Home Gym vs. Health Club

(eFitness.com) - You know you have to stay active to live a healthy, productive life. Without fail, the question will arise -- do I join a health club or build a home gym?

Well, that depends.

HOME GYMS

Home gyms are quickly becoming the solution many have been looking for. For those of us not in the best of shape, it can be pretty daunting to walk into the gym. We tend to think that everyone there knows what he or she is doing and we don't. This is rarely the case, but perhaps exercising in the privacy of your home is right for you.

Having a home gym lets you keep your workouts regular when your life becomes irregular. You just can't beat the convenience. First, you need to ask yourself a few questions to find out what you'll need and what type of equipment you will actually use.

What are your fitness goals? What equipment will help you get there? How much space is available? How much money do you have to spend? Do you want to bring your equipment with you when you travel? Do you have any medical limitations to consider before you purchase?

You may want to seek the advice of a trusted fitness professional to help answer some of these questions. You can try a personal trainer, orthopedist or local home equipment store.

To get the most "bang for your buck," include equipment that is flexible and can grow with you. Don't forget the old stand-by exercises (push-ups, pull-ups, jump rope, walking, etc.). They require limited equipment but are great for building and maintaining muscles and burning calories.

Dumbbells are not very expensive and allow you to work every muscle group. Ones with interchangeable plates are more versatile than barbells and can be used for many different exercises.

Resistance bands or pieces of tubing are other great alternatives that can be used at home or thrown in a suitcase. They are available with variable resistance and most exercises can be adapted with a little creativity. If you add wall and door connections to resistance tubing, you'll have enough exercises for a full-body workout.

Home gym equipment is higher quality and much more space efficient than in the past. These machines are often made by companies that make club equipment as well. These gyms have the same pulleys, cables and padding as the club versions, and the frame is constructed of the same gauge steel.

Multigyms usually have stations or attachments to simulate exercises found in health clubs. Some machines use a weight stack, your body weight or another type of resistance. The exercises should focus on the right muscle, be easy to use and offer enough resistance to challenge you. Sometimes body weight just isn't enough.

For cardio, purchase large pieces of equipment from knowledgeable salespeople that know about fitness equipment. Commercial equipment usually costs more, but it will last longer and will feel more stable during use.

If you can't try it, don't buy it. Go to the store in sneakers and sweats and use the equipment for at least 10 minutes. If you're ordering by phone or online, be sure to check out the return policy and time limits.

Ask about warranties. Look for heavy-duty construction for durability, stability and weight limits. Motorized parts should be warranted, and their movement should be smooth and quiet. Remember... you get what you pay for!

If other members of the household will also be using the equipment (for example, a treadmill), it may need enough programming features and a long enough deck to accommodate the different body shapes and fitness goals of multiple users.

Fitballs are an excellent choice for a home gym. Not only will they improve your balance, coordination and posture, but you can also do a complete strength-training workout on the ball.

According to ACE (American Council on Exercise), here’s the space you can expect traditional equipment to take up:

Treadmills: 30 square feet

Single-Station Gym: 35 square feet

Free Weights: 20-50 square feet

Bikes: 10 square feet

Rowing Machines: 20 square feet

Stair Climbers: 10-20 square feet

Ski Machines: 25 square feet

Multi-Station Gym: 50-200 square feet

A one-time investment can offer you years of enjoyment. With a home gym, you can skip the drive, sweaty seats, waiting for machines and the overall gym scene.

HEALTH CLUB MEMBERSHIP

Health clubs offer a wide variety of equipment, classes, instruction and trainers, as well as a social environment. But, how many of us have ditched a workout because the gym was too far away or overcrowded -- or the weather wasn’t cooperating?

I'm sure we have all been guilty of this from time to time. Choosing the right club for you could make all the difference in the world. It’s more important to consider the following criteria rather than going for the "best deal in town."

Location, location! To be effective, exercise has to be convenient. If you don't join a club that’s convenient to your home or office, it’s easier to find excuses not to go. This doesn't mean that you should settle for the closest one. If there’s one a few miles farther away that you like, you better go for it! You will be rewarded in the end.

Classes. If you like classes, make sure the club that you are considering offers a wide variety that appeals to you, will keep you motivated and fits into your schedule.

Personal Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors. The staff should be certified through a nationally recognized certification organization, such as ACE, ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) or AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America). Instructors with credible certifications meet the guidelines of these organizations in providing a safe and efficient workout.

Hours. Most health clubs open early and stay open late. Before you join, make sure your club is open when you plan to go. Visit the club at the times you intend to work out to see if the club is overcrowded or if there are long lines for equipment.

Take a Test Drive. Request a day pass or a trial membership. This is a good way to try before you buy.

Payment Options. Most clubs have a variety of payment options. Find a payment schedule that meets your budgetary needs and takes advantage of any sign-up specials. Ask questions. Do they require an initiation fee? What extra fees might you expect? Childcare? Towels?

If you are joining a club that hasn't opened yet, be sure that any deposits or payments are held in an escrow account until they officially open.

References. Talk to current members about their experiences before you join. Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if the club is a member of their organization or if any complaints have been registered. If the club is a member of IHRSA (International Health, Racquet, and Sportsclub Association), better yet. IHRSA clubs must follow a code of ethics that protects the health and safety of their members, as well as protecting consumers from unscrupulous business practices. To find an IHRSA club in your area, go to www.healthclubs.com or call 800-766-1278.

It’s the little things that count. Pay attention to the small details as you tour the facility. How clean is the facility? Is the music too loud? Is most of the equipment in working order or are there too many "out of order" signs indicating poor maintenance? Make sure the club is a place where you would enjoy spending time.

A little footwork and research will reward you with membership at a health club where you can feel at home and get great results.

Now you have to be honest with yourself. Some people are very motivated and will work out no matter where they are. Others will find any excuse -- whether they work out at a health club or at home. Determine which one best suits your personality and needs, do the research and get going.

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