Exercise is exercise, right? Whether you’re getting your physical fix at home, outside or in a gym, it’s all the same, surely? However, that’s not strictly true. While you may be performing the same actions, the environment can completely change the way you work out, which can make it more effective and help you lose more weight or get fitter in the long run. So why should you opt to work out in a gym rather than anywhere else?
One of the main benefits of working out in a gym is that you’re surrounded by like-minded individuals trying to improve their own health. At home, it’s very easy to get distracted by a ringing phone or a TV programme, but in a gym you’re there for a reason. Seeing other people working out will motivate you to push yourself harder, and you will feel more inclined to work out for longer.
Secondly, as long as you choose a good local gym, you’ll have access to all the equipment you need. For example, if you live in Sussex, choose a good Sussex gym, or if you’re in London, choose one you can reach easily on foot. Dodgy public transport and bad traffic needn’t be excuses not to go, so make sure you choose one that’s close enough to walk to. You can always boost your workout by jogging there and back.
Something that really can’t be replicated anywhere else is the assistance of the fitness trainers. If your technique needs correcting, they’ll be able to point it out so that you don’t risk injuring yourself. If you want to try out a new piece of equipment but aren’t too sure about how best to fit it into your workout routine, you can always ask for help from an expert. They will also be able to give you diet and lifestyle advice to help you maximise the benefit of your exercise regime.
Another major plus of exercising in a gym is that you get access to a far wider range of equipment than you’d have at home, and it should be state of the art machinery which will enable you to perform to your full potential. At home, you might be able to afford one piece of equipment, but you may get bored of it quickly, and after a while it will become a less effective way to work out if you’re working the same muscle groups over and over again.
While gyms might not be for everyone, most people see an improvement in their performance as long as they stay motivated and attend as often as they can manage. Even if you’re not up to an intense hour-long session five days a week, any time in the gym is better than none for your exercise regime.
Claire Rodney is a health and fitness fanatic who can regularly be found working out in her local country health club
Exercising, no matter where it’s done. is a good thing. However, I find there’s no substitute for working out in a gym or fitness center. Besides the fact there is equipment available, and instructors and/or trainers available, the atmosphere is more conducive with exercising. Trying to workout at home, whether there is adequate equipment or not, is an environment that invites distractions. I find I can spend an hour working out at the gym, and actually get an hour of workout time. At home an hour long workout is rarely an hour, maybe half that if I’ lucky.