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Pros and cons to each one of these, and in the end it all depends on what your goals are. I find that examining the challenges that each present for long term commitment is a better way to figure out which is right for you, since the goal is to create a new lifestyle, a habit, and anything that impedes that formation should be carefully considered or avoided.

In the end, what you need to decide is which of these two you can best commit to, which one will heighten the odds of your continuously working out, and let that be the deciding factor.

First, quick rundown of the benefits provided by a gym. A wide array of expensive equipment and free weights. Professional staff that can assist you or provide personal trainers or cardio classes if you are so inclined. The opportunity to people watch while you are working out. A monetary commitment that may induce you to keep going so as to not have wasted your money.

The cons are subtle, but powerful. You have to drive there, and often that very commute can be enough over time to dissuade you from going. Sometimes the ambience is annoying, due to either a kind of crowd that can be off-putting, annoying music, incompetent staff, or unwanted attention from others when you’re trying to focus on your workout. Read the rest of this entry »