Only use treadmill

[tootoasty]

Was speaking to MIL about saving money (long story for another time)
I am member of gym which is affordable but she thinks it's a lavish luxury and She thinks it's a waste of money as I only use the treadmill (sometimes the bikes)
She feels o could get same effect from walking in nature. I do walk in nature too, with dogs but it's a more serene affair!

I'd never thought about it, my line of thinking is fitness is a good idea whatever the activity.....

I know it's none of her business and I can do what I want but i just wondered what others thought?

It depends on how you use the treadmill and bikes, I would consider them more of a workout than walking in nature

She feels o could get same effect from walking in nature.

Maybe. But would you? I don’t mind the gym, but I hate running outdoors with a passion. So I wouldn’t go - so it’s gym or no exercise. So I’d stick with it if you enjoy it.

Well I kind of agree as you can go running outside for free. If you were doing classes and weights, fair enough. But, it’s your money.

Honestly... I'd consider switching to a pure gym its £20-30 pm vs fancy gym which is £90+
And then I'd spank the difference on something nice

Treadmill is good cardio and mindless, you can watch a video and not think.
Running in nature - you have to plan a route, have to watch for cars/people/branches, have to think about where you're going and if you're doing a loop or need a turn back point. You also need to think about whether and what clothes to wear.
The gym is still a lot cheaper than buying a treadmill.

If you can afford it and enjoy it then its not a problem. I'm the opposite of a pp. I love running outside but can't bear the treadmill! We have a few local gyms overlooking the park and I'm always amazed that people would use the treadmill rather than the park on sunny/nice days (although I can sort of see the appeal in less pleasant weather. )

It does seem a waste to pay for gym membership and then only use the treadmills. Don't you get bored? If you can afford it then fine, but if you're trying to save money then she's got a point.

YABU.

I'm the same but it was only a cheap gym- £20 a month. I've bought a second hand one on eBay now for £100. I can run whenever now, don't need to worry about childcare etc.

If you can afford it then fine.

If you can’t then it would make sense to move to a basic gym as that will have what you use anyway or cancelling

I kind of agree.

Gyms can be expensive but exercise is so good for your body and mind that it's worth it if you can afforded it.

BUT if you are just walking or running on a treadmill then I think a walk or run outdoors is nicer.

Ultimately it's up to you what you do.

It depends, would you actually walk/run/cycle in nature or would the weather/parking/planning a route etc put you off? Also do you feel safer in a lit gym rather than walking in darkness in winter.

If the choice is going to gym Vs nothing because you won't actually always make it out into the great outdoors a good value gym is preferable. Especially if you like people watching/watching telly whilst you work out.

@negomi90

Treadmill is good cardio and mindless, you can watch a video and not think. Running in nature - you have to plan a route, have to watch for cars/people/branches, have to think about where you're going and if you're doing a loop or need a turn back point. You also need to think about whether and what clothes to wear. The gym is still a lot cheaper than buying a treadmill.

Just the reason I use treadmill (but at home), although I'd love the outdoor fresh feeling and breeze if not for all these extra things.

OP if you don't mind running outdoors and you need to save the money, then she has a point there. Otherwise, you can pick what gives you the most comfort.

Is MIL one of these people who always knows best?

My mother went on and on at me about my gym membership, because I only use the pool. Why didn’t I just pay for the local pool as and when? Wouldn’t that be cheaper? I was wasting my money, according to her. I explained to her again and again that, if I paid £5 a time to use the local pool once a week, it would cost me £8.20 a week including bus fares, making it nearly £33 a month - while my gym is in walking distance, is £40 a month and I can go any time I like. In one ear, out the other 🙄

Today, nature is very wet.

Yeah I agree, if that's all you do, just go for a run, it's free

@LivingLaVidaBabyShower

Honestly... I'd consider switching to a pure gym its £20-30 pm vs fancy gym which is £90+ And then I'd spank the difference on something nice

I'd assumed the OP was already attending a regular priced gym tbh.

Mine is £20/month including pool access. Bargain.

I have an off peak membership at my gym which means I can't get to the classes I would like to. So I just use the cardio machines. Now winter is coming I will also make use of the sauna steam.
I don't drive so walk a lot in my day to day life. I don't work up a sweat like I do in the gym. I hate running a outside and nothing is going to make me run outdoors in the dark, cold and wet.

I can afford it, I prefer it, and the coffee shop is nice

Running on a treadmill isn't the same (fitness wise) as 'walking in nature', but I'd second all those who say why don't you just run outside instead?! It's got to be better for you - fresh air, a mixed workout (up and down hills), the option to go off road (better for your joints), the option to turn it into a social activity if you find someone to run with, the fact you could go straight from your front door... I could go on!

Yes - it's wet today, but so what? You're going to get sweaty on the treadmill and need a shower anyway. Running in the rain can be quite liberating, and skin is waterproof, so you don't need special gear. Honestly - I'd give it (another) go. I think your MIL has a point.

I'm a gym newbie and currently just using treadmill for C25K (now on week 2!) I much prefer it to when I last did it outside a couple of years ago.I tried the machines but felt too wiped out using them alongside cardio.My aim is to get fitter gradually.If you prefer the gym then sod what mil thinks.

I hate the gym. Nature is always so much more interesting.

Do you run or walk on the treadmill, how long for and how often do you go? If you are running several miles a week there then it seems good value to me!

There's a place for both. I prefer running outside but I wouldn't be running in the dark on winter evenings.

I wouldn't cancel your membership just yet. The miserable season is coming and it will be good to be able to stay fit and healthy (and warm).

If it’s how you keep fit then it’s not lavish!

I prefer to run outside but can defo see the advantage of a treadmill in the winter. I can only run in the evenings and don’t always feel safe on my own in the dark.

It's down to personal mindsets as mentioned above.
I use the treadmill for a proper cardio work out, a walk in nature for me isn't about the exercise, it's about getting out and bumbling along at your own pace.

I use the treadmill 3 times a week and do a full body weight training workout twice a week. Some days I prefer the weights, others I prefer the cardio. Most of the time I'd rather be at home with tea and cake🤦‍♀️