3 Reasons to Work Out in a Gym

When gyms closed during the COVID pandemic, Zoom classes and home workouts were a lifesaver for many. Sales of Pelotons skyrocketed. “Forecasters” heralded the dawn of a new era, and predicted the end of gyms and fitness studios.

I predicted that their prognostications would prove false — and I was right. Gym memberships are up. Peloton is struggling. Zoom classes and online training still exist, but they are a poor substitute.

For over 12 years, I have started every day with a workout of some type. Most days, that workout happens in a gym — whether my local gym, a hotel gym, a single-focus fitness studio like Barre or Cycle, or a yoga studio.

The point is that I get out of the house and go somewhere.

I’ve always been quick to point out that going to a gym isn’t a necessary requirement to fit fitness into your schedule. You can do a workout anywhere, including your home. You don’t need a “home gym,” a lot of equipment, or even a lot of space to move your body with intention for a set period of time.

I have done workouts in airport lounges, hotel rooms, stairwells, and — of course — nature.

Read: How to Work Out Consistently — Even When You Don’t Feel Like It

That said, when gyms re-opened, I quickly got myself back out of the house for my workouts, because I know that there’s no substitute.

Home workouts are a good back-up for days when you can’t make it to the gym for whatever reason. But on a daily basis, you will be best served by going to a gym — even if you’re doing an active recovery day.

Read: The 3-Part Framework For Consistent Workouts (No Motivation Required)

Here are 3 reasons why working out in a gym will serve you better.

(1) Environment is More Powerful Than Willpower

Let’s be real: sometimes it can be hard to find the energy and motivation to work out. Everyone has days when they just don’t feel like it. (Including me.)

Willpower is a finite resource, and you don’t want to deplete it by fighting with yourself about where to go or what to do.

When you’re in an environment with other people who are doing the same type of activity, it gives a boost to your starting energy. Consider it a form of positive peer pressure. Even if you don’t know the people around you, just seeing other people working out will help you get started.

Read: 5 Steps to Working Out When You Don’t Feel Motivated

(2) Your Home Has Too Many Distractions

Your home is full of distractions and reminders of other things you need to do. Laundry. Cleaning. Organizing. Reading.

It’s amazing how things you’ve been putting off or otherwise wouldn’t want to do can somehow become so appealing when you’re trying to exercise.

That book on your table that you’ve been ignoring weeks is suddenly the most appealing thing in the room. Suddenly the junk drawer just needs to be organized.

Even if you don’t fall into those other activities and manage to fit in your workout in the corner of your living room, your garage, or even your home gym, just seeing the other things calling your attention takes up brain space that distracts from your workout.

Read: The Superpower That Eliminates Distractions

(3) The Gym Has More of What You Need

Even the most fully-stocked home gym can’t compare to a full gym set-up. A good gym has a range of equipment, from cardio machines to weight machines to free weights in all sizes. Barbells, Kettlebells. Squat racks. Sleds.

How many sets of dumbbells or kettlebells can you realistically fit in your home?

Even if you could hav a fully-stocked gym, the gym isn’t just about the equipment. It’s also about the people.

At a gym (or fitness studio), even if you’re technically working out by yourself, you’re not doing a workout alone.

In fact, I’ve been in hotel gyms by myself and found it uninspiring. What makes a gym helpful is the other people and the energy they bring. Having people to encourage you and support you makes a huge difference. And even if you don’t speak to anyone, just being around other people doing the same type of activity will keep you going.