Gym vs Home Exercise Equip.

#1

Gym vs Home Exercise Equip.

Posted: 1/6/06 at 1:43pm

I am contemplating (re)joining a gym, which would be $80 a month (plus another $60 in processing and initiation fees), so about $1000 a year.
On the other hand, I am looking at purchasing home exercise equipment- particularly an elliptical machine (prob a $500 one), and I already have free weights and a yoga ball. I do a lot of walking around the city already, so no need for a treadmill.
Is it worth it to buy home equipment or should I just stick to the standard gym?
I am well aware that home exercise equipment frequently sits unused. I am also aware that I will not get my butt to the gym as often as I would like because of a hectic and changing schedule.
Opinions would be greatly appreciated!

#2

re: Gym vs Home Exercise Equip.

Posted: 1/6/06 at 1:46pm

Try a gym that does not lock you into a contract, liotte. I believe NYSC has that option. Remember that the hobgoblin of exercise is being locked too much into one routine. The benefits of a gym include lots more variations of exercises you can do, from free weights to machines. and should you get bored of the elliptical there are hikers, treadmills, stairmasters, rowers, etc. to choose from. Not to mention, trainers to consult in case you have questions or want to be shown "new" exercises...

#3

re: Gym vs Home Exercise Equip.

Posted: 1/6/06 at 1:55pm

Definitely valid points.
NYSC is the one I am looking at joining, and it is a month to month contract, with a $50 cancelation policy if I quit.

#4

re: Gym vs Home Exercise Equip.

Posted: 1/6/06 at 1:58pm

yeah, I agree. I used to work out and I think it's better to go to a gym then work out at home. I find that it is easier to stay motivated when you actually have to leave the house. At home it's easy to get distracted. And as kissmycookie said, the variation, atmosphere and support is superior.

#5

re: Gym vs Home Exercise Equip.

Posted: 1/6/06 at 2:07pm

For me, home is the only way to go. I'm completely UN-motivated to leave the house either before or after a long work day. I much prefer being able to wake up in the morning, and walk right into the room with the equipment, without having to get dressed and travel 15-20 minutes to a gym. It would add HOURS to my day.

#6

re: Gym vs Home Exercise Equip.

Posted: 1/6/06 at 2:26pm

Plus, if you don't end up using your gym equipment, you can always re-sell it. If you slack about going to the gym, there's a bunch of money that you can't get back in any form.

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#7

re: Gym vs Home Exercise Equip.

Posted: 1/6/06 at 2:31pm

We have an elliptical machine and weights at my house, and I've been working out every day for a little while. After a while, it becomes a habit...or some people say.


..and I finally just opened a Whirly Pop that my friend got me from New York in November.

I'm a fat ass.

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"If it walks like a Parks, if it wobbles like a Parks, then it's definitely fat and nobody loves it." --MA

Updated On: 1/6/06 at 02:31 PM

#8

re: Gym vs Home Exercise Equip.

Posted: 1/6/06 at 2:33pm

I've joined a gym, and kno for sure I'd never be able to stick to any sort of work out plan for a good amout of time if I had equipment at home. It really depends on what type of person you are.

#9

re: Gym vs Home Exercise Equip.

Posted: 1/6/06 at 2:38pm

Sorry...

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mamie4 5/14/03

Updated On: 1/6/06 at 02:38 PM

#10

re: Gym vs Home Exercise Equip.

Posted: 1/6/06 at 2:38pm

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mamie4 5/14/03

Updated On: 1/6/06 at 02:38 PM

#11

re: Gym vs Home Exercise Equip.

Posted: 1/6/06 at 2:38pm

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mamie4 5/14/03

Updated On: 1/6/06 at 02:38 PM

#12

re: Gym vs Home Exercise Equip.

Posted: 1/6/06 at 2:38pm

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mamie4 5/14/03

Updated On: 1/6/06 at 02:38 PM

#13

re: Gym vs Home Exercise Equip.

Posted: 1/6/06 at 2:38pm

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mamie4 5/14/03

Updated On: 1/6/06 at 02:38 PM

#14

re: Gym vs Home Exercise Equip.

Posted: 1/6/06 at 2:38pm

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mamie4 5/14/03

Updated On: 1/6/06 at 02:38 PM

#15

re: Gym vs Home Exercise Equip.

Posted: 1/6/06 at 2:38pm

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mamie4 5/14/03

Updated On: 1/6/06 at 02:38 PM

#16

re: Gym vs Home Exercise Equip.

Posted: 1/6/06 at 2:38pm

Don't know the specifics about this but I do know that a study was done a couple of years ago that showed that people with home equipment are more likely to use it regularly than those who have to get dressed and go somewhere. Of course you do suffer from the lack of variety and having others around to encourage you and give you advice.

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mamie4 5/14/03

Updated On: 1/6/06 at 02:38 PM

#17

re: Gym vs Home Exercise Equip.

Posted: 1/6/06 at 2:40pm

That's 8 posts, there. Eight.

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"Fundamentalism means never having to say 'I'm wrong.'" -- unknown

#18

re: Gym vs Home Exercise Equip.

Posted: 1/6/06 at 2:41pm

it is definitely personal opinion thing.

I prefer the gym because i tell myself that if i go i will reward myself with sitting in the hot tub for 30 min or so after my workout. That usually gets me motivated.

Also, signing up for classes (yoga, dance, step, tai bo etc..) keeps you going because you are expected to be there- plus once you go you can't just stop after a bit. You have to stay til the class is over.

The only equip. i could see myself using at home is an ellip. Those things are magic! However, you already own (and i'm assuming; stay true to it) your own equipment. You have the motivation to do it at home so you would probably save money by buying the stuff you will use often and stick with that workout schedule.

i'm sorry i'm blabbering today...i'm such a wreck right now lol

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#19

re: Gym vs Home Exercise Equip.

Posted: 1/6/06 at 2:43pm

I do think a gym is the way to go. The energy, music, and people will motivate you. Plus, I've met and become friends with people at my gym, and it has led to job interviews and auditions. You never know.

I do have some yoga and Pilates DVDs at home that I use if I absolutely cannot make it. These are an inexpensive way to stay in shape at home with no bulky equipment.

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#20

re: Gym vs Home Exercise Equip.

Posted: 1/6/06 at 2:43pm

THAT IS SO WEIRD! My PC went down while I was typing. That's never happened before! I never went near an 'enter' key. I'll start deleting now. Please forgive the trash!

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www.thebreastcancersite.com
A click for life.
mamie4 5/14/03

Updated On: 1/6/06 at 02:43 PM

#21

re: Gym vs Home Exercise Equip.

Posted: 1/6/06 at 3:06pm

Wow Mamie, strong opinions there! :)

Thank you all for your opinions and advice, I still don't know what to do. I'm leaning towards the home elliptical though, and can throw in some running around the city and take the stairs to my apartment instead of the elevator...

#22

re: Gym vs Home Exercise Equip.

Posted: 1/6/06 at 3:12pm

This may sound horribly superficial of me but I prefer the gym simply for the eye candy. Put a couple hotties jogging around the track and I'll sit on that damn exercise bike until my legs fall off.

I like reasons to get out of the house, really. In the house I'm more prone to be lazy.

#23

re: Gym vs Home Exercise Equip.

Posted: 1/6/06 at 3:12pm

the trick isn't where you exercise, but how. the real goal is to stay accountable. for most people, that means having someone from the outside to make sure you're following your plan so you can achieve your goals.

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"Fundamentalism means never having to say 'I'm wrong.'" -- unknown

#24

re: Gym vs Home Exercise Equip.

Posted: 1/6/06 at 3:13pm

I prefer going to the gym. Get to see alot more naked guys than I do in my apartment.

#25

re: Gym vs Home Exercise Equip.

Posted: 1/6/06 at 3:15pm

I told my roommate to get on my case about that one, make sure I do it.
Honestly, I don't care much about the other people at the gym, I am happy watching tv or listening to my own music, and just being able to roll out of bed to work out and not have to walk to the gym (plus wear a fancy outfit and makeup, hey, it's NYC) sounds more and more appealing...