Gym Membership or Home Workouts: Which Is Better for Beginners?

Start TODAY trainer Stephanie Mansour says the best choice depends on personal needs, and the key is exercising consistently; gyms offer equipment and social motivation while home workouts offer convenience, privacy and lower cost.

January is a common moment for people to begin new fitness routines, and many beginners wonder whether to join a gym or work out at home. The Start TODAY episode with trainer and weight-loss coach Stephanie Mansour discusses how individual needs, lifestyle and preferences shape that choice. Mansour emphasizes that the most important factor is showing up and exercising consistently. The episode notes that gyms and home workouts each have practical advantages for beginners. Key points: - Trainer Stephanie Mansour advises choosing a setting that is convenient, motivating and enjoyable for the individual. - Gyms provide a wide range of equipment, classes and options for personal training, and the social environment can help some people form a habit. - Home workouts offer convenience, privacy and lower cost, and many effective routines (bodyweight exercise, yoga, cardio) can be done without gym equipment. - The article notes people do not have to choose only one option and can combine gym sessions with home workouts. Summary: The discussion frames the gym-versus-home choice as dependent on personal circumstances rather than a single right answer. The article reports practical starting steps mentioned on the episode, such as touring a gym or using a free trial and using apps or short daily routines for home practice, and describes these as common ways beginners explore what works for them.