The treadmill is a device, usually with a belt, that allows you to walk or run in place. Joining a gym gives you access to many different types of equipment and fitness classes. Thus, it can be tough to decide whether you should buy a treadmill for your home or join a gym.
Both have their pros and cons, but which one is the best for you? There are a lot of factors to consider when you’re trying to decide whether to buy a treadmill or join a gym. Want to know? Then you have come to the right place.
In this blog post, we’ll help you weigh the pros and cons of both options so that you can make the best decision for your health and fitness goals. Let’s get started!
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Treadmill Vs Gym – Cost
For the treadmill, you have to pay once for the machine and that’s it. You pay for gym memberships monthly, which is the primary cost comparison. Unlike a treadmill, you often have a long-term contract but pay over time (unless you buy a treadmill with a payment plan). A treadmill can endure up to 10+ years. This equals a total of $5,090 for the typical gym membership fee.
Therefore, you will still save thousands of dollars even if a treadmill malfunctions and requires a few repairs over its lifetime. A specialist should come out once a year to service a treadmill because it will need frequent maintenance. Treadmills that have been in use for at least 15 years exist. A home treadmill will win if your only consideration is cost.
Benefits of Treadmill over Gym
Availability
You can use a treadmill at any time, day or night. It doesn’t matter if it’s raining, snowing, or 100 degrees outside. You can also use it for as long as possible and as many times as you want. There are no time limits or restrictions. At a gym, you’re limited to their hours of operation.
Privacy
If you’re self-conscious about working out in front of others, a treadmill is a way to go. You can use it in the privacy of your own home without having to worry about others watching you. If you’re overweight or out of shape, you may feel embarrassed working out in front of others at the gym.
Convenience
You don’t have to drive to the gym or worry about finding a parking spot. You can just walk into your home and start working out. This is especially beneficial if you live in a big city where traffic and parking can be a nightmare.
No gym gear required
At the gym, you may feel like you need to buy special clothes and shoes to fit in. You don’t need to buy special clothes or shoes to use a treadmill. You can wear whatever you’re comfortable in
Benefits of Gym Over Treadmill
Space Requirements
A treadmill takes up a decent amount of space. The average is about 3’x5′. That’s not including the space you need around it to walk or run. If you live in a small apartment, this may not be feasible. A gym, on the other hand, doesn’t require any additional space. You can just show up and start working out.
Workout Variety
It can be easy to get bored with the same old treadmill routine. If you join a gym, you’ll have access to a variety of workout machines and classes. This will help you avoid exercise boredom and plateauing.
Social Aspect
If you’re a social person, working out at a gym can be enjoyable. You can meet new people and make friends. Working out at home by yourself can be lonely.
Childcare
Some gyms offer childcare services. This can be a godsend for parents who want to get a workout in but don’t have anyone to watch their kids.
Group Classes
The gym offers a variety of group classes that you can take. This is a great way to get motivated and stay on track with your fitness goals. You can find classes for almost any type of workout, from yoga to spin classes.
Motivation
Paying for your gym membership monthly is incredibly encouraging. Once you get a treadmill, it can be simple to stop working out. The competitive atmosphere in gyms inspires you to work harder when you see someone working out quickly or vigorously on the treadmill next to you. You are essentially the only person working out at home.
FAQs
Conclusion
Both the treadmill and the gym have their own set of benefits. It depends on your goals and lifestyle as to which one is better for you. If you’re looking for convenience and privacy, a treadmill is a great option.
The gym, however, may be a better choice if you want more variety and a social atmosphere during your workout. Whichever you choose, make sure to use it regularly and mix up your activities to avoid boredom and to see the best results.
We hope you enjoyed this article. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to us. We would love to you out with your queries. For more health and fitness tips, be sure to check out our blog. Thanks for reading!
John is a Certified Personal Trainer – Exercise Fitness Specialist who loves to share his experience to assist you reach your fitness goals.