Women on Working Out: Gyms vs. Group Camps

This is a shout out to all women! Do you get nervous sometimes when entering a gym? Not really sure how to exercise with so many equipment choices? Intimidated by the perceived notion that EVERYONE is watching you work out? Do you constantly think about how the gym may not be entirely sanitary? Tired of getting flagged down 24/7, asking if you want over-the-budget personal training?

Hold the phone! I know some of you might be gym experts, and some of you might avoid it at all costs.  I'm here to tell you that no matter what, you have options! Not ALL gyms are exactly intimidating or unfulfilling. In fact, if you keep an open mind and search around, there are several GREAT gyms out there that truly help anyone reach their fitness goals.

This post will provide you with the information to help you know what options are out there in not only the gym world, but also the world of group camp workouts. To dig a little furhter, I'm going to ask another round of questions...

Do you like working out with friends? Do you have a desire to have a personal trainer but can’t really afford one? Do you depend on accountability to reach goals? Do you like someone helping you, encouraging you, and creating individuals goals that can help you become stronger, healthier, and fit in all aspects of life? Do you like structured, fun, up-beat, full body workouts that are customized for women? How about working out with ONLY women?

I am only racking your brain here to give you an idea of the many unique and appealing options of working out. You might not like the latter set of questions and really enjoy the gym; that’s great! You might love accountability, outdoors and group settings, also great! Either way, I'd like to point out some pros and cons of both of these settings, in order to help weigh both sides and see which type is for you. Let’s look at the different ways to work out and stay fit!

Pros of Gyms
· Plenty of workout machines to choose from to focus on specific muscles
· TV (most of the time)
· Help desk
· Mirrors (usually)
· Indoors
· Co-Ed group sessions
· Personal trainers
· Great for body building and physique competition preparation

Cons of Gyms
· Too many machines to choose from (which one do you use for what muscle??)
· TV
· Intimidating
· Crowded
· May not be sanitary
· Lonely if you know no other people
· Group sessions can be hot, stinky, packed (or canceled)
· Monthly fees can be expensive
· Little accountability

Pros of Groups
· Camaraderie
· You own your own equipment
· Accountability
· Fun and personalized!
· More welcoming
· Challenging, structured workout
· Hour long workouts built for women
· Outdoor/Indoor locations
· Often more affordable than personal trainers

Cons of Groups
· Weather conditions
· Not good idea for people wanting to compete in body building or physique
· Not 100% customized
· Set workout schedule (no flexibility)

And there you have it! Of course, these bullets are only a few of the pros and cons of both sides of the spectrum. There is plenty of information out there regarding these two, and many other workout options for you! If you would like more information on suggested workouts and physical activity, check out Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations.

Written by:
Whitney Kunze Eaton
University of Texas School of Public Health
Dietetic Intern and Certified Personal Trainer (NASCF)

Photos by Whitney Kunze Eaton