As a CF-L2 trainer and proud owner of CrossFit Showdown, I’ve spent years helping busy moms and dads improve their lives through fitness. My passion for coaching stems from my journey as a veteran and gym owner. I’ve had the privilege of seeing the positive effects of fitness on physical health, confidence, mental resilience, and overall quality of life. Over the years, I’ve trained in different environments—from the solitude of a home gym to the high-energy atmosphere of a CrossFit class. Each has its own unique benefits and challenges, and I’m here to share my perspective to help you determine which setting might be the best fit for your fitness journey.
The Convenience of Home Workouts
Working out at home offers unmatched convenience.
You can exercise whenever it fits your schedule without the need to commute or adhere to gym hours.
If you want to get fit at home, you only need a couple pieces of equipment:
- 2-3 Pairs of dumbbells ranging from light to heavy
- Barbell with weights
- Squat rack + pull-up bar
- Concept 2 Bike Erg or Row Erg
- Plyo Box
These pieces of equipment will allow you to craft a variety of workouts to help you get fit – if you know what you are doing.
I have this exact setup in my garage and it allows me to maintain my fitness when I need to squeeze in a quick workout.
The Challenge of Working Out at Home: Motivation
While home gyms are convenient, they lack the energy and motivation that come with working out in a group setting.
Even as someone who considers themselves disciplined, I often find myself skipping workouts and cutting them short.
When working out alone, there’s no external push to go beyond your comfort zone.
This can hinder progress, especially for those who thrive on external motivation.
When you train at home, there’s no one to cheer you on, celebrate your wins, or correct your form.
There’s also no one to notice if you’re skipping workouts or not giving it your all.
A CrossFit gym, on the other hand, provides built-in accountability. Coaches and fellow members check in on you, encourage you, and help you stay consistent with your fitness goals.
Community and Accountability in CrossFit
At a CrossFit gym, you’re not just part of a class—you’re part of a community.
The camaraderie and shared effort in tackling workouts create an atmosphere of support and encouragement that’s hard to replicate at home.
You push harder when others are cheering you on, and you’re inspired by the progress of those around you.
The social aspect of CrossFit also makes workouts more enjoyable, turning fitness into something you look forward to rather than just another task on your to-do list.
What Should You Do?
If convenience and flexibility are your top priorities, a home gym might suit your lifestyle.
If you’re looking for a sense of community, structured coaching, and accountability to reach your goals faster, join a CrossFit gym.
