Health and fitness have become a priority among people in Singapore and around the world, especially after the pandemic. More people are looking to maintain healthier lifestyles with regular exercise to meet their fitness goals. However, a common consideration they have is whether to engage in home workouts or join a fitness gym in Singapore to achieve these goals.
Both alternatives have their advantages and disadvantages that vary based on individual lifestyles and fitness objectives. Here, we will look at the two options to help you determine which is best for you, as well as offer advice on how to make the most of your decision.
Pros and Cons of a Gym Membership
A membership at a fitness gym in Singapore comes with many benefits for those trying to get in shape and stay healthy.
Access to equipment: A gym membership provides access to a variety of equipment, such as weights and cardio machines, which will allow you to work out all parts of your body and meet your fitness goals.
Assistance from personal trainers: Gyms will also have personal trainers who can help you develop the right workout routine and, in some cases, a diet plan to ensure you see the best results.
Motivation: The environment at a gym can also be a motivating factor for some people, as being around others who share similar goals can push you to train harder and see more progress. If you are a social person, this could be a great way to find friends that share similar interests and build a support network to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle.
However, a gym membership has its drawbacks too.
Cost of membership: Membership fees might prove to be too much of an investment for some people. Some gyms operate on six-month or yearly contracts, which can be difficult to cancel in the event you change your mind after some time.
Time constraints: Incorporating gym time into your schedule can be difficult, particularly if you have a busy schedule or an unpredictable work routine.
Self consciousness: Some individuals may find it discouraging to work out in a gym with other people, particularly if they are just starting out their fitness journey, or if they have a negative body image. This could demotivate them from working out entirely, and may even lead to unhealthy habits.
Pros and Cons of Working Out at Home
Staying fit with a home workout routine can be just as effective for some individuals, as it comes with a different set of advantages.
Convenience: The most prominent benefit of adhering to a home workout routine is its convenience. You do not need to spend time travelling to a gym, which is great if you live in an area prone to heavy traffic, and you can work out whenever you have the time. This makes home workouts ideal for people with busy or unpredictable work schedules.
Affordability and privacy: The cost savings of a home workout are another advantage, as you will not need to spend on a gym membership. While you may want to purchase some equipment for your home workout, such as weights or resistance bands, you can also simply stick to calisthenic exercises, which require little to no equipment and are great for keeping fit. Additionally, the privacy of working out at home can be a motivator, especially for beginners or those that feel self-conscious.
However, there are some downsides to working out at home by yourself.
Limited motivation to work out: While home workouts allow you to exercise whenever you want instead of imposing a strict schedule, this can be a negative factor in some cases. Without the motivation provided by a professional trainer or the gym environment, some people find it hard to maintain their progress and achieve their goals. Similarly, those with busy schedules might find themselves coming up with fresh excuses day after day to avoid having to work out. Distractions are another issue when working out at home, as children, pets, and household chores can get in the way of your workout.
Lack of equipment and guidance: The limited equipment available to you at home can also prevent you from achieving the exact results you desire, while the lack of a personal trainer could result in you requiring more time to make noticeable gains.
Other Considerations to Take Into Account
Lifestyle, commitments, and time management
You should consider your lifestyle when choosing between a fitness gym in Singapore and a home workout routine. This includes aspects such as your work schedule, family commitments, social support network, and even personality. A busy work schedule or family commitments may prevent you from hitting the gym regularly, but you may be able to set aside some free time at least thrice a week for a home workout if you are keen on seeing results.
Personality traits and social factors
Your social support network and personality also play a role in which workout system will be best for you. Some people may find themselves intimidated or demotivated by the atmosphere at a gym, whereas others would thrive in such an environment and push themselves to achieve better results. The investment in a gym membership can also be a motivating factor for some, as they will want to see returns on the money spent and thus make sure to keep up their weekly routine.
Safety First
Working out at a gym, despite the heavy equipment available, is generally much safer, as the professional trainers there will keep an eye on you to make sure you do not put yourself at risk. However, when working out at home, it is crucial to ensure that you are using the proper equipment, maintaining proper form, and warming up and warming down properly.
Failing to do so can result in discomfort, pain, injury, or even severe medical complications. If you are a beginner, it is a must to seek professional guidance or watch the right instructional videos to ensure you are using your equipment correctly. You should also look into an exercise routine that allows your muscles to rest and rejuvenate after a workout so that you do not push yourself too hard.
Tips for Success
Set realistic goals: The key tip for success, whether you are working out at home or a fitness gym in Singapore, is to be realistic with the goals you set for yourself and sticking to them. Trying to achieve too much within a short span of time can not only leave you demotivated when you miss your goals, but also puts you at risk of injury.
Stick to a workout plan: Creating a workout plan is another helpful tactic, as this will ensure that you are working out all parts of your body while maintaining a structure to your workout routine. Your workout plan should include both cardio and strength training exercises for you to see balanced results.
Exercise with a support network: A support network can help you succeed at your fitness goals. Whether it is working out with a close friend, joining a fitness group, making friends at the gym, or hiring a professional trainer, the support they provide can motivate you to keep working out and stay healthy.
Which is Better – Home Workout or Fitness Gym in Singapore?
Ultimately, the choice between sticking to a home workout and joining a fitness gym in Singapore will depend on how you relate to the factors mentioned above. The fitness goals you want to achieve, the amount of time and money you can spend, and how you perceive yourself and your fitness journey will all play into your decision. The important thing is to choose what feels right for you, as the priority is to make sure you stay healthy.
If you do choose to join a gym to achieve your targets, Revive Strength and Conditioning may easily be your best choice for a fitness and rehabilitation gym in Singapore. Revive’s experienced coaches and personal trainers will work with you to develop a customised training programme that suits your individual requirements. From weight loss, strength training, and conditioning for casual fitness and bodybuilding, to rehabilitation and sports therapy for athletes, Revive has all the options you need to conquer your fitness goals. Hit us up today and we can work together to take you to your peak!