Should You Join a Gym?

The answer to this question has changed a lot over the years, which is why we have put together this chapter. Previously, we may have lacked sufficient material to include it in a standalone paragraph, but now there’s a whole topic and unfortunately, there’s no right answer.

Gyms have changed tremendously over the years, and there’s certainly no one-fits-all solution. The emergence of the budget gym has meant that cost isn’t as much of an issue, but at the same time an establishment of this ilk is unlikely to include the bells and whistles (like pools, saunas and all the other mod-cons) that are so favorable amongst members. As such, there’s a trade-off.

At the same time, the home gym set up has also been transformed. Once upon a time it may have only been reserved for the rich and famous, but prices have now decreased and it’s much more accessible.

Bearing this in mind, there are pros and cons to both options. We will now delve into both and talk about the various benefits that they offer to help you make a decision.

The benefits of joining a gym

Let’s start by talking about the reasons why you would join a gym. This is going to be a very positive outlook on gyms, and if you are looking to balance the argument so-to-speak and look at the downsides we’d suggest reading the next part of the chapter which focusses on the benefits of home workouts (and as such, the downsides of gyms).

The sheer amount of equipment

Unless you have dropped ridiculously unlucky with your gym of choice, the amount of equipment in these establishments is going to be huge. Sure, some are bigger than others, but there will always tend to be free weights, machines and cardio equipment to help you along your fitness journey.

Obviously, when compared to the home gym solution, this is a huge advantage. If you happen to have a huge basement, with unlimited finances, you might be able to match a gym’s equipment. For the purposes of this chapter we’re going to assume that you don’t fall into said category though, which is why so many people will opt for the gym.

More equipment means a lot more variety within exercises and clearly, this is great for making your body adapt.

Easy access to professionals

This may or may not be of importance to some of you, but let’s cover it anyway. The majority of gyms will offer a free introductory session, which is great for becoming accustomed to the equipment and just easing yourself into the surroundings.

In other words, if you’re nervous about setting foot in the gym, this is a great way to familiarize yourself and quash any nerves.

As well as the above, there will always tend to be personal trainers available. Again, it’s not something that’s going to appeal to all of you, but if you do want a helping hand this is a professional that’s probably not going to be available if you opt for the home gym workout.

The get-away factor

This is more of a psychological benefit, but it’s undeniably applicable to most people. In short, just getting away from the house gives you some “me-time” and simply gives your body a change in environment.

Particularly if you spend most of the day at home, this can be a huge mental boost and help you along your fitness journey.

Being social

The previous benefit leads perfectly onto this; being social. You’re not alone when you venture to the gym; there are countless other people there in the exact same boat as you. You’ll be amazed at the amount of people who make friends at the gym and this is something that can really fuel progression – particularly if you make these people training buddies.

Suffice to say, when you’re at home, the only company you are likely to have is your family, or the fitness video.

We should also draw on a common misconception about the people who visit gyms. When you first joined, it’s easy to become very self-conscious. This is something that everybody goes through; everybody things that all eyes are on them and their less-than-fit body.

Well, let’s dispel this right away. Even though everyone is under this impression, every single person in the room is actually only concerned about themselves. Whether they are feeling self-conscious, or they are admiring themselves in one of the umpteen mirrors, rest assured that you really don’t need to feel this.

Benefiting from group classes

For some people, this will be the sole reason that they opt for a gym. Group classes are an absolute savior for some, for the simple reason that they inject fun into exercise, whilst also pushing you as they are run by a trained professional.

Again, the next-best thing at home is through a fitness video and suffice to say, this just doesn’t compare.

Spotting

If you’ve only just started in your fitness quest, this benefit is unlikely to apply to you. As you progress, you’ll soon require assistance when you lift the heavier weights. You’ll need someone to look over you as you bench, or participate in your exercise of choice.

It goes without saying that this privilege is only going to be available to you if you work out at the gym (unless you train with a buddy at home).

The benefits of working out at home

So, now we have talked about buying a gym membership, let’s flip the situation on its head and look at working out at home.

Again, let’s reiterate that there’s no right answer to the question posed in this chapter, it’s purely down to your own circumstances. With that, let’s take a look at the advantages that are associated with this approach.

The cost factor

There are a couple of ways to look at this first benefit. On one side, you will have more upfront costs (call this the “joining fee”) as you pay for all of the equipment. However, over time this does even out and working out at home is obviously going to be more cost effective for you.

Additionally, you can always add to your equipment as your training progresses – you don’t need to buy everything in one fell swoop.

It’s totally convenient

Hopping out of bed and straight into the gym is something that dreams are made of. In a standard gym environment, this doesn’t happen. For those of you who have ultra-hectic lives, this can be perfect.

Additionally, if you like to train in the morning but can’t as you have to take the kids to school, this is something that combats the problem immediately.

Of course, some might say that it’s inconvenient as you have to find a room to base all of your equipment in – but this is something you will have hopefully already factored in.

Great for people who are shy

We’ve spoken about this in the previous section and again, there’s no need to worry about prying eyes if you do decide to go to the gym. However, if you still can’t get this out of your head, working out at home obviously doesn’t carry any of these concerns.

No queues to deal with

This is one of the big problems with a lot of gyms; the queue time. Gyms are there to make as much money as possible and therefore run countless promotions to entice new members. This means at certain times of the year they will be overloaded, and you will be queuing for equipment.

Obviously, this is the last thing that you want. Even though you might not have as much equipment available at home, at the very least you won’t be forced to get in line and wait for it.