Gym or Exercise DVD?

Question

I can't decide whether to join a gym (my local one is £62 per month) or do the exercise dvd's I have a home to try to improve my fitness levels. I am very unfit having not exercised for 2 years (through laziness) but I don't know whether I will make the effort and go to the gym every day, its a lot of money to waste if I don't go. I need some advice based on experience

Answer 1

I find it much harder to get motivated to do an exercise video rather than go to the gym.

Answer 2

I think the gym would be good, as the instructor will guide you throughout. If you really want to improve your fitness level, you will need to work hard on that. There is no saying "NO" to the gym. It takes a lot of determination and sacrifice to maintain a good body. I know you can do it!

I joined the local gym recently and doing wonders for me. I go to the gym feeling tired.. But when I come back home from the gym, I feel truly refreshed and more energetic!

I would not recommend exercise DVDs, unless you have the equipments at home.

Answer 3

I used to go to the gym - but wow £62!!!!!! mine was only £35! It took too long to get there and back and have a good work out, but I went with a friend so t wasn't so boring. I have loads of exercise vids and dvds - couple of rosemary conley, charlie brooks - which is GREAT!, davina and some kick boxing ones

If ur gonna do videos, make sure u have a selection or u will get bored really quickly.

Plus, if u do it at home u can put ur worst trakkies on and no-one will notice!

Answer 4

I find that it's just the opposite (or it was with me) if you just get the tapes and try to do it at home, then you probably won't do it. But if you are spending money every month on a gym membership then that's your motivation to go, because you don't want your money to go to waste. And if it has been a while since you have exercised you probably need someone at the gym to make sure you are not straining yourself. Once you get in the routine of going and you start to see results then you will be really motivated to keep going. Hope everything works out.

Answer 5

I found that home videos and equipment didnt work for me but i love the gym, i think its the getting out and the fact i have made friends there whereas at home your on your own and dont put as much effort in. If you think you would do them at home though then give it a try it works for some people. Can you not go for a months trial (most gyms offer this) and see how you like it? have you got someone you can go with, its always easier to go with someone so you can motivate eachother. Try both and see which you prefer, like i say most gyms will give you a trial.

Answer 6

Go to the gym! The cost motivates me to stick with the program. Does your gym offer any classes? You will meet lots of people who will help you stay focused.

I personally get a much better workout at the gym. If I'm doing a video at home, if I feel like quitting - no problem, just hit stop and plop on the couch. At the gym you are more motivated to stick to your daily goals (i.e. treadmill for 30 min., etc.)

Go with the gym. It's working for me!

Good Luck!

Answer 7

My experience is home DVDs are to convenient and i get lazy. I would do them for a few days and then never stick with it. If you pay for a gym every month and you go for a while it makes you feel good like you accomplished something. Also it is a change of environment it gets you motivated.

Answer 8

I used to go to the gym but recently cancelled it because it just takes a lot of time.

If you were to do an hour DVD at home, it would take an hour. If you were to work out at a gym, you would have to consider the time it takes to get there and back, waiting for equipment to be free and getting changed.

I do DVDs at home now and it's a loss less time consuming and cheaper. Have to be motivated to do it, but once you've got a routine, it's okay.

Answer 9

I personally think it depends on how devoted you are. If you think that you'll stick with i say join a gym they have a lot more equipment so you can work out every muscle in your body. But if you don't think your going to do it for awhile just do the DVD tapes. Either way it doesn't matter how you work out the point is that you do work out.

Answer 10

When you sign up for most gyms they give you one or two free sessions with a personal trainer. Do this and then you will know the best way to get back into it and you will be more likely to stick to it if you can do it. Or dont bother with either and join a club that is more fun - a running club / rowing club / etc...

Answer 11

I am totally loving the Davina Mcall 30 min workouts at the mo, they dont take long - you really feel like youve done something aftrwards and all without the embarisment of your 2 year old trainors and traki down the gym