Your tight budget should never get in the way of your fitness journey since you have the option of starting at home.
2. Convenience
Working out at home can be convenient in that you can plan your schedule and choice of workouts. You also save time that would have been used to commute to the gym. You will not need extra arrangements such as childcare to start working out at home. If you choose to work out at home, be committed and disciplined since that freedom can hinder your success.
3. Variety
you have lots of options to choose from when exercising at home; you can choose to do outdoor workouts, stream live training in your living room, or jumping rope exercises. Unlike the gym, where you are confined to the same space each day, home workouts are a flexible and wide range.
Disadvantages
Consequently, everything that has advantages doesn’t lack drawbacks, and home workouts are no exception. Here are some common downsides of working out at home explained in detail.
1. No Supervision
Since you don’t have a trainer at home, it can be hard to keep up with your progress and stay disciplined at the same time. This can affect your consistency and success rate.
2. Distractions
Unless you set aside specific time for working out, exercising at home can be impossible due to the numerous distractions around the home. If you are serious about working out from home, ensure you set aside specific time for workouts and let everyone in your household know that you don’t want distractions during that time.
3. Boredom And Lack Of Motivation
For a person who has been working out at the gym, exercising from home can prove boring since you don’t have company or people to challenge you. Also, the homely atmosphere might not motivate you to get moving. If this is the case for you, try following workout challenges and routines on youtube to stay motivated.
Frequently Asked Question On Home Workouts VS. Gym
In this section, we cover some common questions regarding this topic. We hope to answer some of the questions you might be having.
1. Are Home Workouts As Effective As The Gym?
Yes. If you put in time and effort, home workouts can be as effective as the workout at the gym.
2. Can Home Workouts Get You Ripped?
Some people think that you need heavy equipment to get ripped, but it’s not always the case. You can get a well-toned and ripped body by working on your diet alongside high-intensity aerobic workouts
3. What Equipments Do I Need To Start Working Out At Home?
You don’t need any equipment to start working out. But if you need to intensify your home workouts, you will need basic and inexpensive equipment such as dumbells, an exercise mat, a workout bench, and a sound system.
Winding-Up
We need to keep our bodies healthy and fit by working out consistently. For some people, gym workouts are the way to go since it is challenging and motivating. You also get a trainer to guide you through different exercises. If your schedule allows it and you can afford a gym subscription, we highly recommend you go for it. If you are on a budget and you know that you are disciplined enough to stay consistent while working out from home, then go for it. Working out from home is fun and can be arranged around your schedule, but you will need self-discipline and motivation to hack it. As a beginner, ensure you follow training sessions on youtube while working out at home to get the hang on it and be motivated.
