The Pros and Cons of Working Out at Home
Deciding to start working out is a big decision! The next inevitable step is to decide where to begin: at home or gym? Both have their advantages and drawbacks, and what’s right for you will depend on various factors, including your preferences. Below, we’ve listed some important pros and cons of working out at home that can help you make the final decision.
1. Pro: Flextime
Flexible time is typically the primary reason why most people choose to work out at home. You don’t need to waste time getting dressed, packing up, and commuting to the gym. You can start exercising whenever you feel like it at any time during the day. Can’t dedicate an hour to workout? The home gym is perfect for a short 15-20 minute session. It also helps ensure that you don’t have any excuses to skip the workout.
1. Con: Lack of motivation
Perhaps the biggest drawback of working out at home is having no social element or competition. You’re only competing with yourself, and there’s no one to tell you to push yourself harder. This can lead to a decline in motivation in the long run. Whereas, at the gym, you see and meet people who work extremely hard to achieve their fitness goals, which is quite inspiring and motivating.
2. Pro: Money-saving
Working out at home means you only need simple workout clothes, a good pair of trainers, and maybe a subscription to online classes. By not going to the gym, you can save hundreds of dollars or even more per year in membership fees, gas prices to travel between home and the gym, and stylish gym clothes and accessories. In fact, you can invest the money you save to get some home workout equipment, which can last for a decade or longer.
2. Con: Limited equipment and space
At a gym, you have access to a wide variety of equipment specifically designed to focus on different areas and muscles of your body. It’s nearly impossible for most people to purchase multiple pieces of equipment for the home gym. Also, you will likely be confined to space in your room or balcony to work out. Additionally, storing even a couple of pieces of equipment, such as a treadmill, can take up a lot of space.
3. Pro: Privacy
Working out at home is great for people with social anxiety. It’s also ideal for those who are conscious about features of their body that they dislike. When you’re alone at home, you can try any workout routines you like and sweat as much as you want without having to worry about how you look during or post workouts.
3. Con: Distractions
Focusing on exercising at home may not be that easy, especially if you have pets or kids around. Plus, there’s your phone, television, and food, among other things, which may distract you during workout sessions. The vibes at the gym, on the other hand, is such that it keeps your mind from wandering and helps you focus solely on your workout.