Some of us can’t get enough of the gym, while some love the ease of getting a sweat on from the comfort of their living room. But, which is best – gym workouts or home workouts? We breakdown the benefits of both so you can decide which is best for you!
GYM WORKOUTS
With a variety of machines and free weights to choose from, as well as access to personal trainers and other facilities, you’d think training in the gym would be the first choice for those serious about getting fit and strong. Here are the pros of a gym-based beasting:
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TRAINING IN THE GYM?
1) THE GYM OFFERS MORE VARIETY
From cardio machines to weighted equipment, gyms offer a variety of different tools you can use to get a sweat on or pump those muscles. If it’s strength you’re after, then you’ll need access to a variety of weights so you can gradually increase your load and build that strength.
2) THE GYM ALLOWS YOU TO CHALLENGE YOURSELF
As we said, gyms offer variety when it comes to equipment – this will allow you to challenge yourself, giving you the opportunity to try out machines and movements you haven’t tried before and wouldn’t be able to when working out from home. We're all familiar with the squat rack, but more obscure equipment, such as the landmine, are great machines to work into your regime and will add some variety to your workouts.
3) THE GYM OFFERS ROUTINE
If, like many of us, you need a consistent routine in order to stick to your sessions, then heading to the gym may be your best bet. It can be tough motivating yourself at home, especially with the distractions home life can bring. Escaping the day to day by going to the gym will ensure you’re on track and being in a workout environment will also encourage you to give your sessions your all.
HOME WORKOUTS
Who needs the gym when you’ve got your trusty resistance bands and your fave online PT?! Since the Coronavirus pandemic, many had no choice but to work up a sweat at home, with gyms closed and our daily outings limited. But, research conducted by Nuffield Health shows that nearly 31% of Brits believe they’re doing more daily exercise now than before the lockdown, showing gyms are necessarily the be all and end all when it comes to keeping fit!
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF WORKING AT FROM HOME?
1) HOME WORKOUTS ARE GREAT FOR THOSE SHORT ON TIME
The time-poor are big fans of the home workout, and rightly so! Working out from home means you can squeeze in a session whenever is convenient for you. From a quick HIIT workout during your lunch break to an evening pilates session once you’ve put the little ones to bed, working out from home means even the busiest people can stay fit and healthy.
2) HOME WORKOUTS ARE GREAT FOR THOSE SET ON SAVING MONEY
If weights aren’t really your thing, then you may find you’re wasting your time, and money, in the gym. HIIT fans and those who live for bodyweight circuits and exercises can ditch the monthly membership cost and perform their sessions at home or in the garden. Sunny day? Make the most of the weather and set up an outdoor circuit. And, there are a number of online PTs who, due to the COVID pandemic, are now sharing their HIIT workouts for free on social media, so make the most of this content and get that heart racing from home.
3) SELF-CONSCIOUS? HOME WORKOUTS COULD BE FOR YOU
If the thought of working out in the presence of strangers doesn’t sit well with you, then home workouts are a great way to get your fitness fix without feeling uncomfortable. Some of us simply prefer our privacy, while others may want to start their fitness journey at home until they feel confident enough to venture to a gym or exercise class. Either way, working out at home allows you to do you – go at your own pace, exercise freely without fear of judgement and, most importantly, enjoy your sessions!
Do you prefer giving it your all in the gym or are home workouts the way forward? If home workouts are your thing, head over to our blog to see 4 simple yet effective home workouts you should try out!