The Case Against Gyms

I have to admit that I am one of those people who loathes the gym.   Gyms are just not my scene or my kind of work-out   Yet, when I read this piece I had to object.

I guess what I object to is the "one size fits all" approach.   Yes, I agree that gyms are, for the most part, money suckers and you're better off getting your exercise outdoors or at home.   As someone who once lived in a cramped NYC apartment, however, I would have to say that a gym membership is somewhat of a necessity if you want to keep up a work-out regime throughout the year.  

Now that I live in the burbs and have the space to  devote to a treadmill in my home, I see no need for a gym membership (nor do I have the time to travel to and from the gym daily).    

I'm also not an "exercise class" fan either.   No Aerobics or Zumba for me, but I know plenty of women who hate running or walking and wouldn't exercise if not for Aerobics or Zumba.   

I say find what motivates you to exercise.   For me it's yoga, Tai Chi and walking, both outside and inside on the treadmill.  I also enjoy hiking and skiing as well.  

If you're someone who doesn't want to go outdoors unless the weather is between 65-70 degrees and sunny and don't have the room for a piece of in-home equipment, however, a gym membership may be the thing for you.   Ditto if you're a social animal who needs social stimulation to work out.