While New Year’s is the prime time to see expensive gym memberships rise in number, the gym clubs continue to woman-on-treadmillmake a large profit throughout the rest of the year simply because people are locked into contracts for a membership they no longer use or for memberships they forget to cancel. Working out is definitely good for the body and the soul but why not save your hard-earned cash and do your workouts at home.

Here are 8 great reasons to ditch the gym and get healthy at home:

You Likely Already Have Some Equipment
There are probably a lot of treadmills and exercise bikes that are being used more as a clothes rack than as a source of exercise. Dust off the expensive equipment you have already invested in and put it into use. Don’t forget the numerous workout DVD’s you already own. Check online  or at the library too for free workouts or tune into the exercise channel you likely get on your cable television.

You Don’t Have to Leave Home
After working a busy day and taking care of the family, who can really stay motivated enough to leave the house again and head to the gym. If you set aside a small area in your own home that you can use to workout, you may be more inclined to stick with the program.

There Are No Set Hours
Since many gyms are not open 24/7, you may be more motivated to keep exercising when you can do it at a time convenient for you.

There Are No Lines
In some gyms, there is likely a wait for some of the more popular workout machines. Hanging around the gym waiting is certainly a time-waster. You likely have better things you could be doing. Working out at home means no lines and maybe even some multitasking, such as running in place as you load the washing machine.

Make It a Family Affair
Instead of having to find a sitter, you can get your whole family involved in one of the best and completely free forms of exercise – walking.

There is No Intimidation
Going to a gym where tons of other people, who may or may not be in better shape than you, can be intimidating and keep you from sticking with your exercise goals. Exercising at home alone or with close friends and family can make it more fun and less intimidating.

You Can Grow Into Your Routines
Instead of having to commit to hour-long classes at a gym, you can build up and change your routine according to your daily activities. Whenever you can fit in a few minutes of exercise, go for it! A little exercise each day is much better than none at all.

More Money To Spend on Rewards
When you get into a workout groove, eventually you will begin to reap the rewards of weight loss and a new and improved body. You can then use the money you would have otherwise been wasting on a gym membership to get new clothing and updated equipment to continue your workout routines at home.



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