Gym Membership vs. Home Workout

I have used a lot of different workout equipment from the most basic of equipment like the elliptical to the most advanced equipment such as different smith machines that offer multiple workouts to hit all kinds of muscles.

Figure 1. Workout Machine. Adapted from
http://mag.powertecfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/
2011/07/powertec-home-gym-multisystem.jpg

I first started working out with my hockey team at the age of 14, doing a lot of exercises not involving any actual weight lifting. We used many different exercise equipment to help build speed, power and agility. These were three big focuses in our hockey training. At the age of 18 I suddenly took an interest in health and fitness and began lifting weights. It started with my own home gym equipment. After about 6 months of training in my basement I decided to join a gym where I could diverse my workouts and use heavier weights. After about a year of paying for a gym membership I did more research on muscle building and realized a lot of the workouts I was doing I could save time but doing some of it at home. I was able to implement a workout schedule while I was working full time to save time from having to go to the gym every single day. So I set a schedule where I would workout at the gym on weekends and at home during the week. I was able to find new ways to target different muscle parts working out at home and having the same benefits as going to the gym.

So if you are having the same debate what is better the gym or at home training there really isn’t a correct answer. Some people find the gym a little bit more motivating because you are paying for it so you don’t want to go waste your money. Also the gym can be social things to you interact with others. Lastly the gym usually has more workouts equipment. Training at home can be just as beneficial some people prefer the privacy in their own home, you can have personal trainers come over and help train outdoors or in the house. There is plenty of home gym equipment you can buy. Myself I prefer going to the gym because I enjoy the environment and the diverse options of all the workout equipment.

Do you have a preference?