When you consider starting to exercise, the question may arise whether it is better to take the training at home or in a gym . Both ideas are valid but, before deciding, you should know what the differences are between them and evaluate their advantages and disadvantages. So you can choose the one that best suits you.
Differences between home and gym training
Although it may sound obvious, training at home is not the same as doing it at the gym, but this does not mean that one option is better than the other. It will depend largely on your preferences and what you are looking for when exercising. Let’s take a look at the most important differences.
Machines and tools
The availability of machines is one of the most relevant differences between the home and the gym . You may have a few dumbbells, rubber bands, or a jump rope at home, but little else, unless you’re a true hobbyist.
The gym has a wide variety of equipment, such as multi-stations, treadmills or presses. There are machines for specific muscle groups and they have enough weights to increase your load progressively. Items that you can use at home are likely to fall short to keep moving forward, especially when you’re looking to gain muscle mass.
Time and displacement
You should take into account how long it takes you to get to the gym and the length of the class or routine, especially if you are always in a rush or have a busy schedule. On the other hand, training at home you will only have to get out of bed and put on your sports shoes without wasting a minute. Fortunately, there are more and more gyms and training centers , so it is very likely that you will find one close to where you live and it will not take too long to get there.
Guidance and motivation
In gyms there will always be qualified trainers willing to motivate you and teach you the correct technique for each movement, as well as designing an exercise plan that is suitable for you. At home this does not happen, so you must have a lot of discipline to comply with your routine and be careful not to make wrong movements that can cause injury.
Costs
As you might suppose, to join the gym you must pay a registration and monthly payments , which although they are an investment in your health, it is an expense after all. At home you do not pay memberships or monthly payments, but you may want to get some equipment to improve your training. Evaluate your budget to find out which option works best for you.
There is no correct answer
As with anything in life, there are no absolute truths about whether it is better to train at home or in the gym . Everything will depend on your circumstances, tastes and lifestyle. At the end of the day, the important thing is not where you do it, but that whatever you decide, you put yourself into it, be consistent and keep moving.
