Join a gym or workout at home?

OK.  So, you have decided to get started on one of you goals for 2019: to get and stay healthy, and avoid one of the major disease of the twenty first century – diabetes. Where do you start? This question is important because it can determine your success or failure. Should I hire a personal trainer? or should I go to the gym and start copying other exercisers? or should I be building my personal gym at home? There are pros and cons to doing all three of these options. It all hinges on whether you are self-motivated or you need outside input.

The pros and con of joining a gym

Here are some good things about joining a gym:

1. It’s easy to find a workout partner. I believe this is one of the best investments you can make in reaching your health and fitness goals.
2. There is a good variety of equipment to use with instructors to demonstrate their use
3. You can observe others exercisers and learn a good mixture of routines to copy for the future
4. If you are like me and you pay for something then you want satisfaction for your investment
5. Being in an environment where others are working out can be a strong motivation to continue

There are a few downsides to joining a gym:

1. You have to leave your home to get there. Travel time must be taken into consideration
2. You can become easily intimated by other looking at you
3. You must invest in proper gym clothes
4. You must learn to use available equipment
5. If you are turned off by the noise and using equipment that another person just use then the gym might not be where you want to start

Pros and cons of working out at home

A different set of principles dictate working out at home. Some advantages are:

1. You can do it whenever you are ready (convenience)
2. You don’t have to look gym ready. Dress in you bummiest clothes
3. There is minimal cost involved
4. There is no one judging you
5. No waiting for equipment
6. No travel time

A great addition to a home gym is the use of resistance bands. You can get a set at your nearest sporting goods store or visit an online bands store.

The problems with working out at home:

1. You must be a self-starter because working out at home can be boring
2. Finding space to set up you home gym can be challenging if you have a small area to work with
3. Possibility of injuring yourself could be greater
4. No variety of routines or equipment

How I got started …

I did a combination of the two options listed above. I initially borrowed some weights from a relative and did my cardio at a local park. I like the results I was seeing from the work I did. I soon realized that if I wanted to make super gains I would need to join a facility that satisfied my long-term goals.

And although I’ve had a gym membership for years I still use my home gym when I am unable to workout there. It helps me maintain my fitness and I can use it anytime I feel motivated.

I would recommend getting a personal trainer who can guide you along to make sure you are using correct form and to keep track of your progress.

As a personal trainer I have developed a set of workout routines to guide you along whether you are a beginner or an experienced exerciser. Go here for further information.