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A Perfect Fit: To train or not to train at home
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Anonymous user Tue Oct 3, 2006 11:00:51 PDT
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0 responses 0 comments To train or not to train at home?
That is the question.
Time is a valuable commodity equally owned by everyone. The rich and poor alike have 168 hours each week. Whether you own a company or work for the company, you have seven days in your week, every week, week after week.
One of my favorite excuses people tell me as to why they don’t exercise or go to a gym is, “I don’t have time.”
That’s interesting, neither do I, but I still manage to get in six to eight workouts per week.
Then comes the clever response that is supposed to “win” the excuse battle: “If I had a gym at my house, I would have time to workout everyday, too.” 
Nice thought, but the reality is, I go to a gym to train. Albeit, it’s my gym, but my wife and I still drive across town three times a week after work to train. It used to be four times per week, but now we do three to five extra workouts per week at home instead of the gym. Plus, we have the added factor that we don’t workout just to stay in shape, per se.  We are competitive athletes who train year-round.
What does that have to do with it? It means that if we want to do what we do, we have to set aside time and prioritize our life just like anyone else. The extra time fairy didn’t give us a magical 26-hour day.
Notice if you will, however, that I mentioned working out at the gym and at home. Before you pre-conclude that this article is going to be all about exercising at home and staying away from the gym, reread my intro. Yes, I sell fitness equipment for all applications, including residential usage, but I go to a gym to train. Plus I do extra workouts at home, which, of course, requires that I own some equipment.
Both situations have their own good and bad elements. Let’s compare the two options and see if working out at home would be good for you or not.
First, the obvious: If you exercise at home and you want to do anything more than very basic things, you will have to invest in some sort of equipment. Whether it’s resistance bands and a fitness ball or a full-sized home gym, you need equipment for maximum results.
The good news is no matter what your taste or budget, there are lots of choices when it comes to equipment.
Next, the more “stuff” you want the more space it will require. A general rule of thumb is that a small bedroom will comfortably house a home gym and one piece of cardio, whereas a set of stretch bands and medicine ball will fit in the corner of a closet or under your bed. (Caution: the easier it is to put away, the higher the chance of you not taking it back out and actually working out.)
Roll-under-the-bed exercise machines are not conducive to getting into shape, stay away from them.  And, yes, I would say that even if I didn’t sell quality home gyms.
Thirdly, it’s your gym and your rules, and that is a good thing. I enjoy that feature both at home and at my gym. It’s good to be king. You can listen to your own music, workout at your own pace, wear what you want, and choose whatever time of day you want to work out. Use chalk, leave sweat on the benches or not. Nice, real nice. Oh, and no renewal fees –– ever.
A definite negative about exercising at home is distractions. Phones, kids, neighbors, and of course, television. Hey, sometimes it feels pretty good to just sit down and relax for a few minutes instead of getting started on the treadmill. Whatever distracts in your world is bound to come up when it’s time to workout.
What about heading to the gym? Let’s take a look at that scenario.
First, you usually have plenty of equipment to choose from –– that is good. If you go at one of the prime times, you will be waiting for that equipment –– that is bad.
What about cost? Most gyms in Bakersfield are cheap!  We are very spoiled in this community, in my opinion, by very cheap membership prices. Good for members, not so good for gym owners. Plus, there are about a bazillion gyms in this town with more on the way.
I have many customers who own nice home equipment, and belong to at least two gyms, as well. If they don’t want to bother with the crowds, they can work out at home. Or, some prefer to exercise at home most of the time, and go to the gym for a change of pace once in a while.
Most gyms now have trainers on staff or contracted out with the gym. This can be very beneficial to beginners especially, but even veterans can use some advice now and then. 
Another good point in favor of public gyms, per my spouse, is child care. Sometimes it is tough to get to the gym with little ones at home. I was fortunate that my children’s mother was a stay-at-home mom and jazzercise instructor. She was at home with the kids when I was at the gym, and I was at home when she was teaching her classes. But a lot of folks need child care provided by many of the gyms today –– definitely a plus.
Another benefit of going to a gym is that you get out of the house for a while and get to meet or at least see other people. Personally, when I used to go to the gym I was there to do my thing and go home, but I admit I am no social butterfly.
For those who enjoy being around masses of bodies, the gym arena will be attractive to you. The negative side to this, of course, is being around people! For many, their workout time is “keep to myself” time, and is virtually impossible in a gym.
Then there is time spent going to and from the gym and renewing membership costs, both negatives in my book. If you purchase home gym equipment there is a cost involved, but once it’s paid for, as the saying goes, it’s paid for.
These certainly aren’t all the reasons for choosing one way or the other, but whether you exercise at home, your uncle’s garage or at a gym, you still have to put in the work that takes time. No one has any more than you do.
Now pick your pace and get to it! Stay well and remember, only those who quit will fail.

E-mail Ken at:
ken@wheelersfitness.com

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