Pros and Cons of a Gym Membership

There’s no doubt about it, gym membership rarely comes cheaply. But is it really worth the investment when you can train outdoors for free? And which will give you a better workout? Here’s the low-down on both sides of the in-out debate.

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YES, TRAINING AT THE GYM IS WORTH IT

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EVERYTHING YOU NEED IN ONE PLACE

A strong argument for going to the gym is that it’s specifically designed environment intended to optimise your workout. So, as well as easy access to a host of machines and equipment, you’ll also have all the creature comforts you’ll need. “Equipment is always ready and available” says fitness expert Stuart Reardon, “You have all the amenities you’ll need – shower, toilet, sauna, drinks and food.”

With every convenience to hand, there’s less to compromise or negatively impact on your workout, not only making it more effective, but also making you more likely to work out in the first place. For example, being able to shower straight after your workout and head straight off to work or out for dinner makes it easier to fit a training session into your daily routine.

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THE GYM INTEGRATES INTO YOUR LIFESTYLE

It follows that gym membership lends itself to more consistent training as the convenience and regularity of heading to the gym at a scheduled time becomes embedded into our lifestyles and with time, an integral part of our day. “It’s turn up, get your head down and then on with the rest of your day” explains gym enthusiast Dan Cartner, “the gym fits around my life, rather than the other way round.” So, whether it’s a daily 6am class or a regular post-work training session, this structure can help sustain a consistent training regime - without impacting on other commitments.

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WORK OUT ANYTIME, ALL YEAR ROUND

When you’re working out indoors your training is completely weather-proofed and protected from environmental elements, with a constant availability of optimised training conditions. That means you don’t have to worry about it getting dark outside, fighting headwinds or calling off your training because of ice or snow. “Training in the gym lets me focus solely on my workout” says Dan, “No worries about daylight or what to wear. I can do everything I would training outdoors, but with the ability to mix it up with weights and equipment – and without being affected by the weather.”

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ADVICE AND HELP ARE ON HAND

There’s always expert advice and help from your fellow gym goers at your fingertips. If you need advice from a PT or maybe just a hand with the equipment, there’s always someone on hand to help. Class fees are often included as an element of gym membership, giving you easy access to effective, structured workouts under the guidance of a qualified instructor. What’s more there’s also a social element to gym membership as you get to know the staff and regular faces, which can help boost motivation and training commitment.

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NO - TRAINING IN NATURE’S GYM IS BEST

“If there is one thing that would increase Gross National Happiness, it would be getting everyone out getting some exercise in nature's gym, the great outdoors. Green space, fresh air, and physical activity is great for the brain, but also for health and longevity”
- Dr Andrew Murray, Sports and Exercise Medicine Consultant at the University of Edinburgh & ambassador for Merrell’s Nature's Gym

The other side of the debate is that, in truth, you don’t need a gym membership to be physically fit. All you need is yourself, some open space and a healthy dose of motivation for an effective training session and some amazing physical and mental benefits.

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TRAINING OUTDOORS MAKES US HAPPIER

In fact, exercising outdoors can boost mental wellbeing in a way that training inside cannot. There’s now a huge body of research that demonstrates that “green exercise” – training outdoors - helps boost our mood, mental focus and reduces stress. “Indoors, you don’t see the beautiful places around you that running or training in the countryside or parks can give you” says Reardon. That mental stimulation of varied terrain, new sights, sounds and faces, helps us to mentally switch off from every day stresses, promoting a calm, tranquil and restorative mental state.

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TRAINING OUTSIDE INTENSIFIES OUR WORKOUTS…

Training outdoors in variable weather conditions can deliver an added dimension to your workout. Running through rain or feeling the wind in your hair is mentally exhilarating, and may also deliver an even greater psychological boost as you become fully engaged in your surroundings. Battling through adverse weather conditions can also deliver a more intense workout as you work harder to counter a strong headwind or driving rain.

Reardon also suggests that battling though adverse elements can help build a strong, positive mental attitude to life in general. “At the gym you’re in your comfort zone…you don’t have to fight weather conditions which build a tough mentality, where setbacks, injuries, bad days and personal issues can be easily shaken off by having a solid, mentally tough positive outlook on life.”

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…BUT CAN ALSO MAKE THEM FEEL EASIER

Changing scenery and varied terrain add mental stimulation that you won’t get from staring at a gym wall or screen. This impacts on our perceived effort, whereby our focus is on our surroundings and not on how tough our workout is with the result that training feels easier, more enjoyable and your workout will be done and dusted before you know it.

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YOU CAN GET A FULL BODY WORKOUT

Whether it’s circuits in the park, a run on the trails, swimming, cycling or even rock climbing, exercising in nature combined with your own bodyweight can deliver a full body workout. And what’s more, you may even burn more calories. It’s no secret that your body adapts and becomes used to repetitive gym activity. Variable surfaces and weather conditions activate and engage different muscle groups, resulting in greater calorie burn and all over body conditioning.

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IT’S EFFECTIVE AND FREE

There’s no need to make a huge financial commitment simply to get fit. Training in the great outdoors delivers an all over body workout at zero cost. All you need to do is simply pull on your trainers, head out of the front door and get going. "The single best present you can give yourself is getting out and getting active in nature's gym” says Dr Murray “For me it’s a great stressbuster, and time out, and science is clear that it adds years to life, and improves physical and mental health… nothing beats a lung busting run up a hill, to be rewarded with views all around"

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A FINAL WORD

Whether it’s the convenience and comfort of the gym that floats your boat, or the exhilaration and mental boost of exercising in the fresh air that gets your heart and mind racing, the most important thing is that you are exercising! That means that whether you opt for indoors or out, you are reaping the health benefits of an active, healthy lifestyle. Most importantly, choose the option that suits you and your lifestyle the best and will help you to stick with it. Happy training!

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