Why do people still visit fitness centers and gyms with so many at-home workout options? Two reasons stand out: gyms are better equipped and offer more support to help you achieve your goals. The other is to benefit from the community found in a place like your YMCA branch.
The benefits of in-gym workouts are well documented. Here are some examples of the research on this topic:
- People working out at the gym are more likely to stick to their fitness goals. A study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that people who worked out at the gym were likelier to stick to their fitness goals than those who worked out at home. The study found that people who worked out at the gym were more likely to report feeling motivated and supported, and they were more likely to have a positive attitude towards exercise.
- People who work out at the gym tend to lose more weight and body fat than people who work out at home. A study published in the International Journal of Obesity found that people who worked out at the gym lost more weight and body fat than people who worked out at home. The study found that people who worked out at the gym were more likely to burn more calories and they were more likely to increase their muscle mass.
- People who work out at the gym are less likely to develop chronic diseases. A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that people who worked out at the gym were less likely to develop chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer. The study found that people who worked out at the gym had lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, and a lower body mass index (BMI).
There are some practical reasons as well. Here are a few:
- Access to more equipment. Gyms typically have a wide variety of equipment, including treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes, weight machines, free weights, and more. This can be helpful if you want to try new exercises or challenge yourself with different workouts.
- A sense of community. Working out at the gym can be a great way to meet new people and make friends. Seeing other people working out and surrounded by a positive atmosphere can also be motivating.
- More accountability. When you work out at home, it can be easy to skip a workout or not push yourself as hard as you would if you were at the gym. Going to the gym can help you stay accountable and motivated to reach your fitness goals.
Make working out in our branches part of your routine. Our staff will be happy to help you set and achieve your goals. And, we get benefits, too, because we love seeing you in our branches.