Have you thought about cancelling your gym membership? Home gyms seem to be THE THING right now. I, personally, workout at home (or run around my neighborhood) 100 percent these days. This was a decision my husband and I came to together to initially try and save money. Then we found out we were moving and with new commutes and significantly less free time, it’s the best option for me in this stage of life.
This wasn’t a decision I took lightly. In fact I fretted over it quite a bit. This was because, a few years ago, I would NOT have been able to make it work. But I promise I tried! I bought P90X and Insanity and I was READY. But I hadn’t made the mindset shift at that point and most days, sitting on my couch was much more appealing than working out in front of it. For that reason, I got back into the gym because group classes and unlimited cardio machines were my greatest motivation. However, life is full of ebbs and flows, and as the years passed, I flowed into a different state of mind and decided to give it another go. It didn’t hurt that my in-laws had recently handed down their unused treadmill either. Do you have workout equipment collecting dust?! I’ll be glad to take it off your hands. 😉
Because driving to the gym in the dark for my early morning workout was basically second nature, I really had to take a step back and explore whether quitting the gym would be the right choice for me. I asked myself a series of questions, and there were some biggies that really helped sway my decision. I suggest asking yourself the same questions if you’re on the fence about making the switch to home workouts.
1 // Will this motivate me?
This was the biggest decider for me! I had been accustomed to trekking it to the gym each day for such a long time. When I was attending group classes regularly, it was the highlight of my day. However, after moving to start my teaching career, group classes were no longer an option. When I found myself craving the dark and quiet of my living room at 5 a.m. as opposed to a crowded a weight room, I thought it might be time for a change. I decided, yes, this DOES motivate me! I look forward to my workouts each day and love being able to walk into the next room and immediately pour myself a cup of coffee. Being fit and healthy is at the top of my priority list, regardless of if I’m working out in the living room or in a gym.
2 // Does this align with my goals?
Obviously, I don’t believe you have to have a fully equipped gym to have a great workout or get super fit. I mean, hellurrr… Melissa trained for a bikini competition completely from home using 20 lb. dumbbells! But for some people, that may be a necessity. Ask yourself if you’ll still be able to reach your goals without four different cardio machines and a squat rack at your immediate disposal. Additionally, if you’ve recently signed up for a distance race, you will soon be spending less time in the gym anyway.
3 // Do I have the right resources?
This question goes hand in hand with #2. For many people, they want specific equipment to reach specific goals. Depending on your budget, you could go all out and build an entire gym in your garage with a squat rack, olympic bars, etc. For the person who just wants to maintain fitness and be healthy for life, home gyms can be great options. I have a hand-me-down treadmill*, a few sets of dumbbells and kettlebells, and a few resistance bands. For the most part, I do the exact same workouts I did when I worked out in a gym. I’m still in great shape and I break a sweat every morning and I don’t even have to brush my teeth (although I do, I promise!).
*My husband mentioned that it would be worth asking if the significant other in your life would be willing to move your treadmill for you. 🙂 As you can imagine, moving a treadmill can be QUITE the undertaking.
I’m linking up for Wild Workout Wednesday with Nicole, Annemarie, and Jen!
Have you considered cancelling your gym membership? What was the deciding factor (or distractor) for you?
your gym classes have to work for you or it becomes more stressful than good. Sounds like you made the right move for you
You’re so right about that!!
I have a gym membership, but mostly workout at home because I have weights and do videos. I like keeping my membership for motivation and group fitness classes, it’s only $20 a month so totally worth it for me!
$20 is a fantastic value! I don’t blame you for keeping that membership!
I just set up my home gym a month or so ago!!! I need to send you pictures.
Yes, you do! I would love to see it!!
I really prefer a boutique gym type experience. Luckily I have a home gym and a training studio so I don’t really have a need for a membership 🙂
I wish there were more boutique options in my area!
I prefer home workouts, but I completely understand what you’re saying. Awesome post, Jessica!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!!