Keisha Shakespeare-Blackmore, Staff Reporter
Exercising at a gym has its advantages but if you're not one who likes being around many people because you may feel intimidated, then working out at home will suit you more. - RICARDO MAKYN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
LOOKING WELL toned and having that chiselled six-pack is what many men desire. However, to look like Tyrese, you have to work hard at it. Though they want to look good, some men are too lazy or intimidated by the muscled bodies to go to work out at a gym. Working out at home has become a popular alternative.
In fact, according to a survey by the Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute, one-half of Canadian men and women did home exercise in 1995, a substantial increase since 1981. Also in 1994 a year-long study was done of 350 subjects (both supervised home exercisers and a group who reported for session at the university) at the Stanford University of Medicine in the United States. The study was to compare the effectiveness and adherence of the groups. What the researchers found was regardless of the intensity of the exercise, the home exercise group reported significantly greater adherence than those in the university-based programme.
Marcia Swyer-Forbes, psychotherapist and lecturer at G.C. Foster College in St. Catherine said that exercising at home has some benefits but has disadvantages too. She noted that for most people, exercising at home makes more efficient use of time. However, one who is not trained can get hurt if undertaking an exercise programme without supervision.
There are several advantages to exercising at home according to Edmund Burke, editor of the Complete Home Fitness Handbook:
1.People do not have to go out to a gym
2. They do not have to stand in line to use a machine.
3. They can exercise in a comfortable environment, away from raging blizzards, scorching heat, or downpours.
4. They can have a safe workout in the security of their home.
5. They won't be self-conscious, especially if they are carrying a few extra pounds.
6. They can have clean equipment that only they use.
7. They are not bombarded with loud music they may not like.
8. They have the flexibility to exercise when they want, without arranging babysitting or juggling schedules to allow all family members to do their own physical activity.
Men and home exercise: Men tell why they prefer to work out at home as oppose to working out at a gym.
ANDREW BROWN, 33, TOUR GUIDE
I choose to work out at home because it is more economical. The cost for my gym equipment is roughly the same as two months gym fee so it works out better for me. Also, I can work out whenever I want to. Working out at the gym I am surrounded by men who are more muscular than I am and they may be able to lift heavier weights than I can. In turn, I may be intimidated to follow and may end up hurting myself.
JERMAINE BROWN, 28, MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS CO-ORDINATOR
When I exercise at home, I get to pick my own time as I prefer to workout at 5:30 a.m. Also I don't have to share equipment.
BRIAN KNIGHT, 25, ACCOUNTANT/OFFICER MANAGER
I am more focused and driven when I work out on my own. The gym is too hassling and you have to share machine. Also going to the gym seems like more a social event instead of focused exercising. And working out at home offers more flexibility of time.
