HEALTH
Home Vs. Gym Workouts – Which is Better For Your Fitness Goals?
When it comes to achieving your fitness goals, finding the right workout program and environment that works for you is important.
While the choice of whether to go to a gym or start your home gym is ultimately up to you, both options have many benefits.
It’s More Affordable
Regarding health and fitness, it can be hard to decide where to start. Some people love the communal environment of a gym, but others might find it intimidating or feel self-conscious in front of others. In other cases, the hassles of commuting to a gym, finding a parking spot, and changing into a locker room can be enough to deter people from exercising regularly.
But if you’re on a budget or want to save money, working out at home may be your better option. A yearly gym membership is usually expensive; travel expenses and your vehicle’s wear and tear add up quickly.
It’s also a good idea to consider how much you use the equipment in your local gym. If you use a lot of equipment, you’ll probably save more by buying and using the equipment at home than paying for an annual membership.
Whether you’re trying to build muscle, lose weight, or improve your flexibility, it’s important to have access to the right equipment at fitnesscartel.com.au/clubs/aspley.
It’s More Convenient
There are many reasons why working out at home makes more sense than going to the gym. The most obvious one is that it’s more convenient.
The drive is time-consuming and can easily be deducted from your daily schedule if you don’t live near a gym. If you’re a busy professional, the last thing you want is to skip out on a work meeting or other task just to go to the gym.
Likewise, if you’re a busy parent or a student with schoolwork to complete, a workout that can be done from the comfort of your own home is often more appealing. You can shower afterward, put on your PJs, and have a quiet place to work out without feeling interrupted by someone else’s day.
You’re also much less likely to get sick from germs and bacteria when exercising at home than at a gym. Sweat can be a huge risk when working out in a crowded room, and if someone hasn’t washed their hands since the last time they touched the equipment, that’s not a good idea.
Finally, you’re much more likely to stay focused while exercising at home. It can be hard to focus when in a group setting, so your home workout space is more likely to keep you on track with your fitness goals than a gym.
No matter what your fitness goals are, there are benefits to working out at home compared to going to the gym. From the convenience of it all to its effectiveness, it’s worth trying out at least once in your life. And you’ll have all the fun of staying fit in the process!
It’s More Effective
When it comes to pursuing fitness goals, no matter where you are, setbacks can happen. You’ll have to learn to push yourself through challenges and resist the temptation to give up when things get tough. Having a workout partner or gym instructor to motivate you can make a big difference.
One of the biggest benefits of working out at home is that you don’t have to deal with distractions or wait for equipment. It can motivate people who want to work out but don’t have the time or space to do so.
Another benefit of working out at home is that it’s more sanitary than a gym, where you’re likely to come into contact with other people and their germs. It can be a huge concern when you’re sick and don’t want to spread your illness to others.
Similarly, if you’re trying to build muscle and burn fat, plenty of at-home exercises don’t require heavy-duty weights. Bodyweight exercises such as tricep dips, lunges, and planks are all great conditioning moves.
In addition, working out at home doesn’t take up as much time as a trip to the gym. You can complete an effective workout in a half hour or less if you have the right routine and don’t require too much complex equipment. You can even create an at-home workout schedule that fits your busy lifestyle if you have the time and want consistency.
It’s More Social
When it comes to working towards your fitness goals, you can achieve them in many ways. One way is through group workouts. Whether it’s yoga, running, boxing, or other group activities, you can benefit from the social support found within these groups.
Another benefit of group workouts is that you can often find people with similar goals who can help you stay motivated and on track. Even if you aren’t physically at the gym, you can still reap the benefits of these social groups by joining a virtual group exercise class or app.
Having good relationships can have a big impact on your physical and mental health. Strong relationships can help you withstand stressful situations and deal with difficult emotions positively, fostering long-term benefits for your health.
Harper Harrison is a reporter for The Hear UP. Harper got an internship at the NPR and worked as a reporter and producer. harper has also worked as a reporter for the Medium. Harper covers health and science for The Hear UP.
