Training

[Steve]

I've run into a huge dilemma in my life. The gym that I've been lifting at since I was 17 years old is finally shutting its doors. :(

It was an "old school" gym where people really trained. I've been looking around the other gyms in the area and each one is either filled with yuppies or kids. The former filled with machines carrying little free weights and the latter filled with teenagers comparing bench numbers.

I am at a lost as to what to do.

How many of you have home gyms? Or, if you train at a gym, how far is your drive to the gym? My gym was 1 mile from my house.

If you have a home gym, do you like it better than going to the gym? My biggest fear if I chose the home route is, I wouldn't like it and setting up a home gym isn't cheap. I've always loved going to my gym. I've made great friends there and I like the "gym" atmosphere.

Any answers to my questions or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[donnajo]

I go to a gym because I am in an apartment and can't set up a home gym. I would love to have a home gym when I get a house. I am not a big socializer at the gym. I go in , do my thing, and then go home.

So , the big thing for you would be would you miss the social aspect or not? IF you like that than a home gym might not be the route for you.

Why not try all the gyms in your area for a week. They usually give you a free week pass to try it out. Then you can see if you like them or not.

[Noel Clark]

I worked out at home for 7 years because of kids...couldn't do the take them to the gym thing...It worked for me, but honestly...there is nothing like GOING to the gym. The atmosphere, the people, motivation....all of that. My gym is only a few minutes from my house. It used to be more like the one you are at---old school...just ask Erik-he loved it. BUT there are still some heavy lifters --not at 5 in the morning when I train...but I still feel motivated by a few that go.

FWIW i wouldn't go back to only lifting at my house. It is nice in a pinch...but not for everyday use...

:( hope you find what you are looking for Steve

[strongchick]

Can you get a free pass at any of the gyms and try them out?

A home gym SEEMS more expensive up front, but if you figure you won't have to pay gym fees ever again, it ends up being about the same. And you can buy a lot of equipment off ebay, etc., for not a lot of money. I wouldn't do it just because I like getting out of the house, though.

[Lynny]

aww Steve I'm sorry. That's got to stink. I know I would be really sad if my gym closed. :hug:

[dolce]

my gym is about 2 min from my job which makes it convenient to go after work. the downfall is that its the peak time and its very busy at times and can get frustrated waiting for weights or machines, i dont think i would be able to work out at home though, there are many too distractions and when i am at the gym i know i'm there everyone else is working out and i have to do it.

[Inatic]

Hey steve

bummer about your gym.

My first gym was my home gym. With 5 kidlets at home and teaching part time, my time was limited to the crack of dawn. That and i was intimated by a 'real' gym at the time.

I dont mind training at home as long as i have the right equipment (tho i much prefer to train with my partner ;D :love:

Our gym (for me) is a bit of a drive (20min @ dark:30) not to mention i hit a TON of traffic coming home (sometimes upwards of 40 min :eek: ) during the week. I love training with Cindy (and we have done so for a few yrs now) so i deal with the traffic crap gladly. It's a break for me to train at home (which i will be doing today) There are at least 3 commercial gyms within 5-10min of my house

I have a tready, a bike, a leg press/hip sled (bought before i knew that those arent the best choice) I also have the Pro Spot 500 unit http://www.prospotfitness.com/pages/p500.html which has a ton of built in neat features. Assorted wts, powerblocks, ab bench, assorted bars, ropes and handles, and an Oly bar with assort'd wts. What i dont have and REALLY want to add is a cage :D I shall be adding that sometime this yr for sure. :shhh:

[Noel Clark]

Hey steve

bummer about your gym.

My first gym was my home gym. With 5 kidlets at home and teaching part time, my time was limited to the crack of dawn. That and i was intimated by a 'real' gym at the time.

I dont mind training at home as long as i have the right equipment (tho i much prefer to train with my partner ;D :love:

Our gym (for me) is a bit of a drive (20min @ dark:30) not to mention i hit a TON of traffic coming home (sometimes upwards of 40 min :eek: ) during the week. I love training with Cindy (and we have done so for a few yrs now) so i deal with the traffic crap gladly. It's a break for me to train at home (which i will be doing today) There are at least 3 commercial gyms within 5-10min of my house

I have a tready, a bike, a leg press/hip sled (bought before i knew that those arent the best choice) I also have the Pro Spot 500 unit http://www.prospotfitness.com/pages/p500.html which has a ton of built in neat features. Assorted wts, powerblocks, ab bench, assorted bars, ropes and handles, and an Oly bar with assort'd wts. What i dont have and REALLY want to add is a cage :D I shall be adding that sometime this yr for sure. :shhh:
Spoiled

[Inatic]

Spoiled

:cheeky:

:D

[Gary]

I have a tready, a bike, a leg press/hip sled (bought before i knew that those arent the best choice) I also have the Pro Spot 500 unit http://www.prospotfitness.com/pages/p500.html which has a ton of built in neat features. Assorted wts, powerblocks, ab bench, assorted bars, ropes and handles, and an Oly bar with assort'd wts. What i dont have and REALLY want to add is a cage :D I shall be adding that sometime this yr for sure. :shhh:
:blink:

How much for a membership at your home gym???

[Steve]

Thanks for the insights guys! Much appreciated.

I've tried a few of the gyms in the area and they are absolutely terrible. I still have 2 more to go to but they are the most popular ones. I have a pretty busy schedule and the only time I can make it is around "rush hour".... 5pm. I guess I will just have to give them a whirl and see if I can tolerate the crowd.

Honestly, I don't mind a crowd. But I refuse to wait to use a bench or a cage. It screws everything up, from rest periods to concentration.

A home gym is the last resort. I don't really socialize at all when I lift. I just like the atmosphere. It motivates me. But maybe another gym wouldn't.... I don't know.

This just really sucks.

[donnajo]

Hey steve

bummer about your gym.

My first gym was my home gym. With 5 kidlets at home and teaching part time, my time was limited to the crack of dawn. That and i was intimated by a 'real' gym at the time.

I dont mind training at home as long as i have the right equipment (tho i much prefer to train with my partner ;D :love:

Our gym (for me) is a bit of a drive (20min @ dark:30) not to mention i hit a TON of traffic coming home (sometimes upwards of 40 min :eek: ) during the week. I love training with Cindy (and we have done so for a few yrs now) so i deal with the traffic crap gladly. It's a break for me to train at home (which i will be doing today) There are at least 3 commercial gyms within 5-10min of my house

I have a tready, a bike, a leg press/hip sled (bought before i knew that those arent the best choice) I also have the Pro Spot 500 unit http://www.prospotfitness.com/pages/p500.html which has a ton of built in neat features. Assorted wts, powerblocks, ab bench, assorted bars, ropes and handles, and an Oly bar with assort'd wts. What i dont have and REALLY want to add is a cage :D I shall be adding that sometime this yr for sure. :shhh:

I am Jealous! :lol3:

[donnajo]

Thanks for the insights guys! Much appreciated.

I've tried a few of the gyms in the area and they are absolutely terrible. I still have 2 more to go to but they are the most popular ones. I have a pretty busy schedule and the only time I can make it is around "rush hour".... 5pm. I guess I will just have to give them a whirl and see if I can tolerate the crowd.

Honestly, I don't mind a crowd. But I refuse to wait to use a bench or a cage. It screws everything up, from rest periods to concentration.

A home gym is the last resort. I don't really socialize at all when I lift. I just like the atmosphere. It motivates me. But maybe another gym wouldn't.... I don't know.

This just really sucks.

:hug:

[fitmonkey]

I hated working out in my area gyms for awhile. Then I met a guy involved with powerlifting. And he happened to know of a "underground" type gym. Its not listed and has members, usually only serious ones by word of mouth only.
Any chance you can meet some big dudes around your area that obviously train somewhere besides the local meat markets, I mean gyms?
Y know you don't see those gross sweaty, tree throwing scottish guys at bally's on the tread mill....

[Steve]

I hated working out in my area gyms for awhile. Then I met a guy involved with powerlifting. And he happened to know of a "underground" type gym. Its not listed and has members, usually only serious ones by word of mouth only.
Any chance you can meet some big dudes around your area that obviously train somewhere besides the local meat markets, I mean gyms?
Y know you don't see those gross sweaty, tree throwing scottish guys at bally's on the tread mill....

I thought some of the hardcore guys from my gym would have started something but they all vanished.

My gym that is closing is going "underground." No new members only existing. It will be in the owner's backyard. He has an old barn. Sounds right up my alley, but I know some guys that have seen it and they said it is very small and I've been told that much of the stuff I use at the current location will NOT be at the new location.

He wants to make it even more old school than it is now supposedly. Yet, he is taking more machines than free weights. :blink:

I swear, I'm thinking about liquidating and buying this gym. If it weren't in such a shitty location I'd it would be very tempting.

[capegirl]

I LOVE going to the gym! I lov eto see people sweat, work, make progress...makes me want to work even harder!

[synergyb3]

The gym is where I want to workout but my gym membership is on hold because it doesn't quite fit the budget right now.

I make do at home with equipment that I have mostly gotten for free from Freecycle. A bench, a bunch of plates & DBs, light weight BBs, a recumbent bike. I have a small apartment so my weight room doubles as my bedroom and the cardio bay doubles as my living room.

I'm making it work right now because I have to but I'll be back to the gym ASAP. I absolutely love working out at Gold's and find the atmosphere very motivating.

[SusanF]

I do cardio at home and weights at the gym. I have db's and a bowflex at home, so if I can't make it to the gym, I don't have to miss my workout, but I get a way better workout and enjoy it more at the gym.

Like others have said so much is the atmosphere. I wear a HRM when I train and I actually burn more calories at the gym than at home doing the same workout. I think it's just cuz I'm more pumped at the gym. (and I don't socialize there, other than to say Hi to the other regulars, but I just like being there)

Good luck in your search!

[smuggie]

My gym doesn't motivate me to train harder at all. Too many pathetic saps there. :sad:

[JK333]

I have my own home gym and love it. We bought all our own stuff just after Christmas - it is so convenient - I really thought I would miss the gym but I don't at all. We previously had a 20 minute drive to the gym - now we can work out at any time.

We have a treadmill, power cage with chinup/pullup bar, incline bench, flat bench, two oly bars and assorted weights, dumbells from 10-50 lbs, assorted ropes and bars, lat pulldown and seated row cable attachment.

Best thing we have ever done.

[Gary]

Wuss.



All you need is one of these:
http://www.preciseexercise.com/images/abrollerplusbig.jpg

:funny:

:lub:

[fairy]

:hahano: :hahano: :hahano:

[3sweeties]

I have a home gym and love it. Open 24hrs a day.:lol3: Seriously, the closet gym for me is the YMCA and that is 20 minutes one way. It just isn't practical for me to drive to town 3 or 4 times a week. I like working out by myself and not having to be bothered with people. :lol:

[smuggie]

I dream of the day when I can do that too. *sigh*

[Tony]

I've run into a huge dilemma in my life. The gym that I've been lifting at since I was 17 years old is finally shutting its doors. :(

It was an "old school" gym where people really trained. I've been looking around the other gyms in the area and each one is either filled with yuppies or kids. The former filled with machines carrying little free weights and the latter filled with teenagers comparing bench numbers.

I am at a lost as to what to do.

How many of you have home gyms? Or, if you train at a gym, how far is your drive to the gym? My gym was 1 mile from my house.

If you have a home gym, do you like it better than going to the gym? My biggest fear if I chose the home route is, I wouldn't like it and setting up a home gym isn't cheap. I've always loved going to my gym. I've made great friends there and I like the "gym" atmosphere.

Any answers to my questions or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I have a home gym and have never once looked back. I understand the whole atmosphere thing though. Just remember this:

"... Build it, and they will come... "

[TheDeliverator]

The trick to a home gym, as Tony said, is to get people to train with you. Not only does this create an atmosphere better than any commercial gym, but, it will help in getting the gym the equipment you need to be successful.

That being said, there are a few things to think about when setting up a home gym; priorities.

[abbatoir]

You could go to the gym when you were 17? The gyms around here don't let anyone under 19 in without a chaperone (e.g. parent). The one at my school is tiny and cramped and old !

[Cindy Day]

I hope you find something you're happy with Steve. Sometimes you talk about the stress of your current job-- have you considered opening your own gym and changing careers? :shrug:

:hug:

I used to 'need' the gym atmosphere, but quite frankly I think I could workout at home now and be happy with it if I had the space to build it like I would like. I do like my gym and it's only a 10 min drive for me.

[Ali]

Sorry to hear that. :hug:

I have a home gym, but mostly b/c of my unique circumstances. 1) kiddos...there's no way I would put them in a gym daycare. 2) Closest gym would be 20-25 minutes away. That would be an hour of time to and from that I just can't afford. 3) Cost...it might not seem like it at first, but when you add up gym membership fees for years for 2...the home gym seems really affordable 4) Plain old convenience...I just walk downstairs, and can do it at any time. I think that's it. Anyway, it has worked well for me.

I do understand what you are saying with the social aspect. I drive in about once a week or so just so I can train in the gym. Just for fun...when I can make it...it's far, but cheap for me at hubby's work.

That's a tough call. Let us know what you decide. :)

[Kara]

I just put together a basic home gym and I love it. The Y that I work out at is only 5 minutes away, but I love being able to work out on my own schedule, in whatever I want and at my own pace. I am still keeping my membership because I get it for free and I can vary cardio more at the gym. But I much prefer working out a home.

[Steve]

Wuss.



All you need is one of these:
http://www.preciseexercise.com/images/abrollerplusbig.jpg

:funny:

:lub:

:laugh:

:love:

[Steve]

I have a home gym and have never once looked back. I understand the whole atmosphere thing though. Just remember this:

"... Build it, and they will come... "

Tony, thanks for that reply. That really made me think. I like training by myself in general. But I think I would like having some of my friends over to train. If I don't find a good local gym, this really might be an option.

[Steve]

The trick to a home gym, as Tony said, is to get people to train with you. Not only does this create an atmosphere better than any commercial gym, but, it will help in getting the gym the equipment you need to be successful.

That being said, there are a few things to think about when setting up a home gym; priorities.

Thanks Del, I hear ya.

[Steve]

You could go to the gym when you were 17? The gyms around here don't let anyone under 19 in without a chaperone (e.g. parent). The one at my school is tiny and cramped and old !

Yea, I could go to the local health club where I grew up before I could drive. :shrug:

[Steve]

I hope you find something you're happy with Steve. Sometimes you talk about the stress of your current job-- have you considered opening your own gym and changing careers? :shrug:

More than you know, I've thought of this. I've heard though, that it is a nightmare and success rates are horrible. I have faith in myself, but this area just really sucks. Most people would rather be watching television than doing anything remotely active. Sure, you could change their perceptions, but I think the risk is too big.

I've actually thought about buying my current gym that's closing with some of my friends, but the location sucks.

[fitmonkey]

More than you know, I've thought of this. I've heard though, that it is a nightmare and success rates are horrible. I have faith in myself, but this area just really sucks. Most people would rather be watching television than doing anything remotely active. Sure, you could change their perceptions, but I think the risk is too big.

I've actually thought about buying my current gym that's closing with some of my friends, but the location sucks.

The underground gym in my area was built in one of those storage things that you rent a space.
Maybe you and a few friends should invest in buying some of your old gym's equipment, and looking around for some used/refurbished gym stuff. Heck, you dont need anywhere fancy to go. It'd only take a small amount of people to cover a shed type thing with electricity and equipment.
I'm exploring possibilities because I live in the small town, hillbillyville, and I've got to drive to work out.

[Steve]

The underground gym in my area was built in one of those storage things that you rent a space.
Maybe you and a few friends should invest in buying some of your old gym's equipment, and looking around for some used/refurbished gym stuff. Heck, you dont need anywhere fancy to go. It'd only take a small amount of people to cover a shed type thing with electricity and equipment.
I'm exploring possibilities because I live in the small town, hillbillyville, and I've got to drive to work out.

Wow, that's a thought too. Thanks a lot!

[Steve]

Gym number one down.

I call in advance to make sure if I come today, I can train for trial. They said yes, but I would need to meet with a "fitness associate" named Jen.

I get there, she is drop dead gorgeous. Knows nothing about fitness... but beautiful none the less. Obviously they put her in this position to "sell" memberships.

And that she tries.

I tell her that I am here primarily for free weights.

She continues to show me the various rooms for aerobics classes. Trampoline classes, hot yoga, regular yoga, spin, row, blah blah blah. I stopped listening 10 minutes ago and all I want to do is lift.

I say, "show me the weights."

She says, "I know, I know.... just trying to convert you!"

My thoughts, "To what? A pansy?"

I will admit, so far, the gym is very nice compared to my old one.

Finally she takes me to the machine room. It is huge. Machines galore. I thought, if this is anything like the free weight room, we are in business.

We finally get to the free weight room and wow.....

It's a closet. For every square foot of space here, there is probably 15 for the machine room and 40 for the various class rooms. :(

She takes me back to her office and says, "So, can we sign you up for a year?"

I laughed and said let me train for a week and I'll tell you on Saturday, thinking all along.... NO.

Not to mention it's 15 bucks a month more than my old gym.

So I go to use the small free weights they have.

I start with bench.

My last set is with 285.

A puny kids walks up to me and says, "do you need a spot?"

Me: No, why?

Him: I've never seen someone bench that much.

Me: Really?

Him: And I thought someone would be big to lift that much weight.

:dry:

Me: Done talking, ipod back on, complete my set. :(

My old gym was serious. I was your mediocre strength. Not here. Full of wimps. And that does not motivate me.

On top of this..... let me tell you how bad the 10 trainers are they have on staff. I know for a fact they wouldn't dream of bringing one of their clients in the free weight area. How pathetic.

How depressing.

Oh, and only one squat rack for the entire gym. I asked the one guy if a lot of people use the squat rack.

Him: No, why?

Me: I surprised to see only one.

Him: Oh, there's two.

Me: Oh really, where's the other one?!

Him: He points to the smith machine.

:dry:

I was definitely spoiled with my old facility.

I am seriously thinking about emailing the owner of the gym (who is a trainer there too, whom def. did NOT know what the F*&% he was talking about when it comes to training) and see if they allow for any part time trainers. I'd like to go in there and sincerely help some people who actually want to get stronger.

[Audrey]

You didn't visit a 24 hoour fitness by any chance, did you? :lol:

It looks a lot like what I would get in my gym (which is a 24-hour fitness). I don't care for it at all, but it is the only one located close to work and not too far from where I live. I would love a home gym, but given that I live in a tiny apartment (darn San Francsico rents :dry: ), there's no way that's going to happen anytime soon.

I hope you find what you are looking for Steve!

[smuggie]

Oh, and only one squat rack for the entire gym. I asked the one guy if a lot of people use the squat rack.

Him: No, why?

Me: I surprised to see only one.

Him: Oh, there's two.

Me: Oh really, where's the other one?!

Him: He points to the smith machine.

:dry:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v614/montagnu/ellis/laughing7.gif http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v614/montagnu/ellis/laughing7.gif http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v614/montagnu/ellis/laughing7.gif

I'm sorry your experience sucked so much.

[Steve]

Wow how my mood has improved!

Today I went to try my second gym. It is brand spankin new, constructed a few months ago. It is by far the nicest facility I've ever seen. I went at prime "rush hour" and didn't have to wait for anything. There were even personal trainers there that actually knew their shit.

You know when you walk in a gym and it just clicks? That was this experience.

It's further than I'm used to driving. It took me 13 minutes to get there, but it's worth the drive.

I'm considering personal training there part time as well after my schedule becomes less hectic.

Thanks for your insights everyone!!! :)

[smuggie]

Great news, Steve. I'm happy for ya. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v614/montagnu/ellis/fishing.gif

[Gary]

:woohoo: Awesome news Steve!

[Steve]

Thanks Maureen.... I'm ecstatic! :)

[Robben]

Wow how my mood has improved!

Today I went to try my second gym. It is brand spankin new, constructed a few months ago. It is by far the nicest facility I've ever seen. I went at prime "rush hour" and didn't have to wait for anything. There were even personal trainers there that actually knew their shit.

You know when you walk in a gym and it just clicks? That was this experience.

It's further than I'm used to driving. It took me 13 minutes to get there, but it's worth the drive.

I'm considering personal training there part time as well after my schedule becomes less hectic.

Thanks for your insights everyone!!! :)

Steve, this is great news to hear. Glad the mood has turned positive on the search for a new workout home.

[synergyb3]

Wow, what great news Steve! :yippee: I hope it works out.

[Inatic]

Enjoy Steve, im so happy you found what you were looking for. :)

[Ali]

:clap:

[hydrick]

Yeah Steve, I'm so glad you found a place that you like. :clap: