The Gym - Is it really worth it?

Question

I have joined a gym and have been working out continuously ofr about 2 months now. However, i'm sick and tired of going there...seeing as i can replace the equipment with stuff i already have at home (i.e. a bike to replace the exercycle, a step machine and walking/running to replace the treadmill and eliptical trainer and various resistance techniques such as weights, push ups etc to replace the weights at the gym)is it worth shelling out 30 pounds a month for the same amount of fitness i can achieve on my own, whilst also getting some fresh air?

Answer 1

if your disciplined enough to maintain a routine outside of going to the gym, then drop it. you said you have equipment at home, just when you go to the gym you work out.... at home it's easy to be lazy. I'd keep it. you spend more money on sh*t you dont need, this isn't 30 pounds wasted. its invested. good luck,bro.

Answer 2

I think it's worth it. At the end of the day you're investing in yourself and that is never bad. Furthermore, a common problem with people who have home gyms is that because it's so easily accessible and they're not paying a regular membership, they tend to put off exercising for the next day, then the next week, next month, etc. While you're at the gym usually there isn't much else to do apart from work out. Since you've made the trip you'll find that you'll be less inclined to go back home without a decent workout/your money's worth. Plus there's the possible socialising aspect if you want it. I say try it for a couple months or so, before making a decision. So you'll spend some money but at least you'll end up with a clear idea of what to do. If you think about it, the money is spent for your benefit, whichever way you look at it.

Hope this helps, Good luck!

Answer 3

The fact of the matter is you may eventually out grow any home gym that you put together if you become more interested and your goals change.Most home gym equipment is usually of inferior quality (especially stuff bought from an idiot who steals advertising from Yahoo!,right Steve).I started lifting and being concerned with health well over 20 years ago.There is no way I could work out the way I do if I worked out at home (the weights would go through the floor).It's impossible for you to know right now where your goals will go so a gym might work because you can talk to other people with experience and if you decide that it's not for you your garage won't be cluttered with stuff that you can't sell.You may still want to go for a bike ride here and there but the quality of the work out you can get at the gym is far superior.

Answer 4

I went to a gym for years but gave up when I injured myself badly on a shoulder press machine after following some over-ambitious advice from a trainer. The physiotherapy and remedial exercises to get the shoulder right again took months and it has never been quite the same since. This wouldn't have happened at home with push-ups, weights and the other things you mention. Now I'm very happy just to go swimming, go out on the bike, walk as much as possible and do more natural exercises at home. Unless for some reason you want hugely developed muscles, I would save your money.

Answer 5

If you have the equipment why bother going to the gym and paying out hard earned money to somebody else when you could use that cash to assist in your fitness ie burying new equipment if you wanted you could buy a new elliptical trainer maybe not the same quality as the gym but with approx 3 month money that you have saved

Answer 6

It depends what sort of motivation you have - I love the gym as when I'm there I'm around other people that are there to do the same thing - but if I was at home, I would find an excuse not to use my bike etc! Plus you can use the gym even if it's raining! If your gym has a swimming pool, this is great at swimming is the best all-round form of exercise.

Answer 7

The gym is not necessary to stay fit. however, if you have a busy lifestyle (and live in the UK with the crappy weather), it is quite nice to have a bright, airy, welcoming place to work out.

Also, it can be a motivating environment, that can help you stick to a routine.

If I'm being honest, I prefer to do sport, and be outside running etc. But there's a lot to be said for the equipment at most gyms. It can really help as part of a balanced routine.

Answer 8

I don't really feel any misgivings about gyms. But, think about it. Your activities of daily life should afford you the "exercise" to maintain health. If your ways of life do not naturally support your health, consider what you might do to change your ways of life. As a nurse, I recommend to overweight older retired women that they get a job waiting tables one or two mornings a week in a busy restaurant for the exercise and physical teamwork. My own mother arranged her kitchen so that everything she used the most was DELIBERATELY arranged in cabinets that required her to bend over every time she needed something. And, honey, instead of going to gyms and just THINKING about all those other fine looking bodies in the room, spend the $30 every month learning how to TANGO and get to learn how to hold a steamy hot woman in the most passionate dance in the universe! In other words, live a little! People who try new things, who have social fun and take risks (like tango lessons), never once have to think about "the weekly grind at the gym". Gyms are really anal, you know.

Answer 9

No its a lot of money to pay then you have to travel home. We have a complete gym in the attic , the trouble is some nights after work we are to tired to use it but at least we haven't paid out for something we haven't used & the other thing its strait into the shower then relax with a soothing drink.

Answer 10

I hear you loud and clear. this is what the gym member ship wants you to do. keep giving them money and not using the product. any business would love that. if you have the discipline to work out without the gym go for it. you will have the money in your pocket, and save you time. I am doing this right now. I am going to quit the gym also.