Do you think you need to join a gym to stay fit?

FrugalWeirdo83

I workout at home for about 30-40 mins a day to one of the many fitness dvds I have ,usually about 5 or 6 days a week and I walk about 40-60 mins a day. However most people I know who are into fitness seem to think this isn't enough and the only way is to join a gym. I'm a working single mum and this isn't an option for me. I just wondered what you all thought on this topic

London_Town

I don't believe you have to join a gym to stay fit. However, if you don't, you do need to ensure you have enough exercise "built in" to your daily and weekly routines.

I go to a gym, because it's the only way I can be disciplined to do enough. I simply wouldn't do anything at home, but like you, I do quite a bit of walking each day.

Ultimately, it's also about your fitness goals. If you're looking for a certain body shape or ability through resistance training, this is easier to achieve at a gym. However, if you're only looking to manage your weight and cardiac health, you can do that without the gym.

If you're not achieving your goals with your current activity level, you'll simply need to exercise more, but it doesn't have to involve a gym.

jackyann

I think gym memberships are useful for people who can't easily get outside, or have to do some specific work for health reasons. Otherwise, I don't see the point. I love swimming so have a specific swimming membership at a proper pool with an attached gym. I did use the gym briefly for some rehabilitation work.

Pollycat

FrugalWeirdo83 wrote: »

I workout at home for about 30-40 mins a day to one of the many fitness dvds I have ,usually about 5 or 6 days a week and I walk about 40-60 mins a day. However most people I know who are into fitness seem to think this isn't enough and the only way is to join a gym. I'm a working single mum and this isn't an option for me. I just wondered what you all thought on this topic

Well, they would say that, wouldn't they.
They're probably paying a fortune in monthly memberships.

I disagree with the 'most people' you know.
I do something similar to you.
If it works for you, why bother about what anybody else says?

[Deleted User]

people forget that fit and healthy are completely different things. You can be one without being the other

Be healthy first by controlling your stress, diet and sleep. Fitness is easy, a short bike ride a few times a week, going fast from time to time so that your heart pumps and you get a bit of a sweat. Add muscle building strengtheners into that mix and that is all you need. You can easily add muscle building by using the round bands into your programme. . Gym is a waste of money, except for those without will power or who want to show off. Also full of bugs from people who don`t wipe up after them

DigForVictory

You should not need a gym to stay fit.

You may need one to attain fitness or to recover it, but that would often be to gain access to kit & knowledge that is cumbersome to include in the home.

After that, if you would stay fit, get a dog. Perhaps once the offspring have left home?!

wort

No not at all. You sound like you are fairly active, and as others said ,wellbeing comes into the healthy bit , so control of stress etc. Eating well,maybe some yoga or relaxation/meditation techniques.

FrugalWeirdo83

Learning not to care what people think is an ongoing battle for me. I'm not concerned about exercise for athestic reasons more health and wanted to feel good. Of course looking a bit more toned wouldn't go amiss but it's not my main aim

maman

It's certainly not essential but I do think it helps having something that puts a pattern into your exercise programme.


That could be going to classes or choosing to leave the car and walk places. It doesn't have to be a gym but I know I need something to help me.


For me it's dance classes and making an arrangement with friends to walk together. Left to myself I think I'd keep putting it off.:o

scottish_lassy

Your walking of 40-60 mins a day is alot more sustainable than wearing yourself out at the gym. I walk about 20 miles a week and would far rather be outdoors (for free!) than in a hot, sweaty gym. I have done this regularly for about 12 years now and hope to carry on for many more as the mental benefits are as good as the physical. Plus, if you think of 12 yrs of gym membership .........................££££££££££

VfM4meplse

You’re doing enough exercise to keep yourself fit, as long as it leaves you slightly out of breath. In fact I admire your discipline!