Working Out: Gym versus Home/Outside

Working out keeps you fit, healthy, happy, and sane. There are endless benefits to working out besides a good body. Physical appearance isn't everything and it shouldn't be your main reason for hitting the gym/pavement. These are my favorite reasons to hit the gym:

• Better Sleep - When I get in a good workout during the day, I feel ready to tuck myself in at night. I'm not stirring in bed or pacing around my room. However, if I work out too late at night, it's a bit difficult to get to sleep. My body is still pumping from my work out and it takes too long for me to settle down in order to have a good nights sleep. I suggest the morning work out (of course, you need to find out what works best for you). When I wake up early for a work out, I feel ready for the day. Nothing can get in my way!
• Self Confidence - Working out and getting strong make me feel like I can do anything. I'm confident after a good workout that I can do anything. The confidence I gain after a work out carries over into my next work out. I ran two miles during my last workout, and now I'm confident that next time I can run two and a half miles!
• A Healthy Heart - Cardio and strength building (besides Cheerios, the heart healthy breakfast) are the best things that you can do for your heart. When your heart's strong, your body is strong. Keep your body pumping by staying fit!
• Stress Relief - Although I'm a fan of the morning workout, I sometimes often choose to go to the gym after work. After a long day at the office, nothing feels better than breaking a healthy sweat. It helps me clear my mind and de-stress!

I work out at both the gym and out of the gym. I find pros and cons to both.

Pros

• Sense of community - sometimes working out can be a lonely task, especially if you're just getting into the habit. Some work better in a group, and the gym gives them a sense of community while they're working out. Working out at the gym reminds me that I'm not alone in my fight for a stronger and healthier body. Lots of people struggle to stay fit just like me, and I feel like I have the support of the others that are working out at the gym with me.
• Trainer - most gyms offer the use of a trainer if you want one. Having a trainer could get you where you want to be healthwise at a faster pace. A trainer will test you and speak with you about what you want to achieve out of your workouts. With this knowledge, the trainer will help you construct a work out program that will best fit you, your body, and your goals.
• Variety - the gym offers you a variety of workouts. One of the keys to working out and seeing results is to switch it up. Your body gets used to a work out after awhile, and that work out won't have as great of an affect on your body when it gets used to the routine. Changing your work out often keeps your body on its toes. You work different muscles and gain strength in different areas. The gym offers a variety of machines so you can keep your workout fresh.

Cons

• Money - Let's face it, these days it's tough to have a gym membership because of the cost. I've recently thought about cancelling my gym mebership, but I always reconsider when I think about the initial fee I'll have to pay if I end up wanting my gym membership back. If you have a gym membership, make sure you get your moneys worth out of it. Only keep the membership if you frequent the gym at least three days a week. If you're not visiting the gym often, then you're wasting your money.
• Crowds - The gym is so crowded sometimes when I choose to go after work that I end up getting frustrated with the crowds and leaving. My gym also has a twenty minute rule on machines when it gets crowded. While I love this rule when I'm waiting for a machine, I hate it when my turn is up because twenty minutes is never enough. I need a half hour on a machine for a good work out, and getting kicked off after twenty minutes really puts a damper on things.
• Cleanliness - Gyms are full of germs.  Of course the managers try to keep their gyms clean, but it's inevitable that a sweat house is going to be full of germs.  Clean off the machines before you work out and wash your hands when you leave the gym to ward off any germs!

Pros

• Multi-Task - Time is precious, and going to the gym can be a long affair if you need to look for parking, wait for a machine, and then drive home in rush hour traffic.  Working out at home gives you the option of multi-tasking.  Lots of times when I work out at home I'll get dinner started and then pop in a Billy Blanks DVD for a great tae bo work out (my FAVORITE)! 
• Personal Space - Sometimes when I work out I don't feel like being watched by dozens of other people waiting to use a machine.  The solitary work out at home allows for you to sweat it out with no eyes timing you.

Cons

• You're still in your house - I like a work out to get my mind off of things, and when I'm at home I'm still thinking about the chores I have to do once I'm finished my workout.  When I get out of the house those worries melt away.  There's nothing I can do about my chores at home until I'm back home, so I like to set aside time on most days to get myself out of the house for a workout.

Pros

• Fresh Air - staying healthy and staying fit go hand in hand with breathing in some sweet, sweet fresh air. There's no better way to get your mind off of the days stresses than by strapping on your sneakers and heading out into the fresh air.
• Free - Going for a run doesn't cost you a gym membership or a tae bo DVD. All you've got to do is get up and go.

Cons

• Safety - Be careful where you run and use some common sense. It's safer to run during daylight hours for obvious reasons. If you choose to run at night, please take a buddy. Otherwise choose daylight hours for your run where you can be seen. Accordingly, choose a safe path to run. Parks and side streets are better than major roads for a run because you won't have to stop constantly to wait to cross the street and watch for speeding cars; however, choose safe, well lit parks and side streets. You can never be too safe while going for a run. There have been too many horror stories about young girls who wanted to go for a run and then went missing. It's a scary thought, but it happens. Be safe! choose daylight and a populated area for your run.
• Weather - Sometimes the rain can put a damper on your run.  Truthfully, a jog in the rain can be refreshing, but I often end up with a minor cold the next day.  Getting a cold is the opposite of staying healthy!

 Where do you prefer to get healthy?  What's your favorite work out?  I'm always looking for new exercises to add to my work out!