why a gym?

larryone

hi,
something i've been curious about for a while is why people bother with going to a gym? i'm not criticising people who do, i just dont really understend what it is one can gain from going to a gym that's worth it for the incredibly horrendous price most of them seem to be advertising as "great value". I have a bicycle, and try to cycle most places i go, andn sometimes go up th emountings on it. I reckon that takes care of alot of my aerobic and cardio stuff.... I also do rock climbing and caving, which is great strength building exercise and again good cardio.
the expense my exercise incurs versus how much going toa gym would cost is a pretty big difference, and i get to see part of the otside world instead of 4 white walls, black weight bearing contraptions and sweaty people everywhere...

WHY GYM?

Mr E

Not all of us are rock climbers or cyclists.

Gavin

I cycle into college. Go for a jog on the treadmill in the gym and then a swim in the pool in the gym. It's handy. The treadmill measures me heart rate, time running, speed etc. Handy.

I don't weight train, but I'd imagine that for people that do, it's cheaper to use a gym than buy the equipment themselves ? A gym will also offer ,supposedly, professionals to advise you.

Gav

daveirl

This post has been deleted.

Running Bing

I never use the gym myself but I can understand why people do. different people have different fitness goals and some can only be achieved by going to the gym. Also did you ever consider some people might actually enjoy going to the gym?

Sangre

I like, totally agree larryone!
I just run everywhere and use rocks for weights and wrestle bears for core power! Its sooo cheap!
Who needs a car, I run everywhere!

I've sold my house aswell, its sooo much cheaper living in a hut in a field!
Computers? Forget it! Telegraphs to internet cafes all the WAY!

kasintahan

I like a routine, ordered and consistent feel to my workout - helps me relax and ensures that nothing can distract me like weather, or cold. I cycle to college so I get enough of that kind of punishment as is.

Also they have weighs and machines that I can't afford nor have the room for.

tman

i was all set to start going to the gym recently, until i sat down and actually put some thought into my motives for going;

1 - get my fitness up to a normal level for somone my age (22)
i get out of breath these days after little more than a brisk walk
but for this i might as well just start going swimming again.
a couple of sessions a week where i do more than just chillax in the jacussi would do me the world of wonders.

2 - bulk up a bit.
i used to have a bit of a complex over my skinnyness (prolly still do to a lesser extent). i've been considering changing my diet to put on a stone or so. but when i actually stopped to think about it, i'm well within the healthy bmi scale. i was blessed with an overly effective metabolism, i shouldn't be abusing it.

2.2 - put on some muscle.
**** that tbh! i'm happy enough with the way i'm coming along after doing a few press ups every day for the past couple of months.

3 - get out a bit more and meet people.
sure, most of the people i'm gonna meet are high maintainance women and meatheads... people i can do without knowing.
(i'm over generalizing there - i know a few peeps that go regularly and i wouldn't class them as either of the above)

4 - something to do together with the flatmate.
lived with him for over a year now and i don't think he's picked up a joypad and challenged me to a game once.
getting drunk together seems like a wiser activity tbh

think i'll give it a miss

Easygainer

This is why

Stark

*vomit*

BrianD3

It is a valid question. I notice in this forum 90% of what is posted about gyms is negative stuff and complaints
-there aren't enough/any free weights
-the machines are crap/badly maintained/broken
-the dumbbells are too light
-the staff are clueless
-certain exercises are frowed upon
-other users hog the equipment
-other user have poor gym etiquette
-mocking of people's abilities by other users
-expensive membership
-gyms who won't give a refund if you cancel membership
-stuff getting stolen in locker rooms, problems with locks
-the inconvenience of getting to and from the gym. Problems with car parking

No thanks. I think I'll exercise at home. I have limited equipment but have made reasonable gains in terms of fitness, strength etc. I don't have to put up with any of the above problems and can exercise whenever I want in the comfrot of my own home or outside. I get a lot of enjoyment out of it and when you enjoy something motivation is not a problem. If I wanted to really get heavily into it I could splash out on more equipment. A good rower and a power rack would be nice But it's not essential to spend big amounts of money on equipment. Take something like a skipping rope - an extremely cheap but effective cardio workout.

Of course the home gym option is not really on for many people esp those living in rented accommodation or apartments. I'd say this is one major reason why people join gyms. The other is probably motivation, some people probably get extra motivation from being in an environment where lots of other are exercising. The presence of a swimming pool in most leisure centres would be another big attraction for many people. Finally, there's usually a few hot chicks in gyms to check out/perve at

Transform

I have trained almost all of my clients out doors or in my house when the weather is bad and they have all gotten great results e.g. one client going from 33% Body fat to her lowest of 17.8% in 16months!

However, i personally love going to the gym for the structure and fact that i need the heavier weights. Also i like a good spinning class in westwood followed by a stretch and finally a sauna.

With the rates of obesity in this country spiraling out of control i would be happy if people just did ANY form of exercise.

irlirishkev

The gym is as much a part of my life at this stage as going to work during the day, or seeing my mates at the weekend.

I wouldn't have the motivation to do anything outside the gym, and I also use weights up there, which (like another poster said) I wouldn't have space for, or be able to afford. There's also a big difference between running on a treadmill and running on cement/grass/sand..

It's a pastime as much as anything else. I go three times a week. Some people play football, some people play golf, some go to they gym. I don't think there's any big mystery behind it.

K.

seamus

The main thing I find is that it allows me to do these things and vary my exercises without having to go anywhere. If I wanted to do a 3-mile jog followed by a 5-mile cycle, for example, I'd have to jog 1.5miles, come back, get a bike, cycle 2.5 miles, come back, etc.

It just makes sense (particularly for me, I go before work, across the road from work) to use a gym.

mcguiver

I run, swim, canoe and rockclimb!!
The great thing about my gym is it's only a few minutes away for me....If I see something worth watching on T.V. I go run on a threadmill, watch tv, then home again..

How many times have you wasted a night watchin rubbish etc.

The weather is also a major factor, plus if you are in a gym you quickly learn what times to avoid for machines to be free etc.
Plus if your into rock climbin its well worth a visit to Westwood (assuming your in Dublin), they have a nice indoor wall, good crew of instructors, and they change the routes regularly, good overhang etc.

Manach

Personally once I have paid a year's fee to a gym, it a strong motivation to go often to get my money's worth - and incidently get excercised.

Also, I regard home as a place of relaxation(TV, books etc), apart from some light juggling.

rasherboy

i find that when you are in a gym you do more work! i am a seriously competative person and if i see someone lifting more then me..i work twice as hard to get as strong as him! and there is always someone stronger then you! i think gyms are great for motivation! and not many people have all the equipment at home! or want to use a pool....or if you are playing sports like rugby you may need things like suat rack or whatever because althought running and cycling are great they dont allow for things like power lifting etc...

Attol

I had a gym membership once... Bad memories. I went at first and then just lost interest. It cost a lot(Crunch Dun Laoghaire) and was a total waste. I now just do my own exercises. I try to walk everywhere which is not always voluntary seeing as I don't have a car and my estate is on the outskirts of my town so a good 20 minute walk to the bus, train, shops, everything. Not that much but it does add up especially if you try walk faster than usua when going anywhere. Other than that I use my brother's trampoline and do random exercises and am getting so much fitter than I was when I was a member of a gym, plus I can afford to spend money on more useful things. It's just a matter of discipline in my opinion.

rasherboy

people seem to like ignore the facts that for sports like rugby or boxing or any serious physical sport you need gym equipment!!! you need to develop certain muscles for the sport that you cant without it!!

as for people saying you dont need a gym for fitness...mabey not for a general fitness but if ur into sports you do! and also pleatny of gyms have things like pools or saunas or steam rooms...even hairdressers in some!!

Funkstard

Could you and your self-righteous BS please leave stage left. Cheers.

tk123

rasherboy wrote:

and there is always someone stronger then you! i think gyms are great for motivation!

On the flip side there is always going to be somebody worse than you too so thats what motivates me!!

Musashi

A set of half decent Olympic weights costs an average years Gym Membership,
unless you go IronMind and full Olympic Spec.?
A good squat rack will set you back two years gym membership.
Some smaller weights and bars is a nominal fee really!
So ,worst case for four years Gym Membership fees ,you own a weights setup the envy of most serious powerlifting gyms.
I can't see a down side once you got the room, and after buying our house I do! So I am planning on buying my own gym and training how I like when I like!
I know I suck,but it's my house !

CathalMc

Interesting arguments for and against the gym so far. Personally it's the motivation factor of the gym as discussed by a few people, you go to the gym to work out, and once thats it, you can leave and the session is over. I've some assorted weights at home, that originally were to be the start of my home gym but I found it was far more difficult to get stuck into a regular routine at home and particularly to stay focussed. So now the home kit is relegated to back up for days when I get home from the gym with the niggling feeling theres a few more bench presses left in me

rasherboy

Funkstard wrote:

Could you and your self-righteous BS please leave stage left. Cheers.

me? em im not being self righteous!! dud e go back and learn the meanings of words before you come and start using them on people!!

nesf

rasherboy wrote:

me? em im not being self righteous!! dud e go back and learn the meanings of words before you come and start using them on people!!

Actually, you are are being self righteous mate.

I did kickboxing for years and boxing for years and I got on fine without doing specific weight training in a gym (where I was living, the nearest gym was over 30 miles away, and I didn't drive).

Fitness good, gym good, but making out that someone who doesn't go to the gym doesn't care about thier fitness or can't effectively do sports?

Simply put, you don't have a clue about what you are talking about.

Funkstard

rasherboy wrote:

me? em im not being self righteous!! dud e go back and learn the meanings of words before you come and start using them on people!!

I was referring to the thread author

rasherboy

i done kickboxing for 3 years! and i was told that to be good you need to build up muscles! and you do need weights to build up most muscles powerfully it can be done other ways but the time consumption is immense in comparison

anyone can play sports but do you no of anyone who reached a professional level without gym work? golfers soccer players hurley...gaelic...etc.. use gyms! i personaly cant think of any physical sport that to reach a high level in you do not need a gym for!(not saying there isnt but i cant think of any!correct me if im wrong!)

rasherboy

Funkstard wrote:

I was referring to the thread author

oh sorry! mistake!!!

nesf

rasherboy wrote:

i done kickboxing for 3 years! and i was told that to be good you need to build up muscles! and you do need weights to build up most muscles powerfully it can be done other ways but the time consumption is immense in comparison

Hmm. I agree with you to an extent. As we've both said weights aren't the only way to build the necessary muscle, a good exercise routine in the morning can do it.

It's just a hell of a lot easier to do it with weights. It's just not always an option for people.

I did however notice it took far less time to get into the shape necessary via the weights option.

I just misinterpreted your post, I thought you were saying that one couldn't do it outside of a gym and outside of weights training. When in fact we seem to share similar opinions.

rasherboy

nesf wrote:

Hmm. I agree with you to an extent. As we've both said weights aren't the only way to build the necessary muscle, a good exercise routine in the morning can do it.

It's just a hell of a lot easier to do it with weights. It's just not always an option for people.

I did however notice it took far less time to get into the shape necessary via the weights option.

I just misinterpreted your post, I thought you were saying that one couldn't do it outside of a gym and outside of weights training. When in fact we seem to share similar opinions.

nah its cool i just didnt explain it very well! ill be clearer next time!

Easygainer

OK, here's the way I see it since I've trained from both points of view.

At home, you get the basic meat and potatoes workout. This was good for me starting out as it instilled a sense of the importance of basing a workout around compound free weights movements - in a home gym with only adjustable dumbells it doesn't make sense to do drop sets and supersets. I built a good core of strength this way, but my physique was bulky and unrefined - a lot to do with diet also.

Then I joined a gym. Only at this stage could I hit my full body - a major problem with home gyms is the lack of equipment. Take back, for instance. Without a chinning bar, all I could do were rows. Thankfully I have low lat insertions but I'm still missing that bit of strength in chins I would have if I'd started in a gym. Also, when you train, your nervice system tires throughout the workout. When working with free weights, this means your balance goes towards the end meaning less weight lifted and higher risk of injury. In a gym, I simply throw the cables and machines at the end so I can push 110% right to the end of the workout.

Also, in a good gym, there's enough equipment that you can vary your workouts. Not only does this make workouts more interesting, but it applies the stress to the muscles in a different way, meaning you can make gains constantly and always "feel the burn". For instance, if dumbell flyes aren't cutting it for me, I can just take a bench between the cable crossovers and innovate. Great burn in same muscles form different angles. You don't have this freedom at home.

Compare the situation to a library and home. If I base my study on one large textbook, I'll have one aspect down pat. But if I had a library with 3 textbooks I'd see the same topic 3 ways and have a far greater depth of knowledge. Same thing here - a home gym can only take you so far - and even if that's as much as 80% of your potential, I couldn;t settle for that. That's why I hit the gym.

nikki_252

I don't think I would feel I was getting enough of a cardio workout just by cycling and walking every place. Sometimes ya just need to sweat it out on treadmill

Also when I know I have to go to the gym, for some reason I find it a lot easier to get off my ass and go,then in 2 hours I am done, showered and home. For some reason getting myself out on the road for a run, or lifting weights/ doing exercise at home is much more difficult. It probably has to do with being in "exercise mode" when I am going to the gym.
Hmmmm I dunno if that made sense

FX Meister

How hard do you climb larryone? Maybe if you trained in a gym it would boost your climbing ability. Many people use gyms as a way to cross train. You can't climb outdoors all the time with our weather.

nesf

Easygainer wrote:

OK, here's the way I see it since I've trained from both points of view.

At home, you get the basic meat and potatoes workout. This was good for me starting out as it instilled a sense of the importance of basing a workout around compound free weights movements - in a home gym with only adjustable dumbells it doesn't make sense to do drop sets and supersets. I built a good core of strength this way, but my physique was bulky and unrefined - a lot to do with diet also.

Then I joined a gym. Only at this stage could I hit my full body - a major problem with home gyms is the lack of equipment. Take back, for instance. Without a chinning bar, all I could do were rows. Thankfully I have low lat insertions but I'm still missing that bit of strength in chins I would have if I'd started in a gym. Also, when you train, your nervice system tires throughout the workout. When working with free weights, this means your balance goes towards the end meaning less weight lifted and higher risk of injury. In a gym, I simply throw the cables and machines at the end so I can push 110% right to the end of the workout.

Also, in a good gym, there's enough equipment that you can vary your workouts. Not only does this make workouts more interesting, but it applies the stress to the muscles in a different way, meaning you can make gains constantly and always "feel the burn". For instance, if dumbell flyes aren't cutting it for me, I can just take a bench between the cable crossovers and innovate. Great burn in same muscles form different angles. You don't have this freedom at home.

Compare the situation to a library and home. If I base my study on one large textbook, I'll have one aspect down pat. But if I had a library with 3 textbooks I'd see the same topic 3 ways and have a far greater depth of knowledge. Same thing here - a home gym can only take you so far - and even if that's as much as 80% of your potential, I couldn;t settle for that. That's why I hit the gym.

Good post.

If you are thinking of doing a lot of weight training, then it can be a good idea to join a gym. Unless you have stupid amounts of cash to spend, you will be restricted by your equipment at home, and it's easier to get someone to spot you in a gym. Also if you lift big amounts, it could be very expensive getting the equipment you will need.

But for someone who only wants cardio and maybe some light weight work, then a home gym is probably the best option. Your gym membership for one year can probably cover at least one piece of equipment to sate your cardio needs, and a light barbell set is cheap.


Personally I fall in between. At the moment I'm only returning to the gym after a long absense from any serious training (bout 5 years). So I doubt I'll be really getting value out of going to a gym for quite a while. I won't be hitting the heavy weights for quite a while, depending on my progress. But I love variety in my workouts, and the wide variety of equipment really makes it easier to while away and hour or two doing cardio in my experience.

But I always have found it easier to focus in a gym. I can just put in some headphones and listen to some of my music and just grind away the hours needed to build my fitness back up. Also I like being able to have my mind free when I exercise. I find running or cycling on the road too distracting (live in the city centre).

Also, my gym is literally across the road from my house, so it's not exactly out of my way or anything.

Lord Nikon

I go to the gym to build muscle. I'm not going to lose weight because i am blessed with a high metabolism, and I can eat as much ****e as I like.

I have a gym in work, so it costs me nothing to go. I certainly wouldn't pay to go to a gym, because I don't have much desposable income to splash out.

The main reason I started was the fact that the food in work is dire. I'd rather do a few weights, have a shower and a nice healthy sambo, than eat a place a greasy chips with curry sauce.

Now don't get me wrong, curry chips are fair good.

GreeBo

Easygainer wrote:

This is why

Thats a mightily small thong on that man, almost too small.

rubadub

The "waste of money" motivation is try for a lot, they are so expensive that people need to give themselves a good excuse to miss a session, while if you have gym equipment at home it seems to be no loss to give it a miss.

But I know a few people who go and never use weights or specialist equipment. What I find stupid is people who will drive 2 miles to the gym, jog 4 miles on a threadmill, and drive home 2 miles again. I would rather run in the local park than on a threadmill.

My mate plays GAA at a decent club level, goes to a gym, trains at the club, yet gets taxis everywhere, and thinks it is crazy that I would spend 20-30mins walking to the pub.

I cycle almost everywhere now, it is faster these days in dublin. I get to work faster by about 5mins, and home faster by about 15-20mins than I would in a car. I am cycling for about 60mins a day. The person driving would spend 80mins in the car and when they get home they may spend 60mins excercising! a waste of time and money (on the car), we both would do as much excercise but I have 80mins more spare time at the end of the day

joc_06

With a bit of ingenuity i spose you could avoid the gym entirely but for olympic lifts.
Tyre Flipping i spose could take the place of squats and deadlifts. Pushups and their variants would take care of flat bench. Glute ham raise, hyper extensions can be done using a partner.

I use the gym so i can know how much im lifting, how much im lifting etc in a warm dry environment.
Try doing my program without a gym. not possible really.