Whether it’s for health reasons, a hobby, or a birthday or new year’s resolution, exercise is a good way to live. Getting a good workout is easy once you understand the best to go about it. Should you set up a home gym, or do you take it to the local gym to find all the equipment you need?

It’s a tough choice and there are arguments for both sides of the gym coin. Here are some reasons why people choose one over the other so you can decide for yourself. Before heading out to one of many Fitness Equipment Stores, see which is better, the home gym or the local gym?

The Good and Bad of a Home Gym

There are several reasons why a home gym can be an excellent choice:

• Save money on a monthly membership fee.
• The equipment you want is always available without a wait.
• If you’re shy, you don’t have to worry about how you look or how hard you work out.
• You save time, as there is no traffic to deal with.
• You are free to exercise in any part of the home, even outdoors, making it more comfortable and enjoyable.
• Workout when you want, even in the middle of the night.
• You can get your family members involved, at no cost.

You can experience some downsides of a home gym:

• Limited space may force you to choose only one or two pieces of equipment.
• You might need to make some adjustments throughout your home to accommodate your workout area.
• You must maintain the equipment on your own.
• It’s easy to get distracted by other things. Life happens, kids need you, work calls, and at home, you are always available for those distractions.

The Local Gym: Why and Why Not

Your local gym can be of great benefit in many ways:

• All the equipment you could want is available for you to use.
• You can enjoy some gym perks, like towel service, sauna, or a personal trainer to motivate you and ensure you are exercising right.
• Social interaction can be a fun part of a workout.
• The frame of mind is key to a good workout. By taking an active role to dress and drive over to the gym, you commit yourself to exercise.

But there can be downsides to the gym:

• There is a monthly cost for the local gym, which may exceed your budget.
• You may have to deal with a crowded gym, leaving you to wait for the equipment you want.
• The commute can be a long, drawn-out chore to get to your favorite gym and back.
• The gym’s hours may not coincide with the times you want to be there.

Working out is something everyone should do. Whether you do it in your home gym or at the gym down the street is up to you. But no matter where you choose to do it, you’re making the right choice. As for the home gym vs the local gym battle, that’s a matter of personal preference.