We live in an age of unprecedented levels of fitness. I would argue that the developed world’s health levels are quite polarised- The uber fit and those who are sacrificing years of their life for the consequences of their lifestyle habits.
The fitness industry is gigantic with gyms and personal trainers residing on almost every street corner. Nowadays we look for ways to correct anything short of a six pack. With all this pressure, it is no wonder we turn to gyms to give us a helping hand.
But some of these expenses have a tendency of adding up. Gym fees of $800 per annum are considered cheap, personal training sessions of $30 for 30 minutes and expensive supplements to keep your nutrition up to scratch. It gets even more expensive if you decide to do it with your spouse.
Just to clarify, I think faith, fitness and relationships supersede any quest for financial wealth. Agree or disagree with that statement. If a gym membership will add years to your life then who could possibly put a price on that?
I would like to offer an alternative however. Could you exercise at home? Think of the travel time saved, the expense and the flexibility.
I have been a home trainer now for years. I was a gym guy but moved way out into a country town an hour from my gym. I purchased around $6,000 in fabulous gym equipment which was well used. Once we moved to a smaller home and had a few kids, we found we needed to reacquire space. I sold off most of the gym equipment except the bare essentials.
What were those essentials?
Power Tower
24kg kettlebell (thanks to Tim Ferriss’s ‘The 4 Hour Body’)
And that’s it!
There are so many body weight exercises that you can do to give you a well-rounded physique. Body weight exercises work on so many stabilising muscles rather than isolated muscles. I would highly recommend reading ‘You Are Your Own Gym’ by Mark Lauren.
The time you could save and money is nothing to be snuffed at. You do need to have incredible discipline though. If you feel you need people motivating you, the pressure of eyes staring, a workout schedule that is combed over by a trainer, then perhaps stick with your gym.
To Gym Or Not To Gym?
July 8th, 2015 at 12:27 am
July 8th, 2015 at 11:58 am 1436356682
July 9th, 2015 at 10:53 am 1436439206
Regarding the treadmill- I'm a really uncoordinated runner so bought one with a wide tread and for a long stride. It was great but cost me $3000 on sale. I sold it second hand for about $800. Fitness equipment depreciates very quickly!
July 11th, 2015 at 02:35 pm 1436625308
That said, I workout at home as well. It's just way too convenient, I don't have to wait for someone else to finish a set, or wiping their sweat off, or putting the weights back on the rack which I personally do.
Fitness isn't necessarily about whether you have a gym membership or not. I'm not opposed to it, but ultimately, it's whether or not you take the time to exercise, eat well, and sleep well. I am content with power blocks and a pull-up bar.
July 12th, 2015 at 11:45 am 1436701521
It is funny to look at BMI as you mentioned. I agree. Most people would be quite shocked to find that they are overweight or even morbidly obese when scaled according to BMI. Eating and exercise require so much discipline and it's something most of us lack.
Like you I'm a huge fan of exercising at home.