5 Reasons to Ditch The Gym Forever and Start Working Out at Home

I used to be the type of person who only worked out at the gym or fancy and expensive workout studios. Then COVID-19 happened, and well, we were all forced to adjust our workout routine. I remember researching online for possible solutions when I saw an ad for Beachbody on Demand. Full disclosure: I had serious reservations. I didn’t think it was possible to get in a decent workout from my living room with a few dumbbells. Now almost a full year of exclusively doing at home workouts (aside from running or cycling outside), I can confidently say I won’t ever go back to the gym full-time. This new way of working out has completely changed my mindset around what I can achieve fitness-wise from the comfort of my own home.

Here’s 5 reasons why you should seriously consider ditching the gym and making at home workout programs your new thing.

You’ll get your time back, and then some

Now, I know you’ve probably heard this one before but it’s definitely worth repeating. Having access to a home gym – which could be a designated set up in your basement or a small space in your living room – will save you a tremendous amount of time. Think about it: How much time does it take to pack your gym bag, find someone to look after your kids, drive or commute to and from the gym? If we’re being honest, it’s probably somewhere in the ballpark of 30-45 minutes. That’s the average time it would take to do the workout itself! When you have the right tools and equipment at home, all you have to do is throw on your workout clothes, turn on your TV or tablet and bam, you’re already doing the thing.

The guesswork – what moves you should be doing – will be eliminated

This was a big one for me! I used to spend a lot of time reading up on new moves to try in the gym. I loved the feeling of finding a new routine, putting my earbuds in and smashing it out! After a week or two though, the sequences would no longer light me up; it would start to feel stagnant and I would have to switch things up which burned both time and energy. Now that I’m almost exclusively doing at home workout programs, all the thinking has been done for me by the professionals. I’m a big fan of programs like 80 Day Obsession and 21 Day Fix on Beachbody on Demand (No, I’m not being paid to write that). The workouts programs have been designed with specific moves at the correct cadence so you’ll maximize your efforts and start seeing the results you want.

You’ll become more consistent

When you’re suddenly given more time and all the thinking has been done for you, your only job becomes lacing up your sneakers and showing up. Back when I was a gym-goer, I would average about 3-5 times per week in the gym. And if we’re totally being totally honest, some weeks I wouldn’t go at all because, well, life. Since committing to at home workout programs, you’ll now find me sweating, panting, and swearing at the TV 6 days a week. These types of programs typically have a start and end date too, keeping you engaged, energized, motivating you to push your tired, but now toned butt, to the program’s finish line.

You’ll see and feel real results, fast!

When you commit to an at home workout program – which includes doing the workouts as they are intended and following along with the meal plan – you’re going to see and feel the results faster than you probably would if left on your own. I remember starting my first program 21 Day Fix by Autumn Calabrese. At the time, I was cycling heavily on the weekends with my now husband and working on my running endurance 3 times a week. Yet, only days into the new program I was feeling those achy muscles that told me I was doing something right. Suddenly I was targeting muscle groups that I had negetled or didn’t even know existed – like the tiny gluteus medius and minimus muscles responsible for shaping the sides of your booty.

You’ll save a lot of money

Back when I was living in Toronto, I paid around $350 a year for a gym membership (which was at a reduced corporate rate) and around $90 a month for credits on Class Pass. I now pay $99 a year for Beachbody On Demand and have access to world class trainers and hundreds of workouts that I can do anywhere. When I do the math on what I was spending a month on membership fees (not including the cost of commuting in the city) it makes my head spin a little. The money I now save goes towards cute workout gear, new equipment, supplements and superfoods. It’s kinda a no brainer.

So, do you work out at home? If so, what programs do you do? If you haven’t tried an at home workout program, I highly encourage you to give it a go. It may just be the thing you need to kick your workouts and motivation into high gear.

Stay well,