Should I train at home or go to a public gym? This is a
question that everyone in a health and fitness lifestyle has considered. Each
option has its own list of pros and cons, and a final decision comes down to
each individual’s personal situation. There are a few factors to consider in
making your own decision on the matter; the following are a few Pros and Cons
for each choice:
Home Gym (Pro)
- Location: A home gym has the great benefit of being right at home, ready whenever you are, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Clean: A home gym is only used by your family, a much more sanitary situation than a public gym.
- Personal touch: It’s your gym, play whatever music you like at whatever volume you like. Arrange all the equipment to your taste. Load up everything with plates without anyone complaining.
- Free of “Judging”: Many individuals when first starting a program tend to have issues with self perception. A home gym eliminates any prying eyes and allows you to focus on your workouts completely.
Home Gym (Con)
- Location: Home is usually a place of rest and relaxation, a place to “wind down”. At times it’s harder to get motivated to train at home than it is to get in your vehicle and drive to the gym.
- Limited Equipment: Home gyms can be limited by space and the cost of equipment.
- Repair: Machines require constant maintenance, even if always used properly. Warranties usually handle the cost, but there are limited time ranges and stipulations that could void any benefits it may offer.
- Interaction: Social interaction, both personal and professional, can be just as rewarding as the training itself.
Public Gym (Pro)
- Location: A short drive can give you a few moments to mentally prepare yourself for the training session at hand. Allow you to clear out the troubles of the day and begin to focus on something else.
- Price: Most gyms nowadays start out at $10/month with a small signup fee, depending on each gym. You may say in the long run that adds up, but keep in mind purchasing equipment and maintenance of a home gym will be an ongoing situation.
- Variety
of Equipment: Most gyms are a shiny
- Interaction/Competition: Social interaction, within reason, can be a way to make new business contacts or even learn something new and beneficial for you regimen. Just be sure to avoid any “Broscience”. Training with other individuals creates a sense of subconscious competition, to strive to be better. Many will deny this fact, but we all push a little harder when others are around.
Public Gym (Con)
- Location: Some individuals live long distances from their closest gym. Dangerous weather conditions can also limit your habit of training. Many holidays gyms close early, or don’t open at all. Any of these reasons can frustrate many individuals.
- Sanitation: Public gyms can be a Petri dish of bacteria and other pathogens. Any public place can be a nightmare during cold and flu season. Be sure to clean equipment before and after use as well as washing your hands at the conclusion of your training.
- “Rush Hour”: During specific times of the day a gym can spring to life and be loaded with people, making it near impossible to get anything accomplished.
- Social interaction overload: Some individuals come to a gym to socialize only. At times they are impossible to avoid. It may sound rude, but if you can’t get away politely, just walk away. They will find a new target soon enough.
As I have stated previously, the decision of a home or
public gym is completely dependent upon each individual’s personal situation.
Whatever the choice, what is important is that you are working towards a
healthier, more-fit lifestyle. If anyone has any other reasons for either
choice, please comment them below. It just may help sway someone in one
direction or the other. See you at the gym!
Michael
Petrinjak, CFT
Evolve
Training Systems
