During this time of year, it’s tempting to skip the gym for a workout (or forgo your membership altogether) in order to exercise in the privacy of home—especially when it’s so cold outside! However, working out from home doesn’t give you the same head-to-toe fitness opportunity that your local Fitness 19 gym, can. Here’s some things to consider before you put in a six minute abs DVD and have another workout on your living room floor.
You’re Limited by At-Home Equipment
One of the best ways for anyone to get fit—regardless of your health and fitness level today—is by doing circuit training. Circuit training is like an old school way of working out, with lunges, jumping jacks, jump rope, squats, push-ups, etc. Take a look around your apartment, condo, or house. How much space do you have? Unless you have a very spacious home, most people don’t have the space necessary to lunge to their heart’s content. The long hallways and spacious weight room of your neighborhood gym will allow you to circuit train your body to perfection!
You Don’t Have Anyone to Hold You Accountable (and Distractions are Everywhere!)
One of the best reasons to switch from an at-home workout to a gym is for the accountability factor. Who’s going to hold you to your standard at home? You? While it may work for a while, the fact is, your home is most likely filled with all sorts of things, people and tasks causing you to procrastinate on your fitness. Are you about to do a round of push-ups, but then decide that the dishes need to be done first? That’s the at-home-workout-pitfall, as distractions are everywhere—and there’s no one instructing you to get back to your squats!
You Don’t Have the Support of a Personal Trainer or Peers
Going through the motions of an exercise plan is just part of a successful workout. The most important aspect of a well-rounded exercise plan is the amount of inspiration and education that backs up each exercise you do. A personal trainer (and knowledgeable staff) is one of the greatest perks of a gym. If you’re using a shoulder press, and you have a question, just grab a nearby trainer. If you want to add some spice to your workout (after all, it’s gotten pretty stagnant) then talk to a staff member about what classes are perfect for you. A home workout won’t allow you to have a knowledgeable staff ready to answer all of your questions at the drop of a hat. And, let’s face it: when it comes to really getting fit, knowledge (along with some killer inspiration) is all the power you need.
While working out from home can be a great money saver and a convenient method for daily exercise, the fact is, it can cause more trouble than it’s worth. Why not commit to exercises three times a week at a gym that has everything you need, and everyone to make your workout a total success?
