Pick a Spot

Everybody has their own place that they prefer to do their workouts. Many walkers and runners find the outdoors to be the best place place for them to that ever so important workout in. Others find that they like the social aspects of a fitness club. A lot of people are the most comfortable doing their workout at home.

There is no right or wrong place to work out. The important thing is that you find the right place for you so that you will continue your commitment to fitness. I personally have gone the whole route when it comes to exercising. I started out taking classes at the local community college which eventually led to my teaching the classes. I think that group fitness can be one of the most motivating experiences if you do not mind participating in exercise with a group of people. The instructor often sets the tone of the class. The right instructor with the right group of people along with super charged music and fun routines will have people going back for more day after day.

I have both, worked at a fitness club and been a member of a fitness club. I personally was not always comfortable in this type of atmosphere as a client or as an instructor. I found the competition for clothing, exercise machines, trainers and space not very desirable. However, fitness clubs do have a lot to offer their clients. Many have flexible hours compatible with the working crowd. Early morning hours, lunch hours and the time in between the workday's end and the dinner hour are very popular for many and the clubs tend to staff the clubs and offer fitness classes at these times for convenience. Memberships can come with perks like "free" gym bags and water bottles. It's all individual.

I spent a lot of fitness years walking outdoors. I found that if I put music that I loved on a walkman I could go forever. My favorite route was walking the neighbourhood especially in the nice weather. Walking or running on paved surfaces can have it's toll on the knees and back after a while though.

My favorite workout environment is in my own home. For many years I worked out in my living room. You do not need an elaborate set up for home workouts. Many people purchase expensive equipment such as treadmills. If you are inclined to use equipment and if it keeps you motivated then by all means go for it. Setting up a workout environment in your home does not have to be costly. If you have a DVD player or VCR with a television set up in an area where you have room to move, you could start right there. There are numerous videos and DVDs to chose from for all levels of fitness. To go with your videos you might need some resistance equipment. Resistance bands, dumbbells and body bars are relatively cheap. You will need various weights or levels of resistance to allow for progressive resistance. Also, the larger muscles need more of a load than do the smaller muscle groups. You might consider a step for step aerobics and for strength training. The step can double as a weight bench. For floor work, a nice mat is in order. Make sure you have the proper footwear for your activity and comfortable clothing such as shorts and T-shirts. Keep lots of water close by.

The one disadvantage of home workouts is the chance of interruption. If you can unplug the phone or lower the ring tone, the voice mail can pick up for you. If you can workout while alone you won't have someone around to interrupt with questions or comments.

Wherever you decide to workout, try to stick with it. If you find it unbearable, then try another environment. One of them will work out for you so pick your spot.