Workout at home or at the gym?

If you want to start with regular fitness training, you often ask yourself where the planned workouts can best be carried out. Would you rather invest in a well-equipped home gym or would it be better to register with the gym? We will show you what is really important for a home or gym workout!

Pro & Cons for training in your own four walls

One thing in advance: If you "only" want to get your body in shape, you can definitely benefit from training at home. Sports such as yoga usually only require a good mat. In combination with belly, leg and butt exercises as well as small dumbbells, these will bring your body into shape. Think of it this way: You have your own workout area in your living room and can train whenever you want. And instead of the (personal) trainer, exercise videos on YouTube and Co can help you with your training. 

You should pay attention to that: 

• When playing sports, make sure that the air quality in the room is good and keep the "fitness room" clean. This way you can keep a clear line between "living and sports area" in your home.
• Make sure you have enough space - for this you have to move furniture from time to time. Think of it as part of your training! Beware of table edges and the like: it can quickly become a problem.
• Although it doesn't matter what outfit you train in at home, you should definitely wear sportswear. It can also be an advantage to plan certain "training times" during the week. That way you stay fit and disciplined.
• Track your goals and write down your successes in a "fitness diary" to see if the training is delivering the desired results and what needs to be changed.

That speaks against sports in the home

• Not everything is possible: cardio units or exercises with heavy weights can only be performed to a limited extent at home. Unless you own a treadmill and a weight station with weights, but in cramped apartments this is usually not possible. The only thing that helps here is jogging outside or an outdoor station.
• The question of motivation: Those who play sports at home often fight with their inner pig dog. The Netflix evening on the couch is much more likely to be considered than training on the yoga mat. Exercising alone can be a problem for most people. Often the workout with friends or in small groups is much more fun.
• Wrong execution: When training at home, the risk of injury also increases. Beginners in particular can quickly develop strains or sprains without professional help.

Training in the gym: That's how it works!

If you decide not to do the home workout, then you should consider joining a gym membership. But even here there is a lot to consider, because the prices of the respective gym buildings range from 20 to 100 Euros per month.

Ask yourself the following question beforehand: Do you need professional supervision, a wellness area, course offers or is a simple gym with sports equipment sufficient? Attention: The duration of many fitness studios is often one to two years.

You should be aware of that: 

• Appropriate sportswear and good shoes are essential. In contrast to the home workout, you should not come to the gym with torn, dirty clothes. Invest in comfortable shirts and pants.
• Don't rush into training from "0 to 100" immediately, but discuss your goals with a fitness coach and create a training plan together. Test all the equipment and have it explained to you in detail to avoid mistakes!
• In the gym you are not alone and the other members around you can increase your motivation to train. You might even make new friends in the gym and look forward to the next training session.
• Speaking of "surrounded by other people": You should be considerate of your fitness buddies. Don't listen to loud music while exercising, don't "reserve" equipment just to do selfies, and don't even think about phoning the gym.

That speaks against the gym

• Monthly expenses: In contrast to the home workout, you have monthly fixed costs when you join the Muckibude. This bill must also be paid if you do not show up for training.
• Time restrictions: Many gyms are open until midnight, but the question is rather when you actually want to go exercising: Before work or after? Try different times to find out if you are a morning or evening athlete.
• Motivation: Even if you are a member of a gym, your inner piggy can sometimes howl. In contrast to the "domestic gym", you have to pack your sports bag for this workout session and take a slightly longer way to the gym. That can help: Make a binding appointment with friends to play gym together. 

The main thing is movement!

No matter which decision you make, in the end one thing counts above all: the will! The fact that you want to do sports regularly is the first step to your dream body. Ideally, this is not just about losing weight and shaping your body, but about keeping your body healthy and vital. Everybody has different preferences, so it is always worth trying out both training options.