Home fitness isn't new. Although gyms (or something like them) have been around more than 3000 years, they've never been accessible (or desirable) to everyone.
In the modern media age, Jack LaLanne was bringing fitness into the home via television starting in the 1950s. More recently, endless infomercials have touted exercise programs on DVDs and "fitness" equipment (almost all of it a rip-off, but that's another post) for home use.
There are plenty of advantages to exercising at home. Here are some of them.
- It's an easy commute. You don't have to check the weather, pack up your things, fight traffic, find parking, etc.
- You can train any time of the day (that you're home, of course) including multiple times per day. It can be much easier to fit three 10-minute sessions into a day than one 30-minute session for example.
- Wear whatever you want. If you like snazzy training outfits for your Instagram posts, go for it. If you prefer tattered shorts and a really-should-be-laundered t-shirt, hey, it's your house. If you get hot, feel free to shed clothing at will. (Just be aware of any uncurtained windows.)
- Pick your own entertainment. You can play your favorite music without headphones! Or do aerobic training while watching your favorite TV programs. (I've watched every episode of "Perry Mason" on DVD while treadmilling. Most more than once.)
- Save money. You can spend as much or as little as you want on home equipment. Beyond that, there are no monthly fees! (Big-box gym business models count on most members not showing up.)
- No embarrassment about your body composition or fitness level. No one's watching (obligatory window warning here). This goes back to being able to wear what you want but also lets you do what you want without concern for judgemental fools critically observing your form or strength (or lack of either). And you don't have to worry about any unwanted attention from roving pick-up artists.
- No jerks. No unwanted advice or (ahem) attention. No grunting, yelling, singing, or profanity (other than your own, if you want). No one else leaving equipment laying around. No one crowding into your personal space. No unpleasant body odors. In short, no one bothering you!
- The equipment is always available. No waiting for someone to finish using the only squat rack or other equipment. And no equipment surprises, like getting on a machine that doesn't work properly.
- Hygiene! All the germs are yours. Any sweat on a mat is yours. When you're done, use a shower that is yours. You get the idea.
You can probably think of more.
Home training isn't for everyone. Some people are motivated by the gym setting. Group exercise classes can provide social and psychological support, motivation, and accountability. But home and gym training are not mutually exclusive. If desired, you can do both!
As for the support, motivation, and accountability, StrongFast Fitness can help with that at home along with providing a training plan to meet your fitness goals. Just sayin'.
One thing that is not a valid concern about home training is a lack of equipment or space. Sure you can fill an entire basement with thousands of dollars worth of equipment (which took me decades to accumulate). But you can also start with nothing more than your living room. There are plenty of fitness activities you can do with little or no equipment: yoga, Zumba, Pilates, thousands of bodyweight exercises, etc. Start with what you have and go from there. And as mentioned above, you can always mix in some outside training, too.
Are you ready to start exercising at home? I am: my Blitz has rowing scheduled for today. Here I go!
Be seeing you.
-gary