Between the desire to resume physical activity and the challenges this resumption entails, each of us finds ourselves confused and wondering what’s best: working out at home or joining a gym? The decision isn’t easy and requires careful and careful consideration.
Resuming sport and physical activity:
Everyone finds themselves, at one time or another in their lives, overwhelmed by daily responsibilities, work assignments, and family obligations. And gradually reduce their attention to their well-being, their body, and their morale.
Until the day we encounter that “motivating” factor that rekindles the desire to take care of ourselves. It could be an active and super-energetic person who inspires us to become like them, a movie or quote that inspires us deeply, or a serious reflection on our current state and future results. And then we decide to take back control, starting essentially with resuming exercise, since it will be the basis for controlling physical activity, nutrition, and therefore our body and mind.
Where to exercise? At home or at the gym?
The first thing to determine is where you’ll return to exercise: at home or at the gym.
This depends on several factors:
– Budget: Whether you can afford the gym membership fees.
– Goals for returning to exercise: Each type of workout requires suitable equipment, which may not be available at home.
– Whether or not you have home gym equipment: This is a very important factor and depends primarily on your personal goals. Someone who plans to do stretching and yoga won’t need the same equipment as someone who plans to build muscle.
– Social adaptability: Are you willing to work out in front of strangers, or are you willing to meet people at the gym, or do you prefer to work out alone?
– Frequency of training: Are you available to go to the gym several times a week? – Home space: Is there enough space at home to train?
– Proximity : Is the gym close to home or not?
Pros and cons of working out at the gym:
Pros +++
– A well-equipped space (depending on the gym you choose, of course)
– Technical support from coaches (some gyms include personalized programs with a personal trainer)
– The availability of group classes, which are very motivating for some people
– Ability to take advantage of on-site showers and spa treatments offered by some gyms
– Opportunities to meet people with shared interests
Cons —
– Noise and busy hours can be demotivating
– High prices, which may not fit everyone’s budget
– Having to pack up and head to the gym, especially if it’s not close to home
– Sometimes loud background music
Pros and cons of working out at home:
Pros +++
– Saves time and travel costs
– Ability to wear the clothes of your choice in complete comfort
– Peace and quiet and the ability to play your favorite background music whenever you want
– Choose a convenient schedule without any constraints
– No obligation to socialize with people
Cons —
– Very little equipment (purchasing equipment can be expensive)
– Lack of space for training or equipment setup
– No advice or technical support
– Social isolation
What if we exercise at home and at the gym at the same time?
Combining the two types of workouts is entirely possible. For example, a woman looking to build muscle and lose fat at the same time, while enhancing her mental well-being, can definitely work out at the gym and do dance or yoga at home for more privacy and comfort.
Another example is for someone who doesn’t necessarily have the time or the desire to go to the gym several times a week, who can organize home workouts to save time.
What about outdoor sports?
Training outdoors can be enjoyable if:
– Your place of residence offers the opportunity to train in public places dedicated to sports (common areas dedicated to sports)
– You’re not afraid of being attacked or harassed in these public places
– You can be well-equipped without discomfort (water, sportswear, backpack, etc.)
– You’re not bothered by training in a large, public place
On the other hand, outdoor sports don’t offer many options other than running and perhaps some stretching movements, in addition to some Basque machines that may exist in public places dedicated to sports
