Home Gym or Health club?

[RCT]

OK so in the past month
our tredmill needs a new motor and our elipitcal machine has malfunctioned....

our deliema is do we get more equipement, which I never use, because once I am home forget it......or join a health club where we could meet after work and the kids could use thier kids club?

just wanted some feed back on those of you who belong to GYMS.

TIA

[Diane]

Quite a few year's ago dh and I joined a fitness club with the intentions of going at least two to three (if not four) times a week. Well... we were real good about going at first and did real well. After a while we just weren't going as often and then not at all. We ended up getting a treadmill and a stepper and for a long long time used them each/every day. I didn't use either one this winter... 8o 8o but now that the weather is better dh and I have been walking at least 2 miles a day. I guess it depends upon you and how dedicated you are to going. I know of a lot of people who go to the gym... and they love it. Just wasn't our thing I guess.

[AnnW]

It really depends on what you want. We belonged to a gym but I was the only one who used it. I loved it. Went every day, but after a while I felt like I was wasting money. Got the treadmill and I love that. I use it. I do miss the weight machines, but I do free weights at home. I am thinking of joining a place for pilates classes. I think it really depends on what you will use.

[JAK]

I have belonged to 2 gyms and loved them both and got my $ out of them. I have had stuff at home and never used it. It's what's best for you guys. I know way too many people who pay a lot of $ for a gym membership they never use.

[Amy]

It boils down to motivation. It is definitely much more convenient to have a home gym because there is more flexibility in the times you can exercise and you don't have to get ready and drive someplace. Those are motivation deflators. LOL

I go through periods of inactivity and it has nothing to do with my home gym. I would probably be just as lazy with a gym membership, yet would have a tin of guilt with the money I am wasting.

If you decide on a home gym, don't buy any type of equipment that you can get at Wal-mart or Sears. Go to a gym equipment store and buy a decent piece of machinery. You won't be able to buy a decent piece under $1500.00. I bought a Smooth Treadmill online http://www.smoothfitness.com/ (the 9.2 series) and really like it. Yes it is expensive up front, but you own it. Kinda like renting a house vs. buying.