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Original poster

Home gym or Join a gym?

34 replies

platinumplus · 27/12/2023 16:43

Really really need to get into a routine of exercising this year due to health issues. What do you think would be better value for money, joining a gym or getting some equipment for the home? (Don't have loads of room but could get a couple of things)

I've got terrible, TERRIBLE willpower. Have joined gyms in the past and not gone but have also got an exercise bike in the garage that I've barely been on.

My son wants to get fit too so I'm hoping that might inspire me to keep at it but just can't decide best way forward.

OP posts:
Gymmum82 · 27/12/2023 16:45

Join a gym 100% you can get by either home workouts but realistically you can only get so far. Much better to join a gym where they already have all the equipment

Itsbeginningtolookalotlike · 27/12/2023 16:58

I agree, join the gym. The only way I could make myself go in the beginning was to schedule it in, so I went in Tuesday, Friday, Sunday after work. When I thought about not going I said to myself, no you have to go it's Tuesday or whatever. It sounds a bit silly but it really worked for me, especially at the beginning when motivation was intermittent.

MintJulia · 27/12/2023 17:02

I joined ParkRun and joined a martial arts class.

The nice thing about ParkRun is I get it out of the way early on Saturday and can then concentrate on my weekend. 🙂

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Exercise & fitness Fitness
EmpressaurusOfCats · 27/12/2023 17:03

Joining a gym was better for me because of all the equipment, & it’s conveniently next to my local supermarket so I can get my shopping done at the same time. But what really made the difference was booking a fortnightly session with a personal trainer.

She's showing me what to do but also holding me accountable - if I don’t feel like going in between, I remind myself that I want to have built more muscle / lost more fat by the next time I see her!

Christmassss · 27/12/2023 17:03

Have you tried doing workouts at home on your TV? I’ve gone through a few phases of doing this and it’s worked well.

Original poster
platinumplus · 27/12/2023 17:08

Christmassss · 27/12/2023 17:03

Have you tried doing workouts at home on your TV? I’ve gone through a few phases of doing this and it’s worked well.

Yes but I just can't be bothered and then sometimes when I am in the middle of it and it's getting a bit difficult, it's very easy to just sit down on the sofa 😅

I also wanted something I could do with my son so we can hold each other accountable. He won't do online workouts.

OP posts:
Original poster
platinumplus · 27/12/2023 17:09

MintJulia · 27/12/2023 17:02

I joined ParkRun and joined a martial arts class.

The nice thing about ParkRun is I get it out of the way early on Saturday and can then concentrate on my weekend. 🙂

Sounds great but I am so so unfit it would be ParkWalk.

OP posts:
EmpressaurusOfCats · 27/12/2023 17:09

Is your son old enough to go to a gym with you?

Original poster
platinumplus · 27/12/2023 17:10

EmpressaurusOfCats · 27/12/2023 17:09

Is your son old enough to go to a gym with you?

Yes

OP posts:
MintJulia · 27/12/2023 17:12

OP. You can take your ds in his buggy on ParkWalk.

EmpressaurusOfCats · 27/12/2023 17:18

platinumplus · 27/12/2023 17:10

Yes

Show quote history

Maybe see if your local one offers a free induction with a trainer? I’ve had 3 months with mine now & I'm actually starting to see more muscle & less fat - which gives me more incentive to keep going.

Original poster
platinumplus · 27/12/2023 17:19

MintJulia · 27/12/2023 17:12

OP. You can take your ds in his buggy on ParkWalk.

It's ok he's 15 I'll leave the buggy at home 😆

OP posts:
Christmassss · 27/12/2023 17:21

OP you and your DC could take it it in turns to run around the park with the other one in the buggy.

EmpressaurusOfCats · 27/12/2023 17:34

Christmassss · 27/12/2023 17:21

OP you and your DC could take it it in turns to run around the park with the other one in the buggy.

Brilliant idea!

MrsFionaCharming · 27/12/2023 17:44

I’d join a gym, and have a few sessions with a personal trainer so they can design a plan for you. I find I’m much more motivated to go to the gym, and achieve more if I have a set plan to follow.

ChocolateCakeOverspill · 27/12/2023 17:53

Could you stretch to a peloton? I’ve tried gym and home workouts and struggled to be consistent with both. peloton was a game changer

WhatsitWiggle · 27/12/2023 17:56

Gym and personal trainer has made me far more accountable than I ever managed at home. Although the walking pad means I can get my steps in even on the horrible-weather days.

PieAndLattes · 27/12/2023 18:03

If you are very unfit I wouldn’t spend money on a gym - yet. As a first step into fitness I’d commit to 5000 steps a day and then up it over the course of about 5-6 weeks to 10,000 steps a day - every day. Get up 40 minutes early, put your trainers on, and just walk. Once you have successfully done that you will feel much better and will be feeling progress. If you can commit to that then you will likely be able to commit to a gym. The reason I’m saying hold off on the gym is that everyone joins in January and gets discouraged if they don’t see immediate results and end up wasting hundreds of pounds because they’re locked into a year contract.

Start to get results first with a low commitment, low impact, exercise first, and then take it from there. Get yourself a trainer for a few weeks if you do join, just to make sure you’re using the equipment properly and safely, and to help you set some goals. I wouldn’t bother with home equipment unless you’re prepared to spend a lot of money - the gym equipment is better quality, more robust, and easier to use.

Original poster
platinumplus · 27/12/2023 18:03

ChocolateCakeOverspill · 27/12/2023 17:53

Could you stretch to a peloton? I’ve tried gym and home workouts and struggled to be consistent with both. peloton was a game changer

Possibly..... what was different about it that made you more motivated?

OP posts:
Original poster
platinumplus · 27/12/2023 18:06

PieAndLattes · 27/12/2023 18:03

If you are very unfit I wouldn’t spend money on a gym - yet. As a first step into fitness I’d commit to 5000 steps a day and then up it over the course of about 5-6 weeks to 10,000 steps a day - every day. Get up 40 minutes early, put your trainers on, and just walk. Once you have successfully done that you will feel much better and will be feeling progress. If you can commit to that then you will likely be able to commit to a gym. The reason I’m saying hold off on the gym is that everyone joins in January and gets discouraged if they don’t see immediate results and end up wasting hundreds of pounds because they’re locked into a year contract.

Start to get results first with a low commitment, low impact, exercise first, and then take it from there. Get yourself a trainer for a few weeks if you do join, just to make sure you’re using the equipment properly and safely, and to help you set some goals. I wouldn’t bother with home equipment unless you’re prepared to spend a lot of money - the gym equipment is better quality, more robust, and easier to use.

I already do between 5 and 10 thousand steps a day minimum. Sometimes over 10 just in a general day without trying.
But I am too unfit to do something like parkrun or couch to 5k.

OP posts:
EmpressaurusOfCats · 27/12/2023 18:09

I wouldn’t bother with home equipment unless you’re prepared to spend a lot of money - the gym equipment is better quality, more robust, and easier to use.

Plus there’s a lot more variety to keep it interesting.

Antsinmypantsneedtodance · 27/12/2023 18:12

platinumplus · 27/12/2023 18:06

I already do between 5 and 10 thousand steps a day minimum. Sometimes over 10 just in a general day without trying.
But I am too unfit to do something like parkrun or couch to 5k.

Show quote history

If you walk 10k stes a day you're not too unfit to do c25k for parkrun.

C25k is deisgned for absolute beginners. You can reduce it if you wish so start with 30 seconds running and gradually increase and repeat weeks etc. I started c25k as a 20 stone person. Trust me its doable. Also look up the jeff galloway method.

Parkrun is also fully inclusive you do not have to run it. You can walk it. Loads do. I know people who've done over 100 and have never run once. Helps your motivation to be there among others and might inspire you to try c25k or similar and find support for it.

RockandRollers · 27/12/2023 18:14

I have a son who works out religiously from home, he is not keen on the gym.
He's been doing it two to three years now, we have a lot of equipment, he is well researched, has no injuries.
I personally cannot stand gyms, l much prefer exercising outdoors in the fresh air, l would try a gym first and see how you get on.

Original poster
platinumplus · 27/12/2023 18:16

@Antsinmypantsneedtodance I've tried C25K before and I could kind of do it but I just felt absolutely shattered afterwards, full on can't move, hit by a bus knackered. It made me give up because instead of making me feel good it was making me feel worse. I've always really struggled with outdoor running - I don't know why.

OP posts:
NuffSaidSam · 27/12/2023 18:20

Could you join an exercise class? That might help with motivation because you have to be there at a set time etc.

Or something low impact like swimming initially?

I think if motivation is low you're unlikely to use a gym membership or a home gym tbh. You need something that's either enjoyable or where someone is taking attendance!