Is going to the gym beneficial

I have been a competitive runner for over 30 years and have come to several conclusions. Running inside is better than not running at all. Running on a treadmill does not tax you as much as actually running on a track or outside, because the belt does much of the work for you. So the benefits of Treadmill running are less. There is a world of difference between 30 minutes on a treadmill and 30 minutes outside. If you run inside, try and make it is on a track and not a treadmill if at all possible. If it is a track, make sure it is not for your long runs. Keep it under 45 minutes or so and also change directions several times as your inside knee on the turns has more stress on in and there are many turns on an indoor track. Changing directions from clock-wise to counter-clockwise spreads out the stress and helps avoid knee injuries. The best possible running of course, is outside. I have run 3 hours in -25 C temperatures over the years because I live in Canada near the Rocky Mtns. and cold winters are a reality. However, I have learned over the years how to dress for it and have never had a problem. So order of preference would be....... Running outside.... Running on an outside track.... Running on an inside track.... Running on a treadmill....... Remember that some running in any manner is better than no running at all. Hope this is helpful....

I live in a country near the tropics, without the 4 seasons. Therefore, I usually do my running outdoors, in the park, or on the race track. I'm not use to running on a treadmill in the gym in air-con comfort. I like to be running outside, enjoy the sunshine, and get sweaty all over. I find it ironic to work out in an air-con environment. On the other hand, I also think a gym will be useful in a country with 4 seasons, especially during winter time, or in places where it always rain. Then running outdoor may pose a probelm. So the gym will provide an all-weather alternatives for people to work out and keep fit.

As you know I go to the gym regularly five times a week, going to the gym is more beneficial and safer. Jogging on the streets, yes you do get the fresh air but you are pounding your knees on the pavement which isn't good for your joints, depending on where you are as to the pollution in the air and depending on how safe the area is to jog in! Winter or Summer I will much prefer to go to the gym than exercise outdoors, it's a personal preference plus you do get an instructor at hand if you are doing something wrong or to give you new and different exercises to save you getting bored as well as motivation and incentive. You don't get that when you train alone. Also you can make and meet friends at the gym so going to the gym is also a social occasion as well. So the benefits of a gym far outweigh than those of going it alone.

Well I put my hands up here as the original couch potato. I have never been to a gym in my life, and hardly likely to start now - I just totally hate exercise, and have done since schooldays, where I developed the most amazing excuses for getting out of sports and gym! LOL!! Having said that, of course I realise that it is good for people to stay fit and healthy, and it can't be a bad thing to watch your weight and not be obese - guess I am just lucky that I don't put on weight no matter what I eat, so don't need a gym to stay slim! I do believe the whole ethos of going to the gym can be a little overhyped in todays' society though - to me walking, perhaps a little running, and some swimming once a week, are much more relaxed, and pleasant ways to keep fit. And I'm sure if people waked to work (or at least took public transport) instead of driving everywhere, the need for gym membership would reduce rapidly, because they would get enough exercise and fitness naturally!

I think the gym is probably good in the fact you have a lot of equipment to choose from and you are able to call on the help of trainers etc if you need it. But personally I don't go to the gym because of the cost involved, I instead have a home gym and rowing machine which I use when I can be bothered lol! but it works out a lot cheaper and means I can workout when I feel ready at a moment's notice.

I would say save yourself the money and don't get the gym membership. With so many outdoor trails all across the country you can enjoy the fresh air and get great exercise for free! There are so many things you can do outdoors to keep yourself in shape. For me I live next to a trail that extends over 50 miles, and I absolutely love to ride my bicycle a good 30 miles many days of the week. I also try to run on the trail or around my neighborhood almost every day.

I do feel that gyms are still beneficial, even though I am not currently using one. You can work with a personal trainer who can help you work on the areas of your body you want to work on. They know all the right equipment and exercises to target certain areas. The gym has various types of equipment to use. You could possibly make friends or your soulmate working out in a gym. I still prefer walks at the park or using my equipment at home but I do believe that gyms still have benefits.

It wasn't beneficial to me- It was always packed and like you said I enjoy being outside more- In the nice weather months I get tons of exercise outside- playing ball, walking, riding bikes, playing with my daughter... I couldn't see myself wasting time at the gym when it is so nice outside! But for other people the gym might be the only place they can get exercise- so I think it is a personal decision.

personally, i still believe that if we can afford it, it is still better that we avail of gym services. they can assess our improvement and they can devise a program which best fits for our condition. for some of us though who have a specific routine for exercises already, i think that it is best that we do it on our own then. we can buy some of those gadgets that we may need and we can always be one with nature while jogging, running or briskwalking.

I think the gym is mostly for people who want to stay looking good without getting hot or sweaty...lol. ya I think going to the local park is better than walking on a tread mill. Probly alot better for your mental well being also. I dont know about how it is from the womens perspective but usually when guys hit the gym they are looking to bulk up with heavy resistance training instead of just getting in shape or toned up.