Gym or home, for many women setting out on a fitness journey this is a dilemma. They like the privacy of their own home, but are afraid that they will lack the motivation required to leave couch, blanket and TV set alone. To lend you femitas a hand, I decided to list all aspects that could influence your decision. This will allow you to make a well-founded decision as to whether your home or the gym is the place for you to work that booty. Good luck!

Motivation

It can be a pretty motivating thing to see other people push themselves. Also, apart from some hot athletic male bodies there is not much distraction at the gym. Going is like setting an appointment. You are there for a reason. At home there is always something better to do and priorities change fast, which makes discipline even more crucial.

Social contacts

The gym is an excellent place to meet new people, as it is a place where people with totally different backgrounds gather. As you frequent the same gym, you have at least one thing in common and there is always a subject for discussion around. You would not be the first woman to meet her Prince Charming on the rowing machine.

Privacy

On the other hand, chances are that you feel overweight and don’t wish to show yourself in public until you fit into your favorite pair of jeans again. If you shudder at the thought of strangers watching you slave away in pink tights, the gym might not be the place for you. Some of us also just like the thought of being able to shower in the familiar surroundings of home.

Diversity

If you are enjoying the same facilities at home as those provided by your average gym, you are probably in an oil sheik’s harem and not very happy. That’s why the gym is the place to be if you like a bit more variation in equipment and classes. At home, you will need some creativity to avoid getting bored of doing the same exercises over and over again.

Coaching

With a fitness coach, you get some professional physical and mental support. If he is cute, you will even try harder to impress him and you might even surprise yourself. A good personal trainer will save you at least some injuries by providing you with a customized fitness program.

Luxury

Far gone are times of dingy basement gyms. Today, gyms pride themselves on calling themselves ‘health centers’ and often have a sauna or pool to offer. You not only go there to work your guts out, but also to allow yourself some well-deserved relaxation time afterwards.

Costs

In many membership programs you pay for a lot of facilities you will actually never use, ranging from DVD rental services to an in-house tanning salon. Over the years, your monthly membership  fee will add up to a considerable sum of money that you could have invested in a home gym. Buying quality fitness equipment is an investment really, as it will retain its value.

Freedom

Every fitness center has its own atmosphere, background music, opening hours and set of guidelines, whether you are in the mood for it or not. While you can of course always use your iPod to play your favorite songs, you cannot change the rules. If they don’t suit you, you are going to have to live with it.
At home, you set your own rules, and one of them is that it is open 24/7, weekends or public holidays included.

Time

Some fitness clubs are so busy there are waiting lines for certain machines. Not only is this very annoying, it also takes away precious time and puts additional pressure on you to increase your workout routine speed, creating an excellent breeding ground for injuries. In addition to this, there is travel distance, which can be an insurmountable obstacle after a hard day’s work.

Space

Quality fitness equipment takes up space. This will be no problem when you live in a 15000 square foot mansion, but can be a problem when living in a studio apartment. When you don’t have much room for equipment, make sure to choose your piece of equipment wisely.

Now, how do you feel after going through this short list? Are you more of a gym or home workout person? The best way to find out is still to try what works best for you. Ask a friend to use their home gym, do some body exercises at home and take a 1 month membership at your local gym. Up to you whether it is worth the money.

Looking forward to hearing which elements were decisive in shaping your opinion,

Alison