THE
COMPROMISE
“ 2020 , GOOD BYE AND RIDDANCE , BUT DID SOME GOOD COME FROM THE PANDEMIC AND SOME OF THE RESTRICTIONS FACED IN A TUMULTUOUS YEAR ?”
BY JOHN DOUGLAS
Some of you die hard gym goers are at a complete loss with the closure of all gyms and studios , some are adapting others are not . I feel we can all agree that everyone has mixed feelings about the restrictions imposed by our medical , scientific and political leaders , but for some this may have actually levelled the playing field for those who may not be able to afford or have the schedule flexibility to attend a gym regularly and for others who are reluctant to attend a gym for a number of personal feelings . So , let ’ s take a logical look at this conundrum and some of the adaptations fitness enthusiasts have utilized .
COMPLETE HOME GYMS - EXPENSIVE , SPACE INTENSIVE BUT CLOSE TO THE REAL EXPERIENCE
Expense and space are two major drawbacks of setting up a complete home gym . Some have more than enough space to complete a project of this size and you may even be able to find decent used equipment but don ’ t hold your breath , it is a seller ’ s market and everyone is taking advantage of this . People who have the equipment are charging premium prices .
The obvious advantage is that if you have planned and chosen your equipment properly you can have a near equivalent experience to your normal gym workout on a schedule that suits you .
The disadvantage , in this as well as any other arrangement listed after , you do have the camaraderie and motivation linked to a normal gym atmosphere . You will have to find the discipline and motivation within yourself to keep you on task .
Of course for some this is not an issue , the very serious of you don a pair of noise cancelling headphones , crank the music and can focus on just your workout , just like the gym experience .
DIGITAL TRAINING - EXPENSIVE , SPACE FRIENDLY
Peloton and Mirror are just two of the dozens of interactive equipment companies enticing the non gym enthusiast into the market . Using a combination of physical and digital resistance combined with the interactive on screen instruction has drawn more and more people to lead a more fitness oriented lifestyle .
Restrictive for a pure gym enthusiast in that you may not be able achieve the heaviest of your lifts and routines , they do offer many of the same exercises as the original gym equipment they are modelled after .
The minor advantage over a traditional home gym is the interactive component of the individual machines . Highly customizable programming allows for interaction with an instructor , group training and one to one instruction . All this comes at a relatively moderate on going cost .
Programmed apps , free and by subscription should be included here . Most require a high level of commitment and an even higher level of self discipline for any to be of benefit , but again , every little bit might help alleviate the immediate craving for the gym .
The apps and equipment cover a wide variety of exercises and routines , some can be customized to suit just about every situation .
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