Not a fan of going to the gym? It’s alright! Working out at home is always an option. Besides, there is no point in paying for a gym membership if you’re not motivated to go there every day. Instead, you can use that money to buy some critical equipment for your home gym. If you’re confused about what to do, take a look at these pros and cons of working out at home to help you decide what’s better: an actual gym or a home gym.

Pro: 100% privacy

The most significant pro of working out at home is that you get full privacy. During workout sessions, people often feel conscious when someone looks at their overweight body in a judgemental way. If you feel self-conscious too, working out at home is fantastic. Not to mention, you can grunt, curse, and sweat as much as you like. You don’t need to buy a headphone, as you can play your favorite songs on your home theater in full volume.

Con: Lack of support and motivation

When you’re working out at home, you’re on your own! That means no fitness freaks around to cheer you when you’re close to giving up. If you’re trying a new workout routine, no one will be able to guide you if you have a bad form. Above all, you won’t feel motivated to push yourself harder each day. In a gym environment, you see many people working harder to reach their fitness goals, so motivation may not be a problem.

Pro: It’s entirely free

You can save over a hundred dollars each month by not paying for the gym membership and gas to drive to and from the gym. You also don’t need to get a professional personal trainer, as there are many great workout videos online that are taught by experts. Instead, you can use that money to buy some home workout equipment to take your fitness routine to the next level.

Con: Unavailability of various equipment and facilities

A major drawback of working out at home is that you don’t have access to multiple fitness machines and dumbbell sets. This means there are chances of getting stuck in the same routine and not progressing. Gyms often feature a variety of equipment that can tone every muscle of your body. Moreover, depending on the gym you choose, you can enjoy facilities such as a swimming pool, and steam room, which can be motivating.

Pro: Flexibility

Working out at home means you can exercise whenever you like. Right after waking up, late in the evening, or late afternoon, you decide what’s most convenient. You don’t have the burden of fixing a schedule and commuting to the gym at the right time.

Con: Distractions

When you’re home with your family, you’re likely surrounded by distractions: kids, spouse, and pets. Many people complain about how their kids keep interfering when they’re trying to do exercises at home. Not to mention, TV and your smartphone are also big distractions and can easily take your mind off the exercises.