As the entire world struggles to get back on its feet with the pandemic, the truth dawns upon us about our lack of physical fitness, thereby reinforcing the relevance of the question "To gym or Not to gym".
Had we concentrated on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and overall physical condition, many of us would have avoided what COVID-19 had in store for us. The lockdown imposed more than a year ago, resulting in the closure of businesses, public places, fitness, and activity centers, and overall social life has hampered many aspects of the lives of people including routine fitness activities of fitness freaks, which has resulted in various psychological issues and serious fitness and health concerns.
Before all of that though, what sparks the flame for this question?
You want to shed those extra pounds. Or hone those muscles. Or just build more stamina, get more fit. Whatever your aim is, there’s one question you cannot avoid: should you join a gym or not, to embark on your fitness journey?
We often ponder over this question, sometimes doing meticulous research and copious reading. Most first-timers often mistakenly think that joining a gym is the only way to get fit. But is it mandatory to join a gym at all to achieve your fitness goals?
Aynus Antony is a celebrity fitness trainer who engages as a personal trainer for Mohanlal, Vishnu Unnikrishnan & Bibin George, among others. His take is that physical fitness can be a driving force in anyone's life-supporting mental, physical, professional, and general health. His answer is especially for people whose ultimate goals are to become fit, lose some excess
fat from the body and maintain general well-being (that’s most of us out here!).
Is joining a gym necessary?
No, joining a gym is not mandatory for your fitness journey. You can easily attain your fitness goal by working out at home, as long as you plan your training well. As a beginner, you can start with basic home workouts that include bodyweight exercises and maybe a pair of dumbbells and a resistance band, if you can invest in one. Even though it's a small investment, it is highly recommended. If you are seeking the guidance of a coach then let him know what equipment you have at home, to begin with. Your trainer can then tailor your workout regime accordingly, as per your goals.
But does that mean you should rule out joining a gym altogether?
There are instances where joining a gym may be more advantageous than a home workout. If you are someone who has trouble being consistent with training at home, perhaps because of distractions, then joining a gym ought to be a jackpot, a choice that would help you commit to and build consistency in training. A regular fitness workout at home during the lockdown greatly helps people to overcome psychological issues and fitness concerns.
What should be one's target while undertaking physical fitness?
The target you want to achieve plays a role in this decision too. For instance, if you aim to not just lose pounds but also build muscle and stamina, it could necessitate using specific equipment – which may be too costly to afford or cumbersome to place in your home. That’s because building muscle or getting stronger over time requires a strict weightlifting regimen: the trainer will need to progressively overload the weight you lift over time. This would require more weights and equipment which can be a hassle to own at home if you do not have a space dedicated to working out.
Is it safe to go back to the gym?
With the pandemic that’s still raging, safety is yet another concern that needs to be taken into account. Considering the current circumstances revolving around the pandemic, gyms are required to follow specific safety precautions – including social distancing, sanitizing equipment after every use diligently, and so on. Opt for a gym workout only if you are convinced that your gym follows all these precautions, and only if you can handle the risk factor!
Have doubts or queries? Drop me a note here in the comments and I'll be more than happy to answer them for you!
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Antony is a personal fitness trainer who believes in transforming the lives of his clients so that they are healthier and happier. You can reach him on http://www.aynusfitness.com/
