Why You Might Be Better Off Exercising at a Gym Than at Home

Source: Two River Times

Studies have shown that physical activity can improve mood and lower the risk for various diseases, including heart disease and diabetes. But as beneficial as exercise can be, many people simply don’t make physical activity part of their regular routines — recent studies and reports have found that roughly 80 percent of adults in North America are not meeting the minimum physical activity requirements.

Where to exercise is one factor that could go a long way toward determining just how much adults exercise. Basements, attics, spare bedrooms, or garages may seem like the perfect places to create home gyms. However, the benefits of working out at a commercial gym may outweigh the convenience of exercising at home for myriad reasons.

Seven years ago the the founders of The Fort Athletic Club walked into the former Fort Monmouth fitness center and realized the potential impact the vacant building could have on the local community.

“We’ve just celebrated our one-year milestone,” said Scott Marchakitus, CEO of The Fort Athletic Club, with over 2,000 members who participate in activities as varied as basketball, pickleball and other sports. “It’s unheard of in the industry. Post COVID, a lot of people were a little scared to come back to the gym. We’ve broken numerous records, which I’m proud of.”

The club focuses on creating a welcoming environment for all members of different interests, abilities, ages and goals, recognizing the long-term impact a close-knit gym community has on individuals’ health and the surrounding area. The gym even hosts frequent charity events, many in support of causes and organizations that are brought to light by members of the gym’s community, donating the facility’s space to shed light on worthy causes.

Being a part of a gym community can also make it easier to diversify your workouts. Exercise boredom – referring to the disinterest that can develop over time as people do the same workouts for weeks, months or years, is something even the most ardent fitness enthusiast can relate to. A home gym may not be spacious enough to include many machines or amenities, whereas fitness clubs typically include enough equipment and classes to enable people to diversify their workouts as often as they’d like.

By switching up your workout routine, exercise boredom can be curbed, maintaining the enjoyment of working out. This can also support the mental health benefits that are derived from exercise, keeping activities stimulating and fun. It is no surprise that exercise not only improves your physical state, but also mental well-being.

“There’s something about working out your muscles, but it’s also something about working out your brain and feeling better about yourself,” said Champeau. “You’re working out and all of a sudden you get the endorphins and you feel better and everything’s a little brighter. We’re trying to have a platform where we can help other people get their message across in one fashion, where we make everyone feel better about themselves. To me, that’s part of the culture.”

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