We’ve been flip-flopping for so long about whether to just settle for home workouts or to go ahead and subscribe to a gym. Each, obviously, has its advantages. But of late, it’s taken just a bit more oomph to get/stay engaged when working out at home. Then there are those days where we blow off working out, and then try to “make up for it” by doubling the next day. Then there’s the fact that this home gym is taking up a ton of real estate that we could be using: James needs a new office, and that one could morph into a pantry or even a walk-in closet.
We’re just trying to get it all down on paper for ourselves: see the best way forward; it’s always so much easier to make any decision when you can see everything laid out, rather than deciding on the fly.
So here is how it breaks down for us:
Working Out at Home
Pros:
Convenient: No commuting, which in turn equates to saving more time, and it’s way easier to fit it into a hectic day.
More cost-effective: Surely more cost-effective in the long run with a bigger up-front agreement.
Privacy: You can go about your workout without people watching.
Flexibility: Can fit in quick workouts more easily throughout the day.
Cons:
Limited Equipment: We only have dumbbells, kettlebells, and EZ bars. So, it gets pretty limiting with those.
No Social Interaction: We miss the opportunity to meet people who can support us with feedback on our form or tips.
Distractions: It’s way too easy to get sidetracked with the PS5 and not work out.
Space: We have very little space, so upgrading our equipment isn’t much of an option.
Going to the Gym
Pros:
Better Equipment: The gym has a great lot more variety than what we have back at home.
Help: PTs and staff are present to help.
Social interaction: getting to meet fellow people who are into fitness, some of whom might be on precisely the same journey.
Cons:
Cost: Our local council gym is £34 a month for one person. For both, it will be £68 a month – or £816 a year.
Privacy: Much less private than training at home. We had a bad experience in the gym back in 2019, so we are a bit wary of this.
Time: James already spends three hours a day commuting. This does limit the timeframe we have to go to the gym.
Bottom Line;
Keeping in mind all the arguments for and against, we are tending towards the gym. Even though a bit expensive, paying the membership fee shouldn’t be a big issue considering health and well-being. As for the time problem, we shall work something out.
Our current regime of workout ends August 12th, so we plan to call the gym tonight and then get registered so we can start afresh at the weekend. Since a membership lasts an entire year, once we commit to it, it means we have to make it work! On the positive side, it allows free access to the swimming pool and classes.
Let’s see how it goes!