I suppose this article is very similar to a lot of my articles, they all have the influence of; saving money, inspiring new people and getting people do try new ideas for weight loss. Last week I spoke about motivating people to take up their running shoes and get out into the wide outdoors, well..the weather’s a bit naff so I understand people not wanting to at the moment but for me? A gym just isn’t an option and here’s why.

It’s expensive

For me, price always comes into it. How can it not? I work hard for the little pennies I get in and I’m not about to throw them away on something I can get for free. 

I can create similar equipment for free

Like above, it’s about the money! The most popular machines are; treadmills, cross trainers, and weights. I can make all of those, and more for free! Why would I want to pay £30 a month (or more) for something I have at home?

• Treadmill: Running outdoors, running on the spot, skipping. 
• Cross trainers: Running, skipping, kickboxing moves.
• Weights: How about invisible weights (using body weight), cans of beans/bottles of lemonade, pushups, lifting bags of shoes if you have to!

Way back when, when I was first into fitness I used to create a low pull-up bar in my room from an old metal pipe balanced between my bed frame and my deckchair. Thinking back, it was so dangerous but I wanted one and I had the utensils I thought were best, so choose safe objects but get creative!

*There’s a new campaign called #justride helping people to get inspired to ride bikes!

It’s pressure

Once I’m all signed up and in a contract I feel obligated to use it as much as possible, it begins to feel like a chore and not a pleasure. I love working out but when I feel like I need to workout 15 times a month to get my monies worth, it takes the fun out of it!

Takes up time

Well doesn’t a workout take up time? Of course it does! but when I want to do a quick 20-minute strength routine I can do so with the change of my clothes and the gathering of the equipment. If I want to do that in a gym I have to change my clothes pack my bag, drive/walk to the gym, get in get sorted and get out. Minimum would take an hour-two hours!

I’m shy

Yeah, this is also a big one for me. I could go to a gym, sure but I really wouldn’t feel comfortable. I’ve been to four different gyms and only one I felt comfortable in, even that one only lasted a few days before a creep came in. I’m sure it’s not his fault, it was a very male focused gym so it was rare to see women in and those that did were all 40’s+ So I think most of the time it’s just shock but that makes me feel uncomfortable.

I.E I haven’t found one I love.

I love working out at home much more

There are so many ways to workout from home, from workout videos online, to buying discount DVD’s from literally any shop! If you really can’t find a few meters of space you can pop your shoes on and go for a run, I absolutely adore running, even in the rain! I think there’s something amazing about just running, I’m not a fan of pavements, so I tend to run in parks and up peaks. I’ve written some inspirational ideas to get you motivated to run!

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If you’re unlike me and you absolutely MUST go to the gym, I’m sorting out some gym bargains for 2016 on the other site so feel free to browse! Some offers are up to 40% off memberships and equipment!