The "working out at home" thread has me curious

M

Maximus

Cathlete
Many of you have said you don't go to the gym b/c of the people there--either you feel it's a meat market, or you don't want to sweat/look gross around other people, or b/c you don't want to touch things other sweaty people have touched.

I found this interesting b/c I find the gym so inspiring--I use Cathe's tapes simply b/c I just don't have the time to hit the gym 5-6 times a week. But along those same lines, I work 50-60 hours a week & don't make it to social gatherings as much as I'd like, so I find the gym a great place to meet people who I share something in common with.

Also, I remember when I first got my gym membership & I felt everyone was watching me make a fool out of myself. Then, after a year or two, I realized that really people don't watch other people in the gym (other than the few guys who really are there for the wrong reasons). Most people are totally focused on themselves and their own workouts.

And to contradict my last statement slightly, I do find working out at a gym inspiring. When I see someone in better shape than I am it makes me work out that much harder.

Finally, I have this little problem--when I get home from work at night, and my weights are on one side of the room & my couch & TV are on the other, & I'm thinking "hmmmm, weights or couch, weights or couch," the couch wins out about 99% of the time. At least when I motivate myself to go lift at the gym I know I'm gonna get a good workout.

The gross sweaty thing never bothered me--I go to a pretty upscale club where they keep things pretty clean. Besides, that whole shower/antibacterial soap thing can do wonders. :p

Anyway, sorry for the long post, just wanted to give this topic a little bump b/c I found it very interesting.
 
RE: The

I too alternate between gym and home. I teach two aqua classes a week at a local gym, and do all of my land cardio and weights at home. I really enjoy the balance between the sociability of the gym and the private, just-for-me aspect of home, where I can do what I want when I want with what equipment I want, and no competition or the sound of others breathing heavy.

Re the meat-market aspect: I think some clubs are indeed MM's but not all of them. Certainly not mine - mine has more of a nice community center feel to it, full of working-class dogs like me. I've taught in meat markets, as well as upscale suburban jungles full of overfunded white people who take themselves, their SUVs and their designer moppets about a thousand degrees too seriously. I'd hate that environment as a member and if that were my only option I'd stay home all the time.

Re motivation for evening workouts: I know the plaintive cry of the lonely couch. It's hard. If I'm apt to blow off any workout it's an evening land workout. Somehow I've managed NOT to indulge in the blowoff syndrome for several weeks now. If I didn't have Cathe I'd not be doing crap at home.

A-Jock
 
RE: The

I totally agree with *everything* you just said! It's nice to get out of the house sometimes.

My club is very sanitary too. http://www.lifetimefitness.com/clubs/

Everyone there is there to work out. I've never felt uncomfortable.

The locker rooms even have private areas so you don't have to change in front of anyone, in case you're modest like me. :)
 
RE: The

HI Maximus,

My major reason for working out at home is money. I simply can't afford the exorbitant monthly fee that the gym in my town charges. Also, Cathe's workouts are far better than any class the gym offers.

Convenience is the second factor. My schedule is kind of weird and I like being able to work out at any time of the day and not have to worry about waiting for a machine. I also like that I don't have to find parking at hate gym or find parking when I get home. Parking is a huge issue where I live.

As for sweat, I sweat a ton, to the point where it's embarrassing! While I don't think other people would care much, I like that I can get gross in privacy and jump in my own shower right after a workout.

As for others' sweat, I think most people are courteous and wipe any sweat they may leave behind.

And- the meat market. I haven't been to the gym in town for many years, but when I went, which was in high school, it was a total meat market. At that age, it was awkward to exercise around a boyfriend or a guy you might have a crush on. If I had a quality gym in my area, like a Crunch or NYSC, I might consider it, because not all gyms are meaty markets.

Gina :)
 
RE: The

I have moved to new cities 3 times in the past 8 years, my gym membership has been invaluable in terms of health and fitness and in the cultivation of social contacts. What better place to meet like minded people in a positive environment. I have met too many wonderful people to count and made some good friends a the gym.

I too am motivated by others when working out at the gym, I dig deeper when I see someone else really challenging themselves and working their hardest, it inspires me. I don't worry much about hygiene at the gym, there are spray bottles and paper towels everywhere and almost everyone is respectful, if I'm not sure, I'll give it another wipe. The bannisters on the staircase leading up to the gym are probably a greater source of bacteria and virus than the equipment.

I love working out at home and can more fully focus on my slow, heavy lifting and am guaranteed to get the intensity that I crave in my cardio workouts. Mixing it up between home and the gym works best for me. I got certified and started teaching fitness classes a year and a half ago, now my membership is free and I get one for a family member, it feels like a bonus to get paid on top of that! It's the best part-job!! :)

Take Care
Laurie
 
RE: The

The only thing I miss from the GYM are the spinning classes. Our studio was really nice. Private and darkly lit with a mirrored wall and male instructors. GRIN.
And the assisted pull up and dip machine (Gavitron? Gravitron? I can't remember...that thing was cool)But I am quite proud of the fact that I've managed to simplify my workout needs to a step...dumbells,barbell and Swiss ball. Plus an alarming collection of DVDS. I did recently sign up for our facillity gym at the hospital...only because I need a Treadmill. Plus I can get in and out at any time of the day/night. I run during my break on 12 hour nights. To wake me up.
Working out at home has been such a regular thing for me that it surprises me when friends visit and they think it's quirky to see the dbs...one guy went down on the floor and started doing bench presses with my padded barbell. Most of them find the concept of a tiny oriental girl interested in weights amusing, I guess.
 
RE: The

You are SO lucky to work in a hospital where you can use a fitness facility on NIGHT SHIFT!! I worked in hospital nursing for 18 years - mostly nights - and never once worked somewhere that we had access to a gym at night. What a wonderful opportunity for you!!

Carol
:)
 
RE: The

This is so funny, because looking at other people is actually why I would choose to go to the gym. I do it pretty much solely for the social interaction/competition. Like Maximus said, she sees other people in better aestetic fitness and works harder. Well, isn't that looking at people. I mean, mostly now I go for the machines, but when I was younger and had more time to spare, I certainly would go to "look". If you are not going to look, what makes it so much different that home? Plus, when I get to the gym every now and then I don't get sick of it and I enjoy seeing other fitness minded people.


Like everyone says here, "fitness is a lonely business", and that is very much true. Plus, my body type is actually appreciated in a gym setting, so that is always nice too.


The meat-market thing really hinders when there are so many people slobbering all over each other and looking pretty in the mirrors that you cannot get on the machines. Arrrgghh! That is really aggravating!
 
RE: The

Hello,

Another reason why Cathe is better than the gym is that they are bad for the environment:

"...But are health clubs really that healthy? While you are contemplating your navel chakra, the air conditioning is working overtime to keep the hermetically sealed room at optimum temperature, hundreds of fluffy towels are being boiled and dried, and the cardio gym is full of energy-guzzling equipment. In the US, energy shortages have already led to one-towel policies and the turning off of lights in Colorado gyms. In the UK, 89 per cent of gym bunnies give their quadriceps a rest by driving to the gym, contributing to climate changing emissions..."

I got this bit from an article I was reading.

Here is another vote for Cathe. Long may she reign oh queen of fitness.

Yen
 
RE: The

If I had to get in my car and battle anymore traffic to go to the gym I would never workout. It is so hard to work in the hour just to exercise on a regular basis. Having to go somewhere to do it would make it even more challenging. I think it would be fun to take a class though. Cathe videos are worth every penny when you start to take into account all the little expenses of time and money involved in going to the gym!! I am glad she and a few others are putting out such good material!:D

Hopefull
 
RE: The

I have a Bally's membership (meat market...um, yes!) and home workouts.

I seem to use my gym membership in phases, depending on if I am training for an event or really "into" a particular instructor. Sometimes I don't go for months and then others you will find me there all of the time. After your initial membership, the price per month goes down to almost nothing so it is worth keeping, even if I don't use it a ton.

I like the home workouts simply for the convenience factor. Plus, they kick my a$$! I have a gym less than one mile from my home and another less than one mile from my office, but truly, for me, the least time consuming workout is one where I can crawl out of bed, work out and shower, all in the convenience of my own home! :eek:)

Christine
 
RE: The

Man you are really stretching it if that is supposed to be an argument against the gym. Bad for the environment? LOL! The mere existence of people on this planet is bad for the environment. You better send back that computer you typed that message on as well because that is bad for the environment too!
I agree both home and gym have their advantages and disadvantages. One thing that ticks me off is the people who try to pose and strut around while not doing anything but hey, it's their money. If they wanna waste it, fine. I gotta say the problems others have encountered at their clubs just pretty much don't exist at mine. But mine is also aimed at being a part of the community and not just a health club. In my mind that makes it better than the chain clubs like Bally's because they seem to listen better and try to serve you as well as they can. Shoot the front desk girl will even open at 4:15 AM, 45 mins. before she is supposed to do so, simply because she knows us well.
T. :)
 
RE: The

I like to go to the occasional spinning or kickboxing class, or swim a mile and do some kickboard laps. But some gyms let you just pay 8-10 bucks for a day pass, so that's what I do. And sometimes I walk or ride my bike to the gym, thus minimizing the environmental impact.

}(

I have to agree with Trevor though, even though I am about as hard-core an environmentalist as they get, I think the advantages to gyms outweigh the disadvantages. People who work out cost us less in health care costs, so that's less energy and pollution from hospitals, etc etc.

Anyway, try to be nice to the Earth, everyone, and I'll bow out of this discussion.

I don't have a gym membership for many reasons, but I do sometimes use a gym.
 
RE: The

Trevor,

I think the discussion here is about 'choices'. There are alternative to gyms that people can choose but don't: they can eat less and try to lead a more active lifestyle like walking instead of driving. There are plenty of activities that are actually more effective than the gym: walking, cycling, running, rollerblading, swimming, athletics, sports like soccer, tennis etc. These not only benefit you physically but also develop skills that are more useful in life.

The existence of mankind is not bad for this planet, it's the choices that he makes that is detrimental to the environment. Hundreds or even 50 years ago people never go to gyms and they were never fat and there was no pollution.

It's interesting that Americans always make the choice that is bad for themselves and the rest of the world: they eat too much, get too fat and waste resources in health and welfare. And even when they make the choice to get fit, it's still bad for the rest of us i.e. they choose the gym instead of opting for a change in lifestyle.

Europeans are a lot more environmentally conscious and reading an article like this would certainly make them think twice about gym membership. But not for the American.

I, for one, would definitely not join a gym now. While I can't do much about the computer because it's my job (I used the computer at work but outside of it I don't use it very often), I can do something about what I do to keep fit, eat, transport etc.

Yen
 
RE: The

>... I can do something about what I do to keep fit, eat,
>transport etc.
>
>Yen

Very, very, very well said :) I don't think it makes a lot of sense to *drive* to the gym either. But then, I live in England where most of the country is geared towards, walking, biking and public transport, just like most of Europe. I understand that the US is built around the car, so it stands to reason why people who live there prefer to drive to the gym even though it's an environmentally daft thing to do.

Pollution was in some ways worse during the last century. London's killer "Pea-Soupers" at the turn of the 20th century killed a lot of people, and, of course wherever large numbers of people gathered, there would have been a lot of wood and coal burning for cooking and heating. But, prior to say, the 12th century, yes of course the air was much, much better. However, you would have thought we would have learned from our mistakes instead of making things even worse for ourselves and while individuals like us, choose to live in a way that minimises damage to our environment, it does not make up for the damage done by industry and government.

Anyway, back to the topic. I'm still not convinced by the gyms are inspiring, arguement. On the health front: I find athletes inspiring, I find everyday runners and cyclists inspiring, I find climbers and mountineers inspiring, I find those who can make huge changes in their lives and that of others inspiring. Instructors can also be inspiring. I don't find the gym or seeing people work out at the gym inspiring. When I went to the gym, I looked for a feeling of harmony - the kind you feel when you are with other people who are doing the same thing. Instead it felt flat, competitive and it was frankly, boring. Good instructors are, it seems, very hard to find.

Even if I had the cleanest, most hygenic gym, with nice thoughtful people, just around the corner from me, I would very rarely ever attend. The music in all the gyms I've tried is just horrible. I understand why people go to the gym to socialise but that's just not for me. I don't want to go to the gym to talk to people. I want to work out in peace and talk when I'm in the mood to talk.
ATB,
- Lisa :)
 
RE: The

Oh brother,
Yen, I am not going to get into this with you. Your thread is full of statements that are, at the very least, quite debatable.
Europeans smoke like chimneys and you want me to believe they are more environmentally conscious and health conscious? Okay.
Also, as you said, there are alternatives to the gym. I do alot of the activities you mentioned. You can develop life skills with those activities as well as in the gym. I do both. I just feel that the argument that gyms are not environmentally friendly is not a good one. The processes used to make rollerblade wheels, tennis balls, running shoes, the clothes you wear, and various other sporting goods also result in waste generation. So that puts them on par with a gym if you are going to use the environment argument. People tend to forget that those things have to be MANUFACTURED. And manufacturing creates waste.
Americans are overweight, no doubt about that. But there are alot of skinny Europeans keeling over dead from heart troubles in places like the Scandinavian countries due to the high fat diets.
I also do not think Americans make choices that are always bad for the rest of the world. That's the "in" thing these days, to cut America and Americans up for everything and blame us for the planet's problems. But in the end we do pretty darn well at most things.
I guess if gyms are bad for the environment then Cathe better shut hers down right away. Oh, but then you wouldn't have her videos to workout with now would you?
Just something to think about. And I apologize to everyone that this thread got off topic. I just thought the original argument was rather ridiculous. I agree there are great alternatives to the gym but no one is gonna convince me I am ruining the planet for everyone else but attending a gym when doing that is no worse than virtually anything else that is done in the course of a given day.
T.
:)
 
RE: The

>Europeans smoke like chimneys and you want me to believe they
>are more environmentally conscious and health conscious?

Hey Trevor,
Europeans, and British (we're not technically European y'know ;-) ) people do get off our collective arses and walk or ride bikes to get places. As far as smoking goes, the French are known for smoking like chimneys and neither Yen nor I are French, so I'm going to take exception to your statement. Me? I will never and have never smoked and I do not respect the habit/addiction.

Additionally, the Scandinavian countries are among the healthiest in all of Europe. That's due to excellent health care, better attitudes towards health overall and yes, a better attitude towards the environment. Europeans traditionally eat a healthier diet but of course not everyone does and the British are not well known for their diet either. On the whole, there's a lot of slim and healthy people in this part of the world.

I realise you were having a rant because you feel strongly about the subject. I've nothing against anyone in any part of the world and I have yet to meet an American I didn't like. Or an Australian, or a New Zealander, or a Brit, or a Norwegian, a Spaniard etc. etc.

ATB,
- Lisa :)
 
RE: The

Hello Lisa,

You are right about pollution in London in the 1950s (I was thinking about that when I wrote it), but take into consideration that back then the problem was on a local level, not a global level. And once the problem was identified, a lot of efforts went in to clean up the environment - look at London today. There is still a problem, no doubt about that, but we at least try to address the problem i.e. the congestion charge.

I also think the argument that there are more advantages to gyms than disadvantages is absolute rubbish (sorry if this harsh). There are no benefits to joining a gym at all to my mind. Gyms are modern day temples of narcism: it's all about worshipping the body beautiful (look at how many have said they find it 'inspiring' to look at other people). The perfect go there to show off and be gawped (or gazed admiringly at) by lesser mortals. It's odd that people would cycle to the gym to do a spinning class when they can cycle outdoor in a park where they can get fresh air, sunshine. But they opt instead for a gloomy lit room with artificial air condition with limited range of movement cycling to nowhere. To say that gyms are 'healthy' is a misnomer because they are breeding grounds for germs - the air is circulated so anyone who has a virus can easily pass it on to others. The proliferation of gyms means there is less emphasis on sports and actually people don't get fitter going to gyms. Gyms can hinder cerebral development because there is no thinking required to use these equipment. Sport promotes team spirit, sportsmanship, gamesmanship and citizenship and they encourage people to strive for goals like breaking the world record, be an Olympian.

Trevor

This to me is a debate, not an argument. You are the one who getting irate and on defensive/atttack mode. I am simply presenting my point of view base on the research that I have done.

Firstly, the process employed in making these sporting goods are not affecting the planet as you believe. It's a fact that Nike, Addidas and other big name sports manufacturer exploit cheap labour in the Third World to 'manufacture' their products. It's not machines, it's the sweat and hard labour of the poor women and children. Secondly, these products are not as harmful to the environment because they biodegradable - they are made of natural materials and last a long time where as machines in the gym consume an infinite amount of resources everyday in order to keep them running and pollute even more in order to keep them clean.

It is a fact that America is the world's biggest polluter and the biggest influence on modern diet and lifestyle (read this artical for more information http://www.guardian.co.uk/usa/story/0,12271,1069883,00.html). For example, the Japanese have traditionally followed a very healthy diet based on fresh food and fish. However, if you go to Japan today you will see that this is no longer the norm, people instead eat McDonalds, KFC and other fast food because these global companies have spent so much on advertising to promote this way of eating. It demonstrates the power of advertising and promotion that other countries strive for the American ideal.

It would not bother me at all if Cathe shut down her gym and never produce another video because I don't rely on Cathe for my fitness. I do plenty of other activities and, to be honest, if I had more hindsight I would not have invested so much of my money in Cathe (I actually don't plan to buy more DVDs for a long long time). And Cathe's home work outs are not as harmful to the environment.

The difference between you and me is that I make an effort. If I read something like this I consiously change my habits, change my lifestyle in order to minimise damage as much as I can. You, on the other hand don't bother to do anything because you don't believe that what you do is actually that bad. It illustrates my point that mankind is not bad for the planet, but rather the choices he makes.


Yen
 
RE: The

I think it depends on your lifestyle. Before I had kids, I loved working out at the gym. I met some great people. Some members can get into themselves a little too much, and sometimes are there more for show then an actual workout, but I got beyond that. I knew what I was there for. Once I had kids, and working part-time, kids activities, I just couldn't do it. I still think I get a better workout with Cathe then I did at the gym. I also got tired of waiting for exercise machines. I found the college kids had all the time in the world and liked to dominate the equipment. I had a family to get home to. That's when I had finally had enough. The gym is great when you don't have family obligations.
 
RE: The

Hi Lisa!
I wasn't ranting. :) Just expressing. LOL! I did read an article about a year ago about some bikers from that area of the world who had died from heart troubles and it was linked to their diet. So that's one example although I wish I could link you to the article so you could read it. And I wouldn't be so sure about their diets being healthy. Don't they consume alot of high fat dairy related items over there? Thought I'd read that.
I freely admit that Americans don't walk enough. But their is more smoking done in Europe, no?
Glad we can be civil on this. I basically have only taken umbrage with the statements about gyms hurting the environment when IMHO they do no more than many other things to hurt it.
T. :)
 
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