When it comes to fitness routines, there are two main options – working out at home or going to the gym. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages, but which one is better for you?
If you’re like most of us, it can be hard to find the time or motivation to get into your exercise routine. But there are other options out there besides just hitting up your local gym every day. Home workouts and gym workouts both have their pros and cons – so how do you know which one is right for you?
Even The Experts Can’t Decide
Many assume that the gym is the optimum place to work out. If you take a look at professional athletes such as boxers and MMA fighters, you will think that you simply must be in the gym as often as possible if you want to reach peak fitness levels. In the build-up to the recent middleweight boxing bout between David Benavidez and Caleb Plant, Showtime Sports provided a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the life of fighters and their preparations for a mega money fight.
Benavidez was the -130 betting favorite for that fight according to Bovada’s boxing betting odds, and he didn’t let his fans down by ultimately winning and putting himself on a collision course with Mexican box office phenomenon Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. But fighters such as former UFC Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar are on the other side of the debate. Dana White famously gave the Beast Incarnate a full-sized Octagon to help him train as he stayed at home to prepare for his fights.
In this article, we’ll explore the differences between these two approaches to fitness. We’ll look at what each offer and provide some tips on building an effective workout routine no matter where you choose to train. So, if you’re looking for a little inspiration and guidance on this journey toward health and wellness, read ahead – it’s time to uncover which workout method will best fit your lifestyle needs.
Convenience
Workouts at home are practical. You don’t need to spend time traveling; you can work out whenever you want, which is particularly helpful for those of us who have children. Additionally, you are free to dress in whatever makes you feel most at ease, whether it be your favorite t-shirt or your jammies.
On the other side, the gym provides a dedicated space to work out, separate from your home environment. One of the major arguments against working from home in 2023 is that it is hard to distinguish a difference between your home and your workspace. The same can be said when it comes to working out and heading to the gym can help put you in the right mindset to focus on your fitness goals.
Equipment
The gym has an array of equipment options that you may not have at home such as machines or heavier weights. However, it’s also worth noting that home workouts can be highly effective even with just your own body weight or minimal equipment such as resistance bands or dumbbells. Plus, with the development of YouTube over the last decade or so, there are thousands of videos that can function as your personal trainer.
If you have a bit of spare cash to invest in your home workout, then you can take a look at equipment such as multi gyms, treadmills, and exercise bikes. Naturally, it depends on what you are trying to get out of your workouts, be it losing weight or bulking, but there are always budget options available on the market.
Social Support
You can develop a sense of accountability and camaraderie at the gym. You can network with like-minded people and pick up fitness-related knowledge from others. Regular gym-goers will tell you that they don’t just attend the gym to get their workout in, they also attend for the social aspect, such as meeting with friends and workout partners.
On the other hand, working out at home can be a more personal experience where you can concentrate on your own goals without any unwanted distractions or criticism. And if you are someone that is a beginner or low on confidence and simply can’t muster the mindset to go the gym, then working out at home may well be for you.
Customization
You are free to create a fitness plan at home that is tailored to your unique requirements and objectives. You may design a program that accommodates your schedule without depending on the schedules of other people or the availability of the gym. The gym does, however, provide structured group programs or personal training sessions that can provide fresh challenges and variation to your exercise regimen.
Cost
Cost is one of the biggest distinctions between at-home workouts and gym workouts and is often the deciding factor. Exercises you do at home can essentially cost nothing, especially if you don’t require any equipment. A gym membership, on the other hand, is a monetary commitment that can be considered an investment in your health and well-being.
