Pros and Cons of GYM

Apparently I don’t know about you, but I actually tend to touch dumbbells when I go to the gym. Not only that, but I always have to adjust the exercise bike seat height! Now, I can definitely avoid yoga mats by bringing my own, and I rarely ,use a locker room shower any more. But, to consider the fact that every damn thing has two sides. This  article will get you thinking about the good and bad points of public gyms .
 So, here’s my take. 

THE PROS 

1)HEALTH AND MIND: Obviously, the video above is perfect example : PEOPLE WATCHING! Let’s face it, treadmill running, or elliptical training, or stationary cycling, or (fill-in-the-blank) for 30 minutes at 70% of your estimated maximum heart rate can be BORING. Watching those around you, especially when they are doing unusual things, can be very entertaining.

2)DIFFERENT EQUIPMENTS: My gym is a great example of this. I could stay all day, and not have enough time to try every machine. It’s fascinating. For an exercise nerd like me, it’s like being a kid in a candy shop! Well, let’s see…I can use dumbbells, or barbells, or cables, or stack machines, or take a group weight lifting class. The possibilities are endless. 

3) VICARIOUS EXPERIENCES: If you are short on inspiration or motivation, the gym can be a perfect remedy. All you need to do is look around. There are always people there who can provide inspiration. You can see yourself in others, and aspire to push yourself a little harder. When I see a woman who can do 10 pull ups, I am both impressed and motivated to work harder, because, darn it, if she can do it, so can I! 

4) PORTABLE FACILITIES: Let’s say you get sick of your “usual” aerobic or lifting routines. Check out the group classes!  you can choose from anything from “Zumba” to kick-boxing to group “body bar” classes to yoga and what not of your choice. Never even THINK of a boring exercise session again!

5) SOCIAL LIFE: Working out alone, either jogging or lifting weights in your living room, is kind of lonely, isn't it? A gym is a much more social experience, even if you don’t know anyone around. There are people there! You can talk with them, or not, but you are not alone. You might even make friends with people there. Some people have hooked up romantically after gazing from afar for months at the gym…

6) GUIDANCE: Let’s say you have no clue what you are doing, for instance. At a gym, you can a) watch what others are doing on the machine in question, or b) ask for help. There are people who get paid to answer your questions. And there are people who are just FREE ADVISERS. And, of course, there are people who want to answer all of what they perceive to be your unspoken questions but frankly they go on the other column. Last, if you are economically well then you can even hire PERSONAL TRAINERS to design ur workout plan accordingly.

THE CONS

1) CONTIGUOUSNESS : This one is easy and most heard of. GERMS!!! Gyms are germ havens. Ask around, I bet you can’t find any self-respecting microbiologist at your gym. They know better. Now, this freaks out many “normal” people . Imagine how it might affect those with sensitive immune. If you have a transplant, forget about it…there’s no way you should go into a gym. So this is serious business. I go back and forth on this, and I am addicted to my gym! The best I can say is if you are like me, and can’t stay away from your gym, wash your hands…wash your hands…maintain your cleanliness!!! And until you can wash your hand after touching the machines or weights, keep your hands AWAY FROM YOUR FACE. And avoid the locker rooms…and the yoga mats.

2) INCONVENIENCES : Getting dressed, packing your bag and water, finding your keys, driving down the way , returning home because you forgot your membership card, and driving to the gym takes unwanted time. Sometimes even more than your workout time. This is not efficient use of time, nor is it good for the environment. The worst part is that often this series of events presents an insurmountable obstacle to the exercise itself. 

3) BEING “NOTICED”:” This one is only sometimes the case for people with observable health issues: When I look or sound sick like coughing you know it can be embarrassing to exercise in public. Once I was at the end of a course of IV antibiotics, and I went to the gym with my PICS, infusing Tobramycin. I was on the treadmill, jogging I think, and this guy came up and asked what was wrong with my arm. “Nothing,” I responded, “ I'm just getting antibiotics for a lung infection.” I wish I had words for the look on his face. He truly thought I was a nut case that should perhaps be carted off in a straitjacket. At least I wasn't dancing.