The long-standing debate of home versus gym workouts is settled right here and now.
There are literally TONS of reasons to work out. A consistent exercise routine’s health and fitness benefits are too many to be ignored.
We all want to look and feel better, of course. We would like our bodies to function properly. That’s a no-brainer, right? Plus, stress management and mental health support are important and added benefits of regular exercise.
So, do you think you must join a gym to reap the benefits of working out? Nope!
While gyms are great, offering equipment and classes as part of a membership, not every person feels comfortable in that type of setting. Plus, the cost of a membership or purchasing sessions with a personal trainer is just not in the budget.
The monthly cost of gym memberships in the US ranges from $10–80, not including the usual initiation fee, or annual fees/dues required. It largely depends on the type of gym you are considering, as many have tiers involving more perks for more money.
Considering a local yoga or Pilates studio? Consistency is key for any exercise plan, and buying a multi-class pass is the most beneficial way to attend. Single classes start at $15, while group classes and multi-class passes can run $100+. So, there we are again spending more money than we would like just to get healthier.
Solutions are usually closer to home than we think.
Being low on funds is no fun. That fact does not need to limit your health and fitness potential. You can exercise right in your own home, which is both beneficial and practically free.
YouTube is a great resource to find fitness instructors and/or personal trainers that offer free content in the form of videos. Some ask that you subscribe to their channel, as with any social media-based site, the more followers (and views) you acquire the better it is for the creator.
Another access tool for at-home workouts is through your cable TV provider’s On Demand service or if you have a smart TV via apps.
There is a grey area here regarding fees. If you already subscribe to Netflix or Amazon Prime for example, then you have access to “free” fitness videos of all types. While technically not free because you pay for that application or streaming service already, it is not an additional fee to watch exercise videos.
Top 3 home workouts for whole-body fitness.
Pilates, HIIT-style workouts, and yoga are the best types of exercises to achieve whole-body fitness results, are all performed with minimal to no equipment, and they involve every muscle group.
Pilates
Pilates is a series of exercises created by Joseph Pilates, that incorporates controlled, precise movements and breathwork in a system designed to engage the body and mind. For a little more in-depth look at the basics and benefits of Pilates, click here.
It is easily performed at home, requiring only a mat (about $20) and an instructor. As stated above, YouTube is the easiest, most affordable place to find a Pilates instructor and class in which to participate.
Vetting instructors and classes that meet your needs can be a trial-and-error process, but at least you’re getting a workout in at the same time!
HIIT workouts
HIIT is an acronym for High-intensity interval training. HIIT workouts are characterized by alternating high-intensity exercises with short periods of lower-intensity exercises or rest. To learn more about why you should try HIIT, click here.
Virtual classes right in your own home are as easy as Googling HIIT videos or searching On Demand. There are endless options for HIIT workouts that you can do with your own body weight, but if you want some variety, resistance bands or dumbbells are simple to order through Amazon for $15–30.
Yoga
Yoga is an ancient and complex practice, rooted in Indian philosophy. It began as a spiritual practice but has become popular as a way of promoting physical and mental well-being.
In the US we have adopted many versions of yoga as a means of attaining and maintaining fitness. The breathwork involved is a bonus to improving health since breathing has been studied and found to be helpful in stress reduction.
The mind-body connection aspect of yoga draws folks who want the benefits of using their entire body for exercise as well as feeling centered after practicing this discipline. Doing this in your home space where you feel comfortable creates the perfect setting.
Online class options via streaming services or pre-recorded videos for yoga range from simple flow to more robust “power” yoga, as it’s termed now. If one were to attend in-studio yoga classes, one would likely spend $15 per class. Like Pilates, multiple class passes are usually offered for 5 or 10 classes with prices of $100+.
Pilates, HIIT-style workouts, and yoga are the best types of exercises to achieve whole-body fitness results, are all performed with minimal to no equipment, and they involve every muscle group.
In Summary
Exercising at home can be more cost-effective for someone on a budget, than buying a gym membership. Small purchases of basic equipment, i.e. mats, resistance bands, or weights, can be made if desired. Subscription fees may apply if the free content is not what you prefer.
Home workouts can also be as effective as the gym if performed consistently and the types of workouts involve the entire body. The best and most advantageous options that involve whole-body benefits are Pilates, HIIT, and yoga.
Admittedly, finding the perfect class or stream is very individual and may take several trials but the bonuses outweigh the drawbacks in this case because while you are testing them out, you are exercising!
