According to the University of Oregon, “health clubs do not pose the same risk as other venues like bars and restaurants.” When COVID hit and many gyms were forced to close, many people adapted to working out from home. While working out from home can save time, having access to a gym provides many benefits which can’t be replicated in your basement. Moreover, the new research suggests that gyms aren’t the spreaders of the virus since “people are wearing masks at the gym” (University of Oregon OCG). 

I’m a gym addict, so the threat of my gym closing  would be a nightmare. Every morning I wake up at 5:25 am, get ready and go to the gym. As a person who is busy with school and work I always try to squeeze my workout before school. 

From a practical point of view, gyms can be cost effective. Gym equipment is expensive and few people have the space. The cost of a 300 pound olympic set including the 7ft bar on Amazon is $849.99. During the peak of the pandemic the prices were higher which is why I didn’t buy any gym equipment. 

“Working out at the gym is better because I do not have to worry about spending and buying equipment. I would need to find a place to make my own gym and make space. I am a busy person to be doing all of that,” admitted Benitez. 

Working out at a gym not only provides you with the equipment, but can also be very motivating. The pros about going to a gym are the classes that teach you more about fitness and the way the body functions. Also, being surrounded with the rest of the community that has similar goals makes people want to push themselves. As a member at LA Fitness, I can say that I have a lot more motivation at the gym than at home. It makes me push myself more and feel less lazy. When I’m at  home I only want to sit on my bed and procrastinate a lot. 

Working out at a gym can provide a focus free of distractions. When I am home I get distracted by chores that need to be done. In between breaks of the exercise I get lazy and end up laying on my bed. I get distracted by my family members and pets but when I’m at the gym it’s all about myself and getting in shape. 

LA Fitness located in Paramus is trying their best to keep the equipment clean and to remind the members to keep their masks on.

“I would be lazy and wouldn’t want to workout because it’s not the same experience at home and at the gym.”Emilija M. Working out at home isn’t the same as working out at the gym. It is a whole different feeling. Overall, there are pros and cons for working out at home compared to being at the gym.