Thinking about the benefits of the gym for an outdoor person.
It is always a dilemma for me when it comes to exercising. Outdoors or the gym? Hmmm…
Benefits of Outdoors
The feeling you get from jogging outdoors is so different from being cooped up in the gym. There are more things (and people of course) to watch but it is also the sense of freedom I truly enjoy.
I am always extra cautious when running along roads though as I wear my iPod and that means I am not fully aware of my surroundings. There may just be cyclists whizzing past; another jogger trying to overtake or careless motorists. So be very alert when running on busy roads. Accidents can happen.
Running on the treadmill can get really boring and monotonous. Stationary biking seemed to go nowhere. Outdoor biking lets you cover more ground and there is a certain sense of satisfaction upon arriving at your destination. But I have to admit, I am not much of a biker – trouble with balancing on anything fewer than a 3-wheeler.
Benefits of the gym
The gym offers great advantages especially when time is tight and weather unpredictable. It is a safe alternative when you cannot find an outdoor area that is safe for running. For example, heavy traffic and lack of space and dangerous spots.
Besides, the gym is air-conditioned, so it means you can work harder and longer without the exhaustion that sets in easier in our humid climate.
There is a clear and concise way of measuring the distance or rounds you have completed, and it makes a good benchmark to push yourself more the next time.
The machines and free weights give the body another type of workout besides cardio or aerobics. Resistance training helps build muscles and tone the body.
It can get boring (both for you and your body) if the same types of resistance exercises are done. So I read many fitness magazines to get new inspirations and ideas to spice up my exercise routine so that I am never too jaded!
But I must say, on days that
