It’s too far away… I just do not have the time…. I really do not have the appropriate equipment to do it at home. Each one of those is a common excuse to either; not working out at the gym, or not working out at home. But if you could choose one or the other, which method is better: Going to the gym, or staying and working out at home? Each one has their own merits; it all depends on what you are looking for.

 
We have clients that workout in their homes because of medical concerns, or because their children are at the house.

It gives them the ability to do their workouts, while still maintaining a healthy and active home life.

  by  sean dreilinger

 
Each client has a set of equipment in their homes that we have deemed as “valuable” in achieving their desired goals. Setting up the treadmill or bike in front of the T.V. may make the time go by much quicker than listening to the same songs over and over again on the mp3. But what happens when they hit their goals? Where do you go from there to expand their gyms or personal fitness rooms?

 
Many people have that expensive “coat hanger” at home that they spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on. Or they just purchased the latest and greatest abdominal machine to reduce their belly fat. Will spending more money on more equipment or the latest “fad” help reach the new goals? Maybe you should get out and go to the gym for a more effective method?

 
Thousands of people hit the gyms yearly, and most for a fraction of the cost of purchasing in home gyms. For many, the gym becomes a social and personal monitor for each individual goal.

As well, going to the gym or stopping by there before or after work gives you no excuses. Once you are there, your sense of purpose is set, and you are very likely to succeed at starting your goals.

  by  Kizzlexy

 
Facilities generally offer more equipment variety than the regular in home gyms, so it allows you to maintain a workout you will not get “bored” with. Plus, you will get to meet some new people, and it will allow you to expand your support network to help you reach those goals. However, at certain times of the year/day those gyms can be very frustrating and busy places. No where to park, too many people on the machines, the music may be too loud or your fellow gym buddy over there may be producing a smell you have never smelt before. Stats show that 75% of the people with gym memberships only use them the first month, then they stop going. That’s a ton of money “donated” to the gym, when it could have easily bought you a bunch of gym equipment.

 
Overall, it’s not about whether you go to the gym or not to workout.

It comes down to how driven you are to succeed on your path, and how good of a support system you have built around you.

You and the people around you are the biggest influence on your success. No piece of equipment at home or at the gym is more powerful than your will and determination. As long as your goals are set, you have the choice to reach them regardless of where you decide to workout.

 
Personally I topped the scales at a very unhealthy 230+lbs at my most unhealthy. I now weight less than I did in grade 6, and did it with the right combination of in home/outside training and at the gym workouts.

 
As most things are regarding fitness, the answer is in a pretty grey area. The key is to find you’re black and white so you can succeed.
 

Bio:
Mark Kay
Mark has been working in the fitness industry for the past 7+ years, and currently owns and mobile (gym & in-home) trains with Iron Fit Personal Training. He studied Personal Fitness Training at N.A.I.T., is a Certified Personal Trainer through C.S.E.P., and is a Medical Exercise Specialist through the A.A.H.R.P.

Mark began Iron Fit 3 years ago with the intention of helping a broad range of people, from high end Athletes to general fitness clientele. He has worked with numerous N.H.L. players through his experience, as well as current Major Junior Hockey players and youth teams & individuals throughout Canada. During the summer he helps out at hockey schools associated with Pro Players such as the Niedermayer brothers. His clientele has seen results ranging from a loss of 25% body fat, to over 100+lbs. Iron Fit clientele are seeing their success daily.

 
Disclaimer
NextGen Speaks Out, our guest blogging series, is envisioned as a hub for information and discussion. NextGen is a non-political, non-denominational organization focused on giving all nextgeners a voice. NextGen does not represent the opinions expressed by the individual columnists.