Making the decision about where you choose to train can seem like an abyss of confusion, with so many pros and cons across the main locations.
Here are some of the benefits and downsides of indoor training and outdoor training.
Indoor:
Pros:
- Being indoors can offer a stable routine and consist approach.
- More motivation, as being around others can lift your energy.
- Gym Classes means plenty of variety to mix up your training.
- Training indoors provides more options for types of equipment to use.
- Monitoring progressions with some types of training can be easier, as by following a structured strength training program this can be better tracked with indoor environment stability by having the equipment to use as markers.
- No clothing worries with controlled temperatures and training at home means no worries with what to wear!
- Weather is no problem, as no matter what time of day or year it is, you’re always able to get your session in.
- Gym training usually comes with a Personal Training service – a great addition to any style of training.
Cons:
- Gym and home training can be distracting at times, with life stuff happening and the busyness of a gym at peak times.
- Lack of fresh air indoors.
- Some restrictions around gym times and class timetables.
- More expensive if you have a gym membership.
- Waiting time and/or frustration around lack of access to the equipment that you want to use.
- Travelling time if you’re working out at a gym.
- If you train at home, sometimes the people you live with can dominate your work space.
- Other people’s influences with the unplanned events that may pop up.
Outdoors:
Pros:
- Opportunity to have ‘me time’ and work alone without distraction.
- Increased activity options.
- Improved mental health with exposure to plants the can increase overall health, increase immune system and decrease cortisol levels ( stress ).
- A hit of Vitamin D by being in more sunlight.
- More energy can be used whilst training outdoors with the intensity often being greater.
- Cheaper option with no ongoing fees to pay.
- No restrictions with gym hours of operation.
- Workout with your furry friends as training with pets is really easy!
- No waiting time for equipment.
- Can feel less repetitive with the change in scenery as much as you like.
Cons:
- Weather can be tricky and unpredictable.
- Limited equipment with an outdoor setting.
- No gym based classes.
- The potential to overtrain can be heightened with increased overall input and duration of sessions or effort level.
- Decreased ability to follow at structured strength training plan.
- Restrictions to training times due to hours of daylight.
- Can be inconvenient for some that do not live close to an adequate area to work out.
Mixing up where you train can be an amazing way to cover many aspects of the benefits to each and you have total control with your approach here.
Your 12WBT Exercise Plans have you covered and have been programmed in a fashion that gives you the opportunity to maximise your results regardless of which location suits you best on any given day.
No concerns about ‘how to’ can mean less excuses and more ways to make exercise a priority.
Have fun and keep it interesting!
