Here, There and Everywhere.

Working out.  Everyone is different.  Some people don’t have the time or money for a gym membership every month.  Some people can't focus at home and bounce around doing household activities in between.  There are positives and negatives for both.

When you go to the gym, you are sure to run into equipment that will allow you to do any workout. Banks of cardio machines, usually positioned in front of some TVs, allow people to get in their daily sweat session.  Most gyms will have treadmills, elliptical, stationary bikes and stair climbers to give you variety.  Most gyms will also have an area for resistance training.  Hopefully you will find Weight machines, cables, benches, free weights so you can build some muscles and tone up.  Some gyms will also have some open space and mats for people to spread out and do workouts.  I find this space invaluable for days when I want to work abs or use resistance bands.  Some also include tracks, pools, group classes and circuit areas.

Gym Pros:

• -          No personal equipment is necessary, everything you need is provided.  As long as you have clothes to get moving in and a water bottle, you’re good to go. 
• -          When you get to the gym, you have fewer distractions than you might have at home.
• -          Workout variety with cardio, resistance training, group classes and personal trainers always keep it interesting and challenging. 
• -          Social support from others can be an added bonus.  I know I have made some relationships with the people at the gym and it helps in case you ever need a spotter. 

Also, many gyms provide the help of certified personal trainers who can help guide you in how to reach your specific goals.  Most trainers have experience with many different types of health and fitness goals and can be a huge asset. 

Gym Cons:

• -        Cost. Memberships usually include monthly payments and possibly a down payment or joiner fee. 
• -         Some people feel pressure and are uncomfortable when at the gym.  They can feel like people are looking at them and judging them.  (I will be writing about how to overcome this fear in an upcoming post.)
• -        Time and kids.  While many gyms do provide child stations and extended hours, it just doesn’t fit into everyone’s schedule.  Sometimes you just don’t have time to get everything together and drive all the way there.  Which is valid. 

Working out at home can offer an option to people either not able to go to the gym or who 

prefer to workout in their own home.  There are many options ranging from personal cardio machines, video series and free weights/ resistance bands.  You can also run and bike in your neighborhood or simply take a walk. 

Home Pros:

• -          Free and easily accessible.  You can workout anytime that fits into your schedule.
• -          Privacy. You have the ability to look like an idiot or maybe struggle without anyone around to see you.

Home Cons:

• -          Provide your own equipment.  If you want to do videos like P90x or T 25, you’re going to have to get them somehow.  If you need weights, you’ll have to buy them.  Of course you can do body weight exercises, but eventually you may need more of a challenge. 
• -          Distractions. I cannot tell you how many times I have said, “Ok I am going to do abs when I get home from work”.  But then I get home and I do dishes and laundry and play with my dog, and before you know it, its 10:30 and I have to go to bed. 

There are more pros and cons for each side.  And one is not better than another.  It is simply up to each person and their workout style. 

Overall, try to fit some form of exercise into your schedule every day.  Mix it up and have fun!