by Gary St. Jock

Created on: December 13, 2009

There are many benefits to weight training from the comfort of your own home. The initial investment of purchasing all of the equipment and free weights for a total workout can be a little steep compared to a membership at a gym. Depending on the workout program you select you may only need a small set of weights, bands, or a kettle bell. Weight training programs can be of many combinations and exercises depending on the goals you are attempting to achieve. The majority of people are looking to slim down and accentuate the muscles in hot spots such as the arms, thighs, butt and abdomen. Some are looking to increase their strength for power lifting, or a sport. Still some wish to achieve size for competing in the sport of bodybuilding.

One of the most beneficial parts of training at home is you can never say you don't have time to make it to the gym. Sometimes traveling to the gym, working out for an hour and traveling back home takes too much time. Perhaps you are juggling a family with small children, or you have a meeting in two hours and all that running around will make you late. Having the convenience of working out at home will save you a lot of time, not too mention the motivation of seeing all your equipment right in front of you when you get home.

Another great benefit of weight training at home is your ability to work out in any manner you like. Maybe you like to let out a loud scream as you pump out the last rep on a really heavy set or you simply want to do curls until you are gasping for breathe and just rest there and recover. These things would get you awkward stares, reprimand from management or even being banned from the establishment. Some athletes use chalk when lifting heavier weights, certain gyms do not allow this and have rules barring its use. Dead lifting is a very popular exercise for working the back muscles; many gyms will not allow members to perform it due to risk of injury. While you are home working out all of these rules or stigmas do not apply, allowing you to use all the exercises weight training has to offer.

Many gyms or fitness centers subscribe to a satellite music service, which churns out a steady mix of one genre or decade's worth of greatest hits. Many people at the gym can be seen with mp3 players so they can provide their own soundtrack. When you are at home you can play whatever you like during your workouts. Sometimes the sound you want the most is silence and a commercial gym simply cannot provide you with that luxury.

Another benefit you will certainly enjoy is your own shower. The facilities at gyms are not always the most sanitary atmosphere for your post work out rinse. Having your shower down the hall makes your wait time disappear, towels are your own and there cleanliness can be assured. Maybe you like to soak in a hot bathe when you have finished working up a good sweat, with a supplement drink or ice pack allowing your muscles to relax and speeding up recovery.  

One more final benefit of weight training at home is the money you save not paying a monthly membership to a gym. By having the equipment at home from your one time start up purchase you don't pay a dime to pick up heavy weights. Some gym fees are higher than others due to having a popular name or sponsor behind them. These gyms offer little advice for the extra dollar. Weight training at home is a great idea for anyone looking to save time, be unconventional or simply save some money.

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