copyright 2003 by Greg Landry, M.S.

Here's a question that I hear many times every month, "Greg, should I workout at home or at a gym?" Well, the bottom line is certainly that you should do whatever works best for you - whatever helps you to workout consistently.

I asked my newsletter subscribers where they trained and why. This will give you many pros and cons to consider in determining where you should workout. Here are some of their responses:

Several years ago I was about to pay a fee of $420 to join a gym for a year and thought about using that money to buy equipment to make my own home gym. I bought all used equipment from classified ads and have a great gym for $370. I exercise three to four days per week and don't have to pay gym fees. _____

I weight train at home, because I can barely find enough time to exercise, let alone to make it to a gym that is a) close enough b) cheap enough c) not a "skin gym" that emphasizes checking out the person who uses the weights after you.

I use resistance bands and do good old push ups, leg lifts, squats, etc. I am already noticing a bit of definition on my upper arms! _____

I work out six days a week at the local Gym. I have tried both the "at home" work- outs and working out at a gym. I get inspired to work harder and maintain a program when I go to a public gym with a lot of folks who know who I am and question me if I'm not there every day.

I've been doing this for a couple of years now and I'm in the best shape I've ever been in. It allows me to eat like a "regular" person without too much guilt. I also feel that the spirit of the 5:00 am morning team helps everyone get through their own workouts easier. We've become a family of sorts who help each other reach our respective goals. After over twenty years of yo-yo dieting, this is the only thing I've found that actually works along with watching what I eat (not dieting). _____

I train at home because when I go to the fitness center all I do is visit and work my mouth. I have a weight bench, free weights, dumbbells, treadmill, healthrider, and a rowing machine. I am pretty well disciplined and can stay on a schedule. _____

I weight train at my fitness center because I like to work almost every part of my body and the Fitness Center has machines for every part, plus some I choose to bypass. I only use free weights for one or two body parts, so it'd be really expense to get the same workout at home. I weight train two to three times per week. I love that it makes me feel so much stronger. Plus, with the latest news on how weight training makes your bod burn calories even while you sleep, I just can't pass it by. What a bonus! _____

I exercise at home because I hate the crowds at the gym and also because I'm serious about exercise. Most people at a gym are there to socialize and checkout girls in skimpy clothes. And then you have the egotistical muscle heads admiring themselves in the mirrors. I guess you can tell I don't like gyms. _____

I work out at home due to cost and time. After I determined that I could buy the equipment to use at home rather than pay gym prices, I proceeded to work out at home. Time was another consideration.. I was always concerned about getting dressed "properly" to go to the gym. But, when working out at home, I don't have to get dressed twice that day.. once to go to the gym and another to go to work. _____

I go to a pay per month gym that has reputable physical therapists offering assistance and/or private sessions. I decided to exercise in this manner because the gym had the equipment and the qualified personnel to plan a program for me. I do a private session monthly and sometimes my program changes accordingly. I'm pleased with the program and the trainers. _____

I weight train at home for convenience. I don't have any excuses not to then! No bad weather, lack of vehicle, etc. _____

I weight train three times a week. I go to a good gym and use both machines and free weights. It's too easy for me to put it off trying to work- out alone at home. The phone rings, someone comes to the door, the dishes beckon and pretty soon it's time for car pool. Also, I tend to hurry through it at home. So I do better going out. It's my time. _____

I work out with weights at home 2-3 times a week. I do this at home because I am busy and I like the idea that whenever I want to do it, it's right there. This way I cannot say it's too cold or I don't feel like driving there. _____

I do it at home for several reasons. I can roll out of bed at 6:00 in the morning and get my workout done without having the hassle of leaving the house. I don't have to take my work clothes, soap, hair products, and shoes to the gym. I don't have to wait on someone else to finish their set. I get to listen to the radio station I want to. I am modest and really like to look at myself working out, so I get to wear my jog bra without being self conscience. It's just majorly convenient to do it at home. _____

I weight train at home and at the gym. It depends some on mood. Do I want to concentrate at home in my pajamas, or be more social and go to the gym? It also depends on time of day. If I'm leaving it until the evening, I do it at home. If I can get away at lunch, I do it at the gym. _____

I weight train at home. The reason is pure and simple - I don't have the time to drive 15 to 20 minutes to a gym, and then train, shower and drive home again. Home is where I can do it all at once and still be with my family. _____

Author and exercise physiologist, Greg Landry, offers FREE weight loss success stories and his "Fast, Healthy Weight Loss" newsletter at his site: http://www.FitnessForYou.org

copyright 2003 by Greg Landry, M.S.