The Gym or Running?

[cherry1012]

Hi my daughter starts
School in a week and is going to do mornings so I have 2 hours to exercise 3-4 days a week..I want to lose weight and tone up, I'm 3 stone overweight, what would you recommend the best to do , join a gym or start running? X

Both good...

If you join the gym you'll have variety in what cardio you can do but obviously it comes at a monthly fee.

It's horses for courses. Sometimes I run on the treadmill but quite enjoy uphill walking on a treadmill. I can listen to music, watch the news or watch something on iPlayer. Plus the gym you can do strength training. Some people also enjoy the classes.

I had gym phobia for ages and wouldn’t join a gym. DH has been a member of one for over a year but couldn’t get me to go with him.

I used to do all my workouts at home using different YouTube videos (I really recommend Be Fit and Fitness Blender channels by the way) and I started running over the summer and love it.

However, I finally joined the gym last month and I really like it! The reason I joined is because I enjoy running but I’m worried about what to do over winter - when it’s frosty will I slip? It gets dark early - will I be safe? So I’ll feel safer running at the gym.

I like using the spin bike too as running is high impact and I worry about injury. The gym is also great for using the weights (weight lifting is great for fat loss).

gym. you can run inside or use other cardio equipment, freeweights and machines. most gyms have classes aswell which would be good for weightloss.

I prefer running as only need a sports bra and trainers otherwise it is free- you properly sweat and feel it in your muscles whereas you can just faff around at the gym .
Also with running it's a great opportunity to get outdoors in the colder months when you can easily get stuck indoors all the time

I've always done both.
Since I've had dc's one or two classes a week and a parkrun.

I chose running, because it was mist flexible and the easiest to fit in.

But exercise didn't do much if anything for weight loss - that came about by changing how I ate (less, basically) - but I am much stronger and feels heaps better for it.

Running is miles cheaper and getting out doors is good for you, but to lose weight well, shape up and look after yourself long term you need some resistance/weights training as well which a gym Is good for, although can be done at home. Gym also good if you need motivation ( classes) or structure or advise. Gym is also good if you are prone to injury as you can vary the activity.

It depends what you want to achieve! Running is great for your cardio fitness, as well as overall toning. At the gym, yes you can run on the treadmill (although that's really dull IMVHO!), but there are other types of exercise for other fitness, e.g. weight/resistance training for muscle development.

But - the best way to lose 3 stones is to focus on your diet. As the expression goes, 'you can't outrun a bad diet'!

Whichever you think you are most likely to stick too and enjoy!

I am a runner but do use the gym too (not enough!)

Join the gym and lift heavy weights. That is all that worked for me to lose weight and tone up. Make sure you get a good induction session or at least one personal trainer session to learn what to do and get a programme.

I prefer the gym especially classes. My children are a bit older now so no school run to do but then I would drop at school then do a class or two. I still prefer morning classes now. Our gym is really friendly and we all support each other and if you miss your regular class often someone will ask where you've been 🤣. With lots of us admitting we've had a better offer that morning or had a late night and cba etc!!

2 hours of free time isn't loads when you're factoring in driving somewhere, getting changed, showered etc. If all you'll have is 2 hours, I'd start running outside. But I've not been a gym member for years - we have a treadmill at home if I don't want to be outside (although I don't do very much running at all), and I have a few various hand weights that I can use at home (another rec for Fitness Blender).

i think its important to do both. running is high impact, so you might want to add some weight training to gain muscle and protect your joints.

also, muscle burns calories at rest so the more you have the more you burn

If you do take up running, try Couch to 5k. And join one of the MN threads on it for encouragement & company!

As a PP said, if you have a two hour time slot and you faff around and don't leave as soon as you can, you might find that you don't have enough time to get to the gym, work out, stretch, shower, get changed and get back again in the time and so you end up not going. On the other hand, you might be the sort of person who will feel guilted into going to the gym if you're paying for it, whereas running outside is free so you feel less guilty if you don't go.

Why don't you try running outside to begin with? Start a programme like C25K and see how you get on with it. Some people find that they get addicted and after a few weeks they feel they have to get outside and run. It becomes an essential part of your routine and you start to enjoy it.

You should also watch your diet and do some strength training. I would download the MyFitnessPal app to start counting your calories and maybe get some fitness DVDs like Davina or Jillian Michaels and a couple of light dumbells so you can do resistance workouts at home.

The added benefit of joining a gym would be classes - a lot of the classes during the day tend to be aimed at retired people so are a good place to start and not like waking into a room full of totally buff folks exercising after work ime xx

Running if you're on a budget, have good self-discipline, and don't mind doing it on your own.
Gym if budget is generous and you prefer to have classes for variety, company and/or motivation.

Enjoy!

Some of the 'retired' in our classes are super fit!
I like a class as you have to book and it's all scheduled in but with going for a run I have to motivate myself.

I do a mix of running and classes as they have different benefits and reduces injury risk.