A lot of people don’t have the time to go to commercial gyms. And others simply don’t want to. That’s why they’re always in search of other ways to incorporate training into their daily routine.

Of course, that quickly leads to a discussion – which is better training outside or building a home gym and doing it inside. There’s no easy answer here, as there are benefits to both types of workouts, and it hugely depends on your personal preferences and the kind of weather that you’re facing for most of the year.

Nonetheless, in this article, we will talk about the pros and cons of both outdoor and indoor fitness in order to help you decide which one is the better option for you and your lifestyle.

Indoor Fitness – Pros & Cons

Pros

Most of us are used to working out in indoor facilities such as gyms or sports halls. And that’s because there are a lot of benefits to doing your training indoors. Let’s take a look at some of them.

1. Convenience

One of the best things about training inside is that you don’t have to tailor what you do to the time of the day or to the weather conditions. Regardless, if it’s raining, snowing, too hot, or too cold, you can always get a workout in, and you will be able to feel comfortable. Along with that, you can do it at any time that’s convenient for you – it can be early mornings, noons, late evenings, it doesn’t matter.

2. Variety

Training inside can almost never be boring, as there are so many workouts that you can do. You can choose to do cardio, HIIT training, weightlifting sessions, pilates, and yoga – the list is endless. If you have the needed space and equipment, the opportunities are endless, which is always a positive.

Cons

1. Cost

Having talked about the pros, we do have to also mention one major con to having a home gym or visiting an indoor facility. And that con is cost. Building a home gym with enough equipment – such as kettlebells, dumbbells, and a cardio machine, and with the special flooring that’s required as not to ruin your house can cost thousands of dollars. A price that not many are willing or able to pay. The option to go to a facility can also be pretty pricey – some gyms charge hundreds of dollars in monthly fees, and you also need to pay to get there.

Outdoor Fitness – Pros & Cons

Pros

1. Inexpensive

One of the biggest benefits of outdoor fitness is accessibility. You don’t need to pay for equipment or memberships; you only need some motivation, a good kit, and proper trainers to get your workout in. The most popular outdoor sports, such as running and hiking, can be done anywhere, as long as you have proper terrain and good weather. Along with that, most cities have outside training facilities with pull-up bars and other street fitness equipment that are accessible to the public free of charge. And if you’re willing to spend a bit of cash, you can get a jump rope or some resistance band and make your workouts even better.

2. Close to Nature

Training outside feels natural and easy. You can get that much-needed vitamin D from the sun, enjoy the fresh air and get in those endorphins just from being outside. Along with that, outdoor fitness is a great way to socialize with others, make friends with new people and even get a bit of tan. As humans, we’re made to move, but we’re also meant to spend time outside as it regenerates us and makes us feel better.

Cons

1. Lack of Variety

The biggest issue with working out outside is the lack of variety. There’s only so much you can do without equipment or with minimal one, and sooner or later, it can get boring. Unlike indoor facilities, where you can have treadmills and weights right next to each other, outside, in most cases, you have to make a choice – either go running or hiking or go looking for a public street fitness gym. Along with that, what activities you can take part in largely depends on the weather conditions – when it’s pouring down or when it’s too hot, it’s not really recommended to go running – unless you’re looking to make yourself sick.

In Conclusion

Both indoor and outdoor fitness have their own pros and cons. But in most cases, an indoor training facility is the much more convenient choice. Not only does it offer more variety, but it also enables you to train whenever you feel like it, without having to adjust your plans according to the weather or the time of the day.