Has Home Workouts Been Effective for You?

I want to know if working out at home can yield results similar to those from going to the gym. I feel more comfortable in my own environment. My goal is to gain weight as a female and to sculpt my body without building excessive muscle. I’m still a beginner, so I’m figuring out how everything works here. :slight_smile:

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For me, home is better than the gym because I am more consistent. Without consistency, nothing else matters.

Quinn said:
For me, home is better than the gym because I am more consistent. Without consistency, nothing else matters.

Same!!! I can’t make excuses when I’m already at home lol

Quinn said:
For me, home is better than the gym because I am more consistent. Without consistency, nothing else matters.

And food…

I was part of a CrossFit gym for over 7 years, but when ownership changed, I switched to home workouts. It’s been 2-3 years now, and I don’t see myself going back. Not having to drive anywhere allows me to spend time with my kids while I work out, and I love it! I still drop in occasionally to a class with friends for the community vibe. If you have the right equipment and discipline, go for it!

@Jules
What equipment do you use? I usually follow Thenx workouts on YouTube, but I’m unsure if I’m doing things correctly.

Rowan said:
@Jules
What equipment do you use? I usually follow Thenx workouts on YouTube, but I’m unsure if I’m doing things correctly.

I have a barbell with plates, different dumbbells, a weight bench, a squat rack, and a rower. I accumulated those over time. I follow the Ladder app.

You don’t need much equipment for bodyweight workouts. I have an adjustable dumbbell (5-25lbs) and a pull-up bar, and with a consistent routine, I’m seeing better results than when I was going to the gym daily.

I prefer a lean physique over bulk, so I stick to lighter weights. Consistency at home is your best ally if you’re disciplined.

I followed a routine of doing 100 push-ups, sit-ups, and squats every other day. I would time myself to improve my speed each time, which led to a toned and trimmed physique.

I prefer going to the gym because I find it difficult to stay focused at home. I enjoy having a dedicated space for self-care, like my gym’s yoga studio. It motivates me to finish my workouts. I understand wanting to be comfortable at home, but the gym environment, filled with diverse individuals working toward their goals, is empowering. Nobody is paying attention to you, and it’s okay to start with basic equipment like dumbbells while watching YouTube workouts for guidance.

@Ellis
Same! I love going to the gym not just for workouts but for socializing. I can explore various workouts there while working out in a small apartment can feel lacking.

Working out daily at home saves me time from traveling to the gym.

Gyms offer a variety of equipment. As long as you can set up a home gym with the necessary tools, you’ll achieve similar results.

I have a bench, dumbbells up to 20kg, and a rowing machine. I’ve seen decent results, but the gym offers more options. Ultimately, do what works for you!

Deciding between home and gym workouts largely varies for individuals. Consistency is vital; if home workouts motivate you due to convenience, that’s a good starting point. For beginners, I recommend trying trial workouts from apps such as Apple Fitness+ or Peloton. These apps present a multitude of workout options, which helps eliminate the struggle of figuring out an effective plan. They also guide proper form, reducing injury risks and targeting a variety of muscles.

You likely won’t see significant muscle gains from using these apps, but your overall health can improve greatly. I personally used Apple Fitness+ for a few months at home and saw improvements in my strength and flexibility. I recently tried out a gym to compare, and while they offer different experiences, I gained a lot from working out at home.

Are you meaning bodyweight versus free weights? While achieving results is easier with free weights, it doesn’t mean you can’t do well without them. The distinction between ‘at home’ and ‘at the gym’ isn’t as meaningful as it sounds. I train exclusively at home with a rack, bar, bench, around 220kg of weights, a pull-up bar, and dumbbells; the results I attain with this equipment differ greatly from those who only use bodyweight.

Check out the /r/bodyweightfitness primer and routine. If your goal is weight gain, remember that while weight can be muscle or fat, it may be harder to develop the lower body without heavy weights.

I worked out at home for many years and dedicated everything to it, achieving great shape. I was proud to have gained my physique without a gym.

Now that I go to the gym, I find it easier to achieve intense workouts, focus on muscle groups, and yield better results. You can still achieve great results at home; just be prepared to push yourself.

I love having my home gym. I feel uncomfortable working out around others. Some personalities thrive on social experiences, which might be better suited for a gym. Don’t worry about accidentally building too much muscle; it won’t happen without intention. Building muscle is essential for achieving the ‘good shape’ you’re aiming for. If you have space, consider investing in a squat rack, barbell, and weights, but you can also accomplish a lot with dumbbells, resistance bands, and a pull-up bar.