Home vs Gym Workout

So, you want to start working out, and considering working out at home. A fantasically convenient option that many people take advantage of, myself included! Here are some things you may want to consider:

• If you don't already have a set of weights, working out at home may offer limited max out on weight training. When you're first starting out, it can be easy to find things around the house to increase resistance, but not so much once you're progressing.

• The most obvious perk to working out at home is, well, being at home. You can wear what you want, listen to what you want out loud, basically do whatever you want. I have found that while it is amazingly convenient, distractions are everywhere. Especially on the days you would rather be doing anything else. It takes a lot of focus to get to the end of a workout when everywhere you look there is something that needs to be done.

• Working out at home implies that you could workout at any time of day. As long as you live alone and don't live in an apartment, that's true. For most of us, working out at home means doing so around other people's work, school, or sleep schedules. But, at least you aren't stuck at the end of the day, sitting in traffic, just to race through a workout before the gym closes.

• In theory, working out at home is the "free" option. It's certainly possible to get a full workout with no dumbells, steps, or yoga blocks. And, while you don't need a thousand dollar piece of multi-workout equipment, there are some essentials that make working out at home more purposeful and efficient. In reality, you'll easily spend $50-100 on starter equipment. Compared to a monthly gym membership, working out at home saves money in the long run.

• Peace of mind is the only way I can explain the feeling of not having to workout in front of people. Most of it just comes down to social anxiety and insecurity. However, at the cost of a good workout? No, thank you. A workout at home is a workout, nonetheless. If working out at home is the way you need to do it with a clear mind, then do it!
  

I may be a home workout girly these days, but I've spent my fair share of time grinding in the gym. Here's what you need to know:

your workout to just 20 minutes, you're still already at an hour. Needless to say, the gym can be time consuming.

• Having a place that is totally dedicated to a workout, it's easy to use the gym as an escape. A set amount of time everyday or week that is just for you in your zone. Even in a group class, everyone is there for the same purpose, with the same mindset - socializing is a byproduct. It's nice to have a separate place to go where the only intent is working out.

• Access to equipment is the biggest advantage in going to a gym. Along with machines and free weights, gyms typically offer a variety of cardio options, group fitness spaces, saunas, and massages. Of course, all of those things are offered to each member, so you could find yourself waiting for a bit!

• Gym memberships can range anywhere from $10-100 per month. Listen, I've been in the situation where even $10 is not in the monthly budget. If you can afford a gym membership, they certainly can pay for themselves - as long as you're consistent. The next hurdle is getting up and going to the gym.

• The number of people at the gym can be overwhelming, but there are plenty of people willing to help! Someone will help you get a machine set up right or show you the proper form. I used to feel like I was interrupting their workout, but most gym goers don't mind. It never bothered me when other people needed help or advice.

• If you don't live close to a gym, it can become a huge task to even drive there. Say you're 20-25 minutes from the gym, that's automatically 40-50 mins drive time. Not to mention, most gyms are not 24 hours, which means unless you can go in the middle of the day, you're stuck in rush hour one way or another. So, if you keep

• As we approach the new year, it's important to note the biggest con of going to the gym, and that would be the crowds. New year's resolutioners will flock to the gyms for the first couple months of the year. And, while that is great for them, it can become irritating when you find yourself waiting for your favorite elliptical.