Blog 7

After spending multiple weeks observing and participating in Results Fitness’s (RF) workout classes, a question I’ve been debating is whether attending a personalized training gym like RF is better than going to a traditional, public gym. To answer that question, several factors should be considered, including your long-term goals. If you’re looking to target a specific muscle group, such as the arms, chest, or legs, a big-box gym is likely the best option. If you can rely on yourself to remain disciplined and continue showing up even on days when working out is the last thing you want to do, then again, a public gym could work out. You must also be able to rely on intrinsic motivation rather than the extrinsic motivation you would receive from a coach watching over you and keeping you in line. Not to mention, many gyms are much cheaper and allow you to work out on your own schedule; so if working out at 11 PM after everything else is done fits best with your agenda, scheduled classes might not be your best option. 

However, many people are not like that and need accountability to keep them returning day after day, which is when a fitness center like Results Fitness would be more effective in your exercise journey. This gym doesn’t let anyone lift freely; instead, they offer “small group personal training“ classes, “high intensity interval training” classes, and one-on-one training sessions. They also have a $12 late cancellation fee, which, while at first might seem annoying, actually keeps people from quitting last minute when they realize what they signed themselves up for. Additionally, although it isn’t directly advertised, working out with a group of people can be an incredibly motivating experience. Above feeling less alone in your struggle to keep up with the workouts, watching other people do the same exercises as you creates a desire to keep up with the rest of the group, connecting to humans’ natural need for community and belonging.

After all this thought, I don't think there is a single answer to whether a public gym would be more efficient than a fitness center with predetermined workout classes. It entirely depends on the individual's personality, the factors that drive their motivation, and their long-term goals. Once they’ve figured those out, they can then determine where they belong.