Physical Wellness

Is the Gym the Best Place for Exercise?

By Joie M Gahum | Update Date: Feb 07, 2017 07:40 AM EST

Getting fit is one of the most common goals for people. Recent studies indicate that going to the gym instead of staying at home or doing other physical activities makes a person more active. Gym members were also reported to be 14 times more aerobically active compared to people who are not members of health clubs.

Latest studies reveal that hitting the gym may help you achieve your health goals faster, The Guardian reports. Gym members were observed to exercise more compared to non-members. They spend less time sitting, have lower heart-rates, smaller waists and have stronger hearts.  Their lungs also function better and have stronger muscle mass compared to those who do not go to the gym. Both men and women gym members showed similar results.

Lead author of the study, Elizabeth C. Schroeder of the Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition of the University of Illinois, conducted the study to 405 subjects between ages 30 to 64, a common demographic among gym members. Non-gym members were also included in the research.

Her findings also showed that gym members who do a lot of resistant training have stronger muscles, reduced blood pressure and has increased metabolic rates.

Meanwhile, WebMD claims that building muscles and burning calories can be done without the aid of gym machines and other equipment. Going out in the sun helps build stronger muscles, thanks to the natural Vitamin D available in sunlight. Brisk walking, abdominal exercises, and push-ups can also be conveniently done at home or even outdoors.

To have an effective fitness program at home, including a warmup, cardiovascular workouts, resistance and strength training, flexibility moves and a cooldown in a home exercise routine is necessary.

The study is conducted not only to show a link between gym membership and exercise. This also shows that more active people will most likely join gyms. 

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