Almost everyone understands the benefits of exercise. It’s a great way to stay physically and mentally healthy. But, not everyone likes going to the gym. It can be intimidating, overwhelming, and expensive to hit the gym multiple times a week. The COVID-19 pandemic allowed many Americans to see that they didn’t need a gym membership to stay active and fit.
One survey found that 59% of Americans don’t plan on renewing their gym memberships in a post-pandemic world. Does that mean that everyone has given up on fitness?
Quite the opposite.
Many people have found an interest in fitness and health by working out at home. It’s something that became extremely popular (out of necessity) during the pandemic when gyms were closed. Now, thanks to technology, exercising in your living room is more appealing to many than sharing a sweaty weight machine at a public gym.
Whether you’re looking for a new way to stay fit or you’re on the fence about renewing your gym membership, let’s cover some of the biggest benefits of working out at home.
It’s Convenient
Have you ever had to wake up when it’s still dark out, avoid hitting the “snooze” button 10 times, put on your gym shoes, and drive for 20 minutes just to get to the gym before work? Or, maybe you’ve found yourself waiting for a machine in the evening when the crowds are bigger. Whatever the case, one of the drawbacks of going to the gym is the inconvenience. It can take a lot of time and motivation to even show up, and you might not be able to participate the way you want to.
Working out at home couldn’t be more convenient, especially if you set up a dedicated space for it.
Having a workout space is beneficial in its own way. Whether you’re able to transform an entire room or just dedicate a section, having that specific space will make you more motivated and comfortable. You’ll enjoy benefits like:
- Never worrying about equipment availability
- Not dealing with other people’s germs
- A comfortable environment
- Privacy
- Limited excuses to get moving
Another great aspect of having a dedicated workout space is deciding the type of workouts you want to do. If you want to combine cardio and strength training, you might want a bigger space to move around. If you want to focus solely on building muscle, you can research the type of equipment you’ll need. Some of the basic items you should invest in to get started include:
- Dumbbells
- FID bench
- Workout mat
- Pullup bar
Having a dedicated space in your home – big or small – will allow you to quickly see you don’t need a gym to stay in shape. It’s exactly what so many have discovered over the past year.
It’s Budget-Friendly
The average gym membership in the U.S. costs over $500 for the first year. Those fees can drop after a full year, and there are always exceptions. But, that’s quite a bit of money to shell out when you’re trying to stay fit.
It also doesn’t take travel costs into account if your gym isn’t close by. You might also feel pressured to buy certain types of workout clothes or gear to “fit in,” or even products the gym sells. Many fitness centers push nutrition drinks/bars, as well as their own merchandise.
Working out at home is free.
Okay, that might be a stretch, but it certainly can be if that’s the route you want to go. However, even if you do invest some money into your home fitness routine, it’s going to end up being cheaper than a gym membership. You can find thousands of free workouts online, even with a simple search on YouTube. Many don’t require equipment, so you can do them anywhere in your home at no additional cost.
Even if you choose to join a membership program like Beachbody or Daily Burn, the yearly subscription cost is a fraction of what you would spend going to the gym. If you’re on a budget, there’s no reason why you still can’t stay fit.
It Can Be Exactly What You Need it To Be
When you go to the gym every day, you see the same equipment and environment. You might even see the same people, depending on when you go. After a while, that can start to feel stale and unmotivating.
When you work out at home, it’s a “choose your own adventure” experience every day. You don’t have to limit yourself to one type of routine, so you can find what works for you and consistently try new things.
Thanks to the sheer number of workout programs and videos you can follow online, you could find yourself doing something different every day, including:
- MMA/Boxing
- Yoga/Pilates
- HIIT
- Strength training
- Dance
You can even take up esports if you’ve got an athletic mind and can’t get outside or don’t have others to play with. Esports has become increasingly popular in recent years – even hosting tournaments across the country. Some of the health benefits include:
- Improved coordination
- Better balance
- Boosted self-confidence
- Improved problem-solving skills
- Better visual processing
Like any sport, though, there are some risks to consider. Even in the comfort of your home, you could get injured if you’re not careful. Wrist injuries, back and neck pain, and mental fatigue are fairly common for people who play esports frequently. Listen to your body, take breaks, and stretch before and after you play.
As you can see, working out at home can be a fun, effective, and affordable way to stay fit. If you’re feeling burnt out at the gym and you’re looking for some renewed motivation, try rethinking and repurposing a spot in your home to create a workout space you’ll be excited to use every day.