As you put together your weight loss plan, we have some good news for you: You don’t have to do everything exactly like your friend or neighbor who recently lose weight. You can tailor your program to suit your needs and preferences, which is a good thing because we stick with programs that are convenient for us.
With regard to exercise, you’ll be happy to learn that you can choose from a wide variety of options. There isn’t just one way to burn calories and support your weight loss plan. If you enjoy gym workouts, you can attend classes, hop on a machine, or simply head to the weight room. But if you’d rather exercise at home, for whatever reason, we can still design a program around home workouts that will help you meet your goals.
Can’t decide? Check out some of the pros and cons of each option.
Home workout pros:
- Privacy
- Flexibility (work out when you want to)
- No driving or dealing with traffic
- Low cost (although not free, because you might purchase some equipment or enroll in a virtual coaching service)
Home workout cons:
- Fewer options (unless you can purchase a complete home gym… But then you lose the low cost benefit)
- No camaraderie
- Less accountability (no one will see if you quit mid-workout and decide to lounge on the couch instead)
- If you don’t pay a membership, you might not feel motivated
Gym pros:
- Options galore! Classes for just about every workout style and level
- Professional grade equipment
- Social support
- Motivation (paying for a membership makes some people more likely to use it)
- Structure and accountability; you’re less likely to quit and flop onto a couch!
Gym cons:
- Cost
- Lack of privacy; some people feel “on display” at the gym
- Limited hours
- Driving/traffic/scheduling
As you can see, there are an approximately equal number of pros and cons for both home and gym workouts. So what’s best for you? The answer is simple: Whatever you will use, consistently, is the better option. That’s because the best workout is the one you enjoy and stick with over time. And of course, a combination of both options might suit some people best. That way you can engage in a variety of workout styles depending upon what suits your mood and schedule each day.
For more advice on building a workout routine to support your weight loss plan, give us a call. We can meet with you to discuss your goals, your workout regimen, and an eating plan to help you succeed.
