Working Out At Home vs The Gym
Long before the COVID lockdown, many people were already working out at home. They found that it gave them the same results as a gym workout in addition to other benefits.
Home workouts are becoming more popular as more and more people find them better suited to their personal situations.
These days, with gyms still closed or allowing limited access, working out at home may be the only option for health-conscious individuals. But you just might discover that it works better for you.
Working out at home has its advantages that beat going to the gym any day. But there are also disadvantages that should be considered. Read on to learn the pros and cons of home workouts.
Why Working Out At Home Is Better Than The Gym
Convenience
Fitting gym hours into a busy schedule can be a real hassle. The result is that you may not be able to exercise consistently. An irregular exercise routine simply does not achieve optimum results, especially if you’re trying to lose weight or work on a specific problem area.
With a home gym, you can exercise at any time of the day or night, which makes it easier to be consistent.
Another convenience is that you’ve saved the trouble of having to get to the gym and back, which can be a huge hassle. Often, we just can’t be bothered because of this fact alone.
Home workouts also save you the time and frustration of having to share sweaty equipment or wait your turn. You also avoid the trouble of having to wear proper workout clothes, which many people find confining and uncomfortable.
Privacy
Let’s face it. Unless we’re built like an Adonis or a Venus, most of us are very self-conscious about our bodies. This can make going to the gym a dreaded experience, especially if a person is overweight or obese.
This is why many people find exercising in the privacy of their homes less stressful and embarrassing.
Moreover, home workouts give you the freedom to wear what you want, listen to your favorite music and just be able to thoroughly enjoy your exercise routine.
No costs
It’s absolutely possible to achieve your health goals by working out at home without equipment. Gym memberships can put a huge strain on your budget whereas exercising at home costs absolutely nothing.
Another great option is to create a simple home gym. With the money you save on your gym membership, you can invest in a set of dumbbells or a few pieces of equipment if you feel you need them.
This isn’t mandatory. You can manage perfectly well with a powerful exercise routine that requires no equipment and costs absolutely nothing.
Exercising outdoors
Working out in the fresh air is a benefit you don’t get at the gym. You can take advantage of warm and sunny days to work out in your back yard or on your rooftop.
Exercising in fresh air improves circulation and prevents your body from overheating. You also get the added benefit of a healthy dose of natural vitamin D.
Disadvantages Of Exercising At Home
Lack of equipment and space
It shouldn’t be hard to find a comfortable space to work out at home. But if you don’t have a spare room or live in a small apartment, this may be an issue.
You may need to push furniture out of the way to make room, then push it back when you’re done exercising. In this case, exercising at home may not be very practical.
The lack of equipment may also put you off. You may feel that using gym equipment is necessary to get the full benefit of a workout. In fact, you don’t but it’s just a psychological thing that may make some people averse to exercising at home. Just go with whatever you’re comfortable with.
Lack of community
Many people love the bustle of a crowded gym and social interaction with like-minded people. A gym atmosphere and the sense of community is just more motivating for them.
Some gyms also have fitness experts that provide instruction and guidance, and this may be another factor that some people feel they need.
In this case, exercising at home may make certain people feel isolated and lonely, resulting in a loss of motivation.
Less variety
You may feel that working out at home gives you less variety. Or you prefer to attend a fitness class at the gym to ensure that you are getting a proper workout.
Distractions
Working out at home will expose you to interruptions and distractions, especially in a busy household.
Kids and pets clamoring for your attention, doorbells ringing, loud voices and other daily distractions may cause you to interrupt your routine or just not concentrate on what you’re doing.
Which Is Better Home Workout or Gym?
Home workouts have their advantages and disadvantages, and both are very valid. At the end of the day, it all comes down to your preferences and needs.
Take the time to weigh the pros and cons to decide whether working out at home is better for you. Even if the idea of home exercise doesn’t appeal to you, try it for a week or so. You might be pleasantly surprised!
