My Home Workout and Gym Selection Guide for Going from 52kg to 57kg Without Wasting Money｜しゅん@脱ガリガリ大学生
I want to change my skinny physique. But in the end, which is better: home workouts or the gym?
Are you struggling with that question?
Actually, by answering just three questions, you can find hints to determine whether home workouts or the gym is right for you right now.
✅ Are you able to apply enough load with your current home workouts?
✅ Do you think you can keep up with strength training on your own?
✅ Can you secure the time and money to go to the gym?
These are the three.
You might think, ‘Is that really all?’
But if you check these before signing up, you can reduce the risk of spending money on a gym that doesn’t suit you.
In fact, I went from 52kg to 57kg (+5kg) in half a year while continuing to work out at home without going to a gym.
Of course, I didn’t just do strength training; I also reviewed my diet and sleep.
What I want to convey from this experience is that
it is not the case that ‘because you are skinny, you must go to the gym from the start’.
On the other hand, some people find gym equipment and trainer support helpful.
So, which one should you choose?
In this article, I will compare home workouts and the gym based on cost, equipment, ease of consistency, and support.
And in Chapter 6, we will go over the answers to the three questions from the beginning.
No difficult knowledge is required.
By the time you finish reading, you should be able to see whether you should continue with home workouts or consider joining a gym.
Let’s aim to stop being skinny using the method that suits you while avoiding unnecessary expenses!
1. Are you wondering, “I’ve been doing home workouts, but should I go to a gym?”
“I want to build muscle, so I started doing push-ups for now.”
“I bought dumbbells and am working out while watching YouTube.”
However, after continuing for a while, don’t you start to have questions like these?
“Will my body really get bigger if I keep working out at home like this?”
When you look at social media, you see many people lifting heavy dumbbells at the gym or people with impressive physiques, don’t you?
When you see that,
“Do I need to go to the gym to build muscle?”
you might think.
But there is no need to rush into joining a gym.
This is because what is important for building muscle is not being at the gym, but applying the appropriate load to your muscles therefore.
You can do workouts that suit your physical strength at home as well.
Of course, gyms also have benefits that you cannot get at home.
That is why you should first understand the differences between home workouts and the gym, and think about the environment you need.
2. Can skinny guys build muscle with home workouts?
To put it simply, you can build muscle with home workouts too.
“Muscle training equals lifting heavy dumbbells at the gym.”
Some people might think that.
However, muscle training includes methods that use your own body weight, like push-ups, as well as methods that use dumbbells.
The important thing is to adjust the intensity of your exercise to match your own muscle strength.
The home workouts I actually did
I used to be very skinny, standing 174cm tall and weighing 52kg.
People would call me “thin” or “scrawny,” and I lacked confidence in my body.
To build my body, I started working out at home.
For example, when training my forearms, I used a 5kg dumbbell.
When training my chest and the back of my arms, I followed YouTube videos.
I didn’t start by buying professional-grade workout equipment.
I started little by little with what I could do.
Furthermore, by reviewing my diet and sleep habits, I was able to gain 5kg in six months, going from 52kg to 57kg.
Of course, this wasn’t a result achieved solely through strength training.
It is my personal experience of reviewing my diet, strength training, and sleep together.
Therefore, it doesn’t mean that anyone who does the same thing as me will gain weight in the same way.
Even so, from my experience of building my body without going to a gym, I feel that a gym is not necessarily essential from the start.
Are there limits to home workouts?
While home workouts are easy to start, the equipment you can use is limited.
For example, suppose you have been using a 5kg dumbbell and find that you can train more easily than before.
In such cases, you might want to adjust the weight, exercises, or number of repetitions to increase the load.
However, it can be difficult to make adjustments with only the equipment you have on hand.
In such situations, a gym with various weights of dumbbells and machines can be useful.
That said, if you are getting enough load from home workouts, there is no need to force yourself to switch to a gym.
3. Comparing the differences between home workouts and the gym in 4 points!
So, which one is actually more cost-effective?
From here, let’s compare home workouts and the gym based on 4 points.
1. Cost | Which one makes it easier to keep expenses down?
Generally, it is easier to keep costs down with home workouts.
If you do strength training using your own body weight, like push-ups and squats, you can start without buying any equipment.
Even if you buy dumbbells or similar items, you can just get the equipment you personally need.
On the other hand, gyms may require monthly membership fees and initiation fees.
However, the gym also has the advantage of not needing to purchase or store equipment yourself.
If you don’t want to spend money from the start, trying home workouts first is one way to go.
2. Equipment | Which one offers more options for how to train?
In terms of the variety of equipment, the gym has the advantage.
Gyms often have machines for training your chest, back, legs, etc., as well as dumbbells of various weights.
Being able to use equipment that is difficult to keep at home is a big appeal, isn’t it?
On the other hand, home workouts can be limited in the equipment you can use.
However, just because you have less equipment doesn’t mean you can’t do strength training.
It’s fine to start with exercises you can do at home and improve your environment as needed.
3. Consistency | Which one is easier to keep up?
The answer to this varies from person to person.
The advantage of home workouts is that you can start as soon as you feel like it.
Since it takes no travel time, it should be easy to incorporate even on busy days.
However, there are also temptations at home such as the TV, games, and your smartphone.
Some people may have had the experience of thinking, “I’ll do it later,” and then never actually doing it.
On the other hand, since a gym is a place for working out, some people feel it is easier to focus there.
However, it can also become a hassle to commute.
Think about whether you are more likely to continue if you are at home, or if you can focus better by changing your environment.
Try to think about it by picturing your daily life.
4. Support | Which is easier to get workout guidance from?
With home workouts, you often proceed with your training on your own while referring to videos and articles.
There is the benefit of being able to work at your own pace while looking up things you don’t understand.
However,
“Is this form correct?”
“Which exercises should I do?”
You may find yourself wondering things like these.
For such people, a gym where you can receive guidance from a trainer is an option.
However, not all gyms offer individual instruction.
Be sure to check the details of the support before joining.
A quick comparison of home workouts and gyms!
Comparison Point Home Workout Gym Cost Easy to keep low Monthly fees, etc. are required Equipment Primarily uses equipment you have on hand Many options for machines and weights Continuity Can start without travel Has an environment where it is easy to focus on training Support Often requires self-research Some facilities offer instruction
*There are differences depending on the type of gym and your home equipment.
When you compare them like this, you can see that both have their advantages.
That is why you don’t need to join a gym just because it seems more impressive.
4. People like this should start with home workouts!
After reading this far,
you might have thought,
“Maybe I’m still fine with home workouts after all.”
In particular, the following types of people might find that starting with home workouts is the right approach for them.
1. People who have just started strength training
If you are not yet used to strength training, there are ways to learn the basic movements at home first.
Try starting with exercises you can do according to your own fitness level, such as push-ups and squats.
Focus on performing them with the correct form rather than forcing yourself to increase the number of repetitions.
2. People who don’t want to spend much money
For students or those who have just started working, monthly gym fees can be a significant expense.
“I want to try strength training without spending money first.”
If that’s you, it’s perfectly fine to start with methods you can do at home.
3. People who can keep up with strength training at home
“I’ll work out when I get home from school.”
“I’ll move my body a little before dinner.”
If you can make it a habit at home like that, home workouts are a convenient option.
4. People who are already getting enough resistance with their current equipment
If you are able to do workouts that suit you with the equipment you have at home, there is no need to rush to change your environment.
What is important is not the location, but being able to consistently continue the training that suits you now without strain.
5. People who should consider joining a gym!
On the other hand, if you have the following concerns, it is worth considering a gym.
1. People who find it difficult to increase the load with home equipment
For example, if the dumbbells you have are no longer providing enough resistance.
While you could buy more equipment, a gym offers a wider range of weights and machines.
It is especially convenient for those who want to train various parts of the body, such as the chest, back, and legs.
2. People who want to be taught proper workout form
“I watch videos, but I wonder if I’m really doing it right?”
I think there are people who feel anxious like that.
In such cases, an environment where you can consult with a trainer is helpful.
Especially for those who are new to strength training or find it difficult to check their form on their own, you should prioritize a support system.
3. People who cannot concentrate on strength training at home
I myself used to stay up late playing games with friends.
Since there are many fun things at home, there are days when it is difficult to act according to plan, right?
“I tend to put it off when I’m at home”
For those who feel this way, using a gym might make it easier to focus on strength training.
However, just joining doesn’t mean you will keep it up.
It is also important to consider whether the distance and time are convenient for you to go without strain.
4. For those who want to try various machines
“I want to train not just my chest, but also my back and legs thoroughly.”
“I want to try training other than just dumbbells.”
For people like this, a gym is also an option.
Since equipment varies by gym, it is a good idea to check if they have the machines you want to use during a tour or trial session.
6. Checking the answers to the 3 questions! Are you a home workout person or a gym person?
How did you answer the 3 questions introduced at the beginning?
From here on, let’s check together which is more suitable for you, home workouts or the gym, based on your answers.
“Should I continue working out at home or join a gym?”
If you are unsure, please read this while comparing it with your own answers.
Question 1: Are you getting enough load with your current home workouts?
First, think about the strength training you are currently doing.
For those who answered “Yes”
If you are able to train at an intensity that suits you with your current equipment, continuing with home workouts might be the right method for you.
Let’s continue without overdoing it while adjusting the number of repetitions and types of exercises.
For those who answered “No”
“It’s difficult to adjust the load with my current equipment.”
“I want to try more types of exercises.”
If this is the case, it is a reason to consider a gym.
However, there are also ways to buy additional equipment or change your exercise routine.
You don’t need to join a gym right away.
Question 2: Do you think you can continue strength training on your own?
Next, you should consider whether you need support.
For those who answered “Yes”
If you feel you can continue strength training on your own by referring to videos and articles, you can start with home workouts.
However, if you are unsure about your form, it is important not to push yourself and to consult a professional.
For those who answered “No”
“I’m not confident in my form”
“I don’t know what I should be doing”
“I find it hard to keep going when I’m alone”
If you feel this way, an environment where you can consult with a trainer might be helpful.
In particular, you should consider gyms that offer support for beginners.
Question 3: Can you secure the time and money to go to the gym?
Finally, consider how it fits into your lifestyle.
For those who answered “Yes”
If you have a budget you can comfortably afford and can make time in your life to go to the gym, then the gym is an option for you.
If there is a facility you are interested in, try comparing their fees and equipment.
For those who answered “No”
“Paying a monthly membership fee is difficult”
“I don’t think I can secure the time to go”
If that is the case, you don’t need to sign up right away.
Start by continuing your home workouts and getting your daily rhythm in order.
What is the summary of the three answers?
People who seem suited for home workouts
-
You are already getting a sufficient workout with your current equipment
-
You think you can keep it up on your own
-
You want to keep gym costs as low as possible
For people like this, continuing with your current home workout routine might be the right fit.
People who might want to consider a gym
-
It is difficult to adjust the load with your home equipment
-
You want someone to teach you proper form and routines
-
There is a gym that is easy to commute to, and you can afford the fees without strain
For people like this, it is worth considering a gym tour or trial session.
People who fit into both categories
Of course, you don’t have to choose just one.
There is also the option of doing home workouts regularly and using facility or trainer support only when necessary.
Also, you can choose home workouts now and reconsider a gym a few months later.
The important thing is to choose according to your current situation.
These three questions are not a test to force you to choose one or the other.
Use them as a tool to organize the environment you need and avoid unnecessary expenses.
7. If you want to start going to the gym, first learn how to choose one
Having read this far,
“I might want to try out a gym!”
some of you may have thought.
However, there is one thing I want you to be careful about here.
That is, do not join a gym you are interested in immediately.
Just because a gym has a low monthly fee does not necessarily mean it is right for you.
For example,
“It was cheap, but it was far from home and I couldn’t keep it up”
“I joined, but I didn’t know how to use the machines”
“I didn’t look closely at the cancellation terms”
You want to avoid things like these, right?
That is why you should check the following points before joining.
✅ Is it easy to get to from your home, school, or workplace?
✅ Are there any initiation fees or additional costs besides the monthly fee?
✅ Does it have equipment that is easy for beginners to use?
✅ Can you get taught how to use the machines?
✅ Can you tour or try out the facility?
Especially for strength training beginners, whether it is an environment where it is easy to ask questions is also important.
That said,
“There are so many types of gyms that I don’t know which one to choose…”
You probably think that, right?
For those people, I have detailed how beginners can choose a gym without losing out in another article.
I introduce everything from how to compare prices to what you should check before joining.
▶ Related Article: “Must-see for skinny guys! How to choose a gym without losing out”
If you are considering a gym, please read it before you sign up.
8. Summary | Whether it’s home workouts or the gym, the important thing is to keep going
Thank you for reading until the end.
This time, I introduced the differences between home workouts and the gym for those struggling with a skinny physique.
Once again, I will summarize what I want to convey in this article.
Benefits of home workouts
Benefits of the gym
-
Can use various machines and weights
-
There is an environment where you can focus on muscle training
-
Depending on the facility, you can consult with a trainer
Both have their good points.
That is precisely why,
“I’m too skinny, so I have to go to the gym.”
There is no need to think that way.
I myself worked on muscle training at home using 5kg dumbbells and YouTube.
I also reviewed my diet and sleep, and my weight went from 52kg to 57kg in half a year.
What I felt from this experience is that rather than preparing a perfect environment from the start, it is important to continue what you can do without overexerting yourself. That is what I learned.
Just because you want to build muscle, you don’t have to force yourself to do muscle training every day.
Don’t just focus on muscle training; let’s also value diet and rest.
The first step you can take today
Finally, there is something I want you to try doing today.
That is to answer the three questions introduced at the beginning once more.
1. Are you applying enough load with your current home workout?
2. Do you think you can continue muscle training even on your own?
3. Can you secure the time and money to go to the gym?
Compared to before you read the article, have your answers changed?
“I think I’ll stick with home workouts after all.”
Some people might have thought that.
“I think it would be better for me to have the support of a gym.”
Some people might have realized that.
Either way is fine.
The important thing is not to follow others, but to choose the method that suits you right now.
It is perfectly fine to decide to stick with home workouts.
It is also fine to go and visit a gym.
Don’t rush; let’s aim to stop being skinny at your own pace!
If you have become interested in joining a gym, please take a look at this article as well.
▶ ‘A Must-Read for Skinny Guys! How to Choose a Gym Without Wasting Money’
If you found this article even a little bit helpful, I would be happy if you could let me know by clicking the ‘Like’ button.
Thank you for reading until the end.
*This article is based on the author’s own experience with body transformation and general strength training information. There are individual differences in how muscle is gained and how weight changes.
*If you feel pain, do not force yourself to continue training, and if you have concerns about your health, please consult a medical professional or other expert.
