Work 8:30-5:15. One hour commute. Gym near home or work?

[BrightYellowSunrise]

Hi all, I'm looking for some advice as to whether I should look to join a gym near home or work. I leave the house at 7:30 and get back at 6:15. What does everyone find is easier or more convenient in terms of making it to the gym?

[MadeForThis]

My DH is trying to make the same decision. Struggling with weekends as wouldn't want to travel an hour to go to the gym.

[bibbitybobbityyhat]

Do you have any children?

[Tomorrowisanewday]

I have a similar length commute, but longer hours (self employed, normal hours 7.30 to 6.30) and if i didn't have a gym near work, I'd never go

[Wolfiefan]

Would you prefer to exercise before or after work? If before work you may be happy being close to home so you can get on with exercise quicker. After work near work (if I drove nearly home I might be tempted to go straight home!!!!)

[Artandco]

AT home. Means if your exhausted after gym you don't have journey, plus you would
Have to shower and change before hour journey back instead of just walking home quick and showering at home and in pjs. Plus weekends and holidays it's easier at home.

[BrightYellowSunrise]

No children.

I think I'd be happier to exercise before work as I could easily talk myself out of it at the end of a long day!

[BrightYellowSunrise]

Bumping for the early lark gym goers

[BrightYellowSunrise]

Maybe they are all still in the gym

[AyeAmarok]

I was going to say gym at work so you can sit and recover on the train home after, as long as you don't want to go at weekends too.

But if you're wanting to go in the mornings then maybe that's the wrong way to do it.

[lljkk]

if near work: you lose easy option for weekends, annual leave days, bank holidays.
If near work, you lose easy option for midday on work days.

So near home = more opportunity, imho. You could go for a run on workday lunchtimes, instead. Also depends on the gym, though. If gym near work is much nicer to be in, that would tip the scales for me.

Does either gym even open at 6am? Ours tried it but not enough takers. Now trying 6:30am. They close around 10pm, nights are busier.

[lljkk]

Ah, nuts, 2nd line there should read "if near home "

[Thefitfatty]

I bought some kettlebells and do 30 minutes when I get home. There's some great online videos to follow.

[BrightYellowSunrise]

I can't work out at home because I don't have the space, sadly! I doubt I will want to work out on annual leave days but not decided about weekends yet!

[BrightYellowSunrise]

Opening times is definitely something to look at, thanks for the tip there.

[Thefitfatty]

I have all of 2 feet in my place to work out. A kettle bell takes up no room

[BrightYellowSunrise]

Think I'm going to go for one near work!

[lljkk]

Better hours?

Our gym is always promoting offers... especially in the last week of the month. You might get a reduced sign-up fee or extra perks if you just wait until the 23rd before joining. I don't know if joining is better now or in January; they get a rush of new joiners every January, so they not offer such good promotional deals then.

Check the contract terms... how long are you locked in for before you can give 30 days notice to quit, is there a 6-week or 3-month fixed term/rate with no strings attached membership (you could try both gyms for a while with minimal commitment?!), and just what are the Christmas season opening hours, will they suit you (plenty shut down a lot).

Some give you free swimming or reduced class fees. Do you get any personal training sessions as part of the joining fee.