When it’s time to work out, many begin to wonder what’s better: working out at home or working out at the gym? Both locations provide ample pros and cons to consider when planning to break a sweat and it can take time to decipher what truly matters to you. If you’re planning a workout routine and wondering where it should take place, here’s what you should know about in-home and at-gym training.

Variety

When you’re exercising at home, you may have a few weights, but generally speaking, your house won’t have the same amount of equipment variety that you can find at a gym. To keep your workout interesting and sustain your routine for the long-term, having some variety of equipment options could be helpful. If this is the case for you, the gym may be an important element of your training program.

Pace

Another factor of your workout to consider is the pace. At home, you can generally go as slowly as you want, without feeling the need to push yourself further or comparing yourself to others in the building. While this could be helpful if you’re just starting out, it could also lead to some stagnation in your workout, or take a longer time to achieve your desired results. At the gym, you’ll be surrounded by other exercisers and may be inspired to take your pace up a notch.

Focus

Many people find a home workout convenient because they don’t even have to go outside. However, others find it distracting because, at any time, you can step away from what you’re doing and grab a snack, do some work, or otherwise get pulled away from your training. At a gym, the only thing to do is to work out, so your distractions should be minimal.

Comfort

For some, it can be exciting to experience the thrill of a new gym, getting to know a new place, and determine how you fit. For others, all of that is an experience not necessary to an effective workout. One benefit of in-home training is that you get to exercise and work toward your fitness goals in the comfort of your own home. There’s nothing unfamiliar to figure out, so you can just get straight to the exercise.

Motivation

Different people will find different settings more motivating than others. When it comes to working out, being around like-minded people in the gym may be more motivating than being at home. However, what some see as motivation, others will read as pressure. So, only you know the type of environment that will encourage you to perform as your best self.

Form

When working out, the shape of each movement matters. Improper form while stretching and strengthening can negatively impact your overall health for the long-term. In a gym, you have the benefit of working with a personal trainer who can ensure that you are moving safely and effectively.

When it comes to working out, whether you break a sweat at home or in the gym is entirely up to you. Both provide countless pros and cons, depending on your lifestyle and your personal preferences. So if you have been considering the optimal location for your workout, be sure to keep these points in mind. When you do, you’ll create the best workout for you body for the long-term.