Let’s face it, this day in age, there are so many options as to where you can get your workout in. From the main gym in your community, to the plethora of little boutique fitness establishments on almost every corner of every street in the world.
Working out at home has its perks. I am going to share with you my 9 top reasons why you should prefer to workout at home.
#1. Working Out in Your Home Saves TIME
Getting your workout in is already occupying a good amount of time. Time is our most precious asset and once its gone, you can’t get it back. You have to factor in getting ready to go to the gym, and that’s even if you just throw something on and go. That could take anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes to get ready depending whether you are a fashionista or not. If you are working out at home, realistically you can put something quick and comfortable on to workout in and not have to worry about “the impression,” you are giving to others.
Then you have to factor in the travel time to actually get to the gym or studio. Maybe 15 to 20 minutes there. It’s different for everyone, but it’s still Your Time.
You may have to wait for equipment or maybe the shower. And let’s not forget the socializing that comes with seeing familiar faces. I totally get it, you are a people person, and I am too! But I gotta be honest if I’m on a schedule I just want to get my workout in, and leave the chit chat to a cup of coffee or a phone call.
If you are at the gym or studio already, you gotta get home right?! Yup, tack on another 15 or so minutes there. So that roughly adds up to 45 minutes of “wasted time,” and that isn’t factoring the workout itself, which is the whole point anyway. (add the thinking emoji here!)
#2. There Isn’t Much Room for Excuses
Different barriers and excuses plague so many people when it comes to exercising. The more you reduce those barriers, the more apt you are to get your workout in. What better excuse to rid then, “I’m not able to get the gym this morning, I’m short on time, I will just get it in tomorrow.”
No, no, no… see if you are working out at home that barrier goes right out the window. This is especially true for early morning workouts, and later in the evening workouts. You are already home, the time factor and excuse of the gym becomes totally void.
#3. Childcare Issues at the Gym or Studio
This is a big one! If you have young children, you are marked to go by gym schedule childcare availability. Which many times just happens to be the busiest times at the gym. The busiest times there equal more waiting for equipment.
Let’s say you want to get your workout in before work! I’m not saying all, but from my experience childcare isn’t available at 5:30 in the morning. It’s more like 9am, when what seems like the entire world is working out. Simply, when you workout at home, you are already there, and your children are too! And 9 times out of 10 they are still sleeping! But if they are early risers it doesn’t matter, because you’re there too working out, but available if they need you. Nix that excuse!
#4. You Can Wear What You Want
Now that’s a rarity! These days there really is some amazing “athleisure,” apparel out there. Believe me, I get it too! I myself have an arsenal, and if you see me out, 9 times out of 10 I’m in a pair of my fave leggings. Or maybe 10 of 10! But at 6am when you just roll out of bed, or at 7pm when you just undressed from work, the last thing you wanna do is get fashionably dressed and head to your gym.
At home, so what if you are wearing the tank that’s a bit too snug or the pants that have a small knick in them… you’re home! You don’t have to worry about what Mrs. Jones will say if she saw you in those pants that were too small on you. No judgement… no problem. “Yup I’m home just gonna throw on this old worn out tee and get my workout in. “
#5. You’ll Feel More Comfortable
This is your chance to practice that move that your in-home trainer taught you. It looks a little funky, but with no one watching, you are home free (get the pun) practice it. I’m not saying that we shouldn’t be comfortable in front of others, by no means, I’m saying when you are home trying a new move that is somewhat awkward, there is an air of acceptance when no one else is around.
If you are new to exercise this may rain true with you. It’s daunting sometimes to walk into a large gym or even and intimate studio, with no one you know, and feel at ease.
Fear of the unknown, and what others think, is one of the top reasons why people either don’t start a program or stay consistent. No matter your ability or body type, everyone has the right to exercise, at any level for that matter, and not feel self conscious. Beginner, intermediate or advanced, we are all seeking better health in our own right. (Add an emoji here.)
#6. Less Exposure to Germs
We exercise because we want to stay healthy! Picture this you are waiting for a treadmill, the person you see has 5 minutes left, then you are next. Keep in mind you are at the gym at the busiest time. At any rate, he has been running hard, but he is done. He wipes down his machine to the best of his ability, but let’s be honest here, you hop on, and there is still sweat all over the control board and handrails. This has happened to me, and honestly after seeing that, my drive to get my run in totally dropped off. Honestly, I was completely grossed out. And remember that’s the person who wiped down his machine, what about the people who don’t?
This is just one scenario… don’t forget to bring flip flops in the shower at the gym, you could be in for some nasty foot fungus if you do! There is something to be said for showering at your home after you just got done with your run on your treadmill! Stay healthy friends!
#7. Role Model for Your Family
Let’s be honest, most people want their families to lead a healthy prosperous life. Anywhere from proper nutrition, to healthy morals and values, to a strong academic and work ethic. When your child sees Mom or Dad, for instance, working out at home, say with their trainer, the child wants to sometimes participate, or emulate what their parent is doing. Since your child is home and you are too, they see what you are doing. When kids are young, they want to be like their parents and make them proud. What better way than exercising at home, at their house. Maybe even with them.
The obesity epidemic is skyrocketing due to so much less physical activity, and more shiny tech objects to play with. From experience, my Dad was very active and worked out with us in his younger years, and that has really stuck with me as an adult. Let them see you working hard to stay healthy, chances are they are going to adopt those healthy habits and really cherish them later on!
#8. Choose Your Own Music (Motivation)
True, you can wear headphones at the gym and have it linked to your device, but it becomes tedious, headphones fall out, devices lose power, and chords can get caught on equipment. For many, music is a huge motivator and actually sets the tone for the workout in some cases. When you are taking a class it’s their music! Sorry no control there!
I myself am partial to classic rock when strength training, but enjoy techno for my cardio. I am heavy into listening to podcasts when I’m stretching or winding down. Some people are into the news, which is fine or even listening to a TV program. Whatever your jive, you have complete control over what motivates you, without that awful music blaring on the gym speakers, while you are trying to listen to your headphones.
#9. Little to No Distractions
Running into your hairdresser at your house? Probably not unless you invited her to join you. Your buddy who is super cool, but talks to your more than he works out? Doubt it! It’s great to see everybody, but when you are on a specific schedule and time frame (like I mentioned in the beginning) you want to be able to actually get your workout in! When you start small talk, your workout falls to the wayside, and you may not get as effective workout in as you would if you were home, focused, and distraction-free. Your children may need you, but by not heeding to childcare times at the gym and driving there, you are still saving time. (smile emoji)
There is no waiting for equipment. You need as much mental focus as possible especially when lifting because it puts stress on the central nervous system. Focus is key ineffective workouts. The waiting game is time-consuming and simply not conducive to getting it done.
Plus it’s you time! You time is so precious, and this may be the only YOU TIME you have! Maximize it. Relish in it!
So there you go, 9 reasons to get those workouts in at the house! Home is Where the Health is!