Home exercise - a lonely pursuit

K

kimyenchu

Cathlete
[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON Oct-15-02 AT 06:20AM (Est)[/font][p]Hello everyone,

I would like your input regarding this dilemma I am facing.

I have been exercising at home exclusively now for a few months, ever since I left my last job and no longer had use of the free gym. As much as I love Cathe and have seen great improvements in my strength training since I started, I find it rather lonely sometimes. Therefore, I am wondering if I should join a gym for company and kinsmanship. The trouble is I don't want to pay for the gym because I don't think I would get better workouts in the gym as I would at home, but I would be exercising in company and have the opportunity to meet people who share the same interests.

Some of the other advantages of gym:

I have also started running and in the winter months I find it a bit too cold and wet to run outdoors, so maybe I could join temporarily for 3 months or so. I am also have problems with my knees so maybe a treadmill would be kinder to me.

I noticed that my local gym has a stairmaster. I would love to try the stairmaster as I heard that it's great cardio machine.

Disadvantages:

Lack of finance: definitely a big factor. I could use the money for many other things like a good facial once a month or more clothes or going more.

I don't use all the equipment, for instance, I much prefer the weight work outs I do at home.

I have joined a running club and meet with other members once a week, so I am meeting people. However, I need to run more than once a week.

I would like to hear from others who work out solely in the home and how they overcome the feeling of isolation.

Yen
 
I have always exercised at home. ( last 10+ years) I focus on the convenience of timing, the fact that I use my own shower, and can squeeze my workouts in with out any commute time. This is helpful while raising kids!

However, I do occaisionally want to have a walking buddy for a change of pace. I have been able to stick with this, because it works for me. My humble advice to you , is to use the method that YOU are going to stick with for the long haul.

If a gym is more motivating to you, try to budget it in. If it is absolutely out of the question, perhaps a few of those runners may want to gather more than once per week for a run with you?
Check in and let us know how you do. One thing about this forum, is it provides workout cyber buddies to keep in touch with!

Judy
Live by the golden rule: treat others as yourself :)
 
Hi, Yen! I know what you mean about the isolation of a strictly home-based workout program. It's good that you have joined a running club, and it's GREAT that you participate on these forums.

I'd like to offer a modest suggestion:

BECOME A GROUP FITNESS INSTRUCTOR!

Pick a group fitness class mode or two that you love, learn to instruct it and get certified in group fitness instruction, and get yourself a berth at a local fitness facility. It is NOT impossible!

I teach two aqua classes per week at a facility of a large club chain in my area, and it makes a huge difference to me. Like you, I love the sociability of the group fitness structure (understanding that I do NOT allow my participants to talk or converse at all during the workout itself, including warm-up and cooldown), and it makes the solitude of my home workouts something I actually look forward to.

I'm not sure what the certification requirements are in the UK, but I think I could steer you in a couple of directions if you'd like to think about going that route. The opportunities in London have to be awesome!

Just a suggestion -

Annette Q. Aquajock
 
Hello Annette,

I haven't done much in terms of public speaking - I rather shy away from things like. However, I do have an interest in fitness and exercise and would like to become more knowledgeable and participate in something where I could offer advice on a 1-2-1 or small group discussions. I have thought about leading an exercise class, but my voice is way too low and I much prefer the role of advisor.

I have to say that I much prefer working out with Cathe above all the exercise classes I have attended.

Yen
 
Hi Yen

Would any of your running buddies consider working out to Cathe in your home with you? I think that would be cool! I work out at home and would enjoy that but don't know of anyone that wants to do this at 6am with me!

dee c.
 
I would, but I live in a small flat and there is just enough room for one. Two or more people and the room looks crowded.

Yen
 
Yen..
I worked in a gym for seven years and really loved being there. It was where I went to workout, but also for fun. Everyone knew me there and sometimes it was even too social. However, I have no problem being rude and just putting my headphones on so in many ways it was motivational for me. I liked having real people to discuss fitness with. I liked watching all the people pretend to workout when they were really just socializing. Much more eye candy in the gym.

BUT, when I found the Firm and Cathe I quickly started thinking the gym was a waste of time. In one hour at home I felt I got a much more complete and balanced workout. No more waiting for machines!! Also, I was so into fitness that I already had dumbells and everything at home, so why go to the gym, right??

Well, either fortunately or unfortunatly, I have not decided which, I have a lifetime membership to Bally's. I either sell it at a major loss or use it. I pay yearly dues. Lately, my home workouts have been getting stale and I do miss the interaction with the people, so just to rev start my attitude, I thought I would try going back a few times a week.

For me though, I will probably only go on the weekends or something, just to use the squat rack or to run on the track. I just need a little extra oomph!!


If it motivates you and you can afford it, I say go for it. Especially if you can get a month to month. No one wants to pay for something they do not use. I notice also that I get alot of positive feedback in a gym. At work no one notices my leg muscles, but at the gym there are people that appreciate that. That is cool.

Good Luck!!

Janice
 
Wanted to add also that I have always thought about becoming a group fitness instructor as well. Seems perfect. But I think I don't have the patience oriented personality for it. I LOVE fitness and exercise, but I HATE whiners and people that just don't want to push themselves. I could see myself just yelling at a client. NOT GOOD!!

Maybe one day....

Janice
 
I agree with you about whiners. I just would not have the patient for people who knows they need to do something about their bodies, but who can't be bothered with self motivation.

I say 'No pain, no gain'.

Yen
 
RE: Group fitness instruction: a defense

It is true that there is an element among the live group fitness class participant group that whines; this is true almost anywhere. However, I've been a group fitness instructor for over five and a half years, teaching between 2-4 classes per week in addition to subbing every now and then, and I would have to say that I've encountered maybe 3 full-blown whiners in all that time.

One of the beauties of being an instructor, for me at least, is that not only do I have control over what's going to happen for the 75 minutes or so that class is in session exercise-wise, I also have a great deal of influence over the emotional tone of the class. Because I'm responsible for several others' workout experience, I have to put forth a lot of extra effort to be vigorous AND encouraging, demanding AND empowering. There's a neat boomerang effect to that: I inherit the very attitude I'm trying to convey to my class myself! Kind of like being my own best friend!

And participants do respond to a sincere, altruistic, energetic AND skilled attitude. Again, there are some miserable participants out there. But they're a minority, and you haven't lived until you've watched a person crawl into your class for the first time, gut her way through it, come back again, and again, and then make unbelievable strides in terms of performance, body composition changes and best of all - well-earned self-respect for meeting a challenge.

Becoming and being an instructor isn't easy, and it's not for everyone. But it is enormously rewarding, and makes the odd whiner pretty small potatoes.

Just my $.02 -

Annette Q. Aquajock
 
Do gyms in your area have trial memberships? Some gyms give you 2 free trial weeks. This could help you decide if it'd be worth it. You may find the classes aren't great, or it's too crowded, etc. Make sure to look at places with short memberships and no big initiation fees. YMCA's usually aren't too pricey. Some communities have fitness centers too.

I feel I get good workouts at home and the gym, but the gym keeps me from getting bored. No matter how much I enjoy Cathe and step videos, I still need to take other classes like kickboxing and spinning. Spinnning is the main reason I belong to a gym. The gym can be a pain though since it's easier to lay on the couch when it's snowing outside!

So it depends on what you feel would work for you. Make sure you join a gym with exactly what you want. Could you ask for a gym membership for Christmas??
 
I can just about afford a gym, but wanted to know what others think. I may join for a month and see how it goes. You have mentioned some good points about the gym, kickboxing and spinning. I will look further into what's availble and see how it goes.

Thanks


Yen
 
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