I don't want to go to the gym anymore.

So I recently starting eating a little more (around 1700-2000) from my self imposed 1400 calories a day, and stopped going to the free school gym (I went everyday for 30 minutes, doing pretty high intensity cardio). I like the sudden change I saw; since I've been trying to lose and wasn't telling my body it was allowed to, I was surprised to have dropped a few stubborn lbs. I still am doing dance class once a week, and do short dance practice and various jumping around in my room for about 20 minutes a day. I also started working with some weights. Now I'm starting to feel unfit, without any intense cardio. My legs are starting to get a little wiggly looking from the lack of it. But because of the 3 weeks of no gym, I...don't wanna go! I don't feel deep down that it ever helped me, I'd rather bike at home or something. Unfortunately, I only go back home about once every 2 weeks. I can see that my old cardio routine really helped my legs look much better. So...not sure what I'm asking. Can I hear your opinions about home exercise routines vs. the gym? And not including videos. I used to do the 30 day shred, but I kind of like just learning dances and simple exercises. Should I suck it up and just GO?

Yes!  I know that getting there is half the battle with me.  So I tell myself it's only 20 min.  Anybody can workout for 20 min.  It's nothing.  Usually once I get moving I'm ok with it and work out for much longer.  But if this still doesn't work why don't you try choreographing your own dance routine?  You could burn lots and really tone with dancing.  I've never seen a professional dancer that wasn't in great shape.

I think you know the answer to your question already, but if you need some reasons, here are a few:  Building muscle through weight bearing activities helps you burn calories more efficiently, so that when you do any other activity, you burn faster!  It also helps build bone mass, which can help prevent injuries.  Also, it is awfully hard to get distracted from your workout at the gym, unlike your room, where you might find other things to do.  Go get your gym on!!!

I don't like to go to gyms - I prefer to work out at home for a variety of reasons.  I am borrowing a treadmill from a friend and I use that 4 days/week and have been incorporating portions of the P90X program into my workout schedule 2-3 days/week.  I started running local 5 or 10ks earlier this year to give myself a reason to get up insanely early in the morning and put my time in on the treadmill. I was getting bored with running in preparation for sporadic races so I decided a few weeks ago to train for a 1/2 marathon.  I'm following a schedule for that so I know exactly how far and what days I will be running. The schedule helps me because I can focus on what I need to do for today and there is a specific goal and target date.  I tried gym memberships in the past, but never felt comfortable working out on my own there and couldn't afford a trainer to help me focus there.  If you want to do some strength training at home, a program like P90X or Body for Life might be good to look into because they provide a lot of variety and have schedules you can follow.

I just started lifting at home but I have a basement so that makes it easier.  You don't have to go to a gym.  Walk everywhere, lift stuff, keep busy.  As long as you keep active, you'll stay fit.

Whether its going to the gym, running, swimming, whatever way you burn calories, this I know to be true.  If you hate doing it, eventually you will stop doing it.  You will look for any excuse not to do it...I have a feeling thats part of why you posted this thread.  When you reach your target weight (if weightloss is your goal) you will stop going to the gym and more than likely, keep eating the same amount, increasing your chances of gaining back. 

If I were you, I'd start looking for something that really ignites a passion in you and just so happen to burn a lot of calories as well.  You might surprise yourself.  Joining a new dance class, martial arts, mountain biking, hiking, kayaking...there are endless possibilities out there!  For me lately, its been long hikes/biking in the woods.  When I was in college, it was martial arts.  You know when you find the right thing, it feels a lot more like play than work.  Ya, you will still push your body and exert a lot of energy but you will be looking forward to it and feel great when you're done.  If the gym isn't doing that, then start looking for something else. 

I think its a psychological  trap to start thinking that the only way to burn calories is at the gym....you will end up sabotaging yourself.  Its more important to be doing something on a regular basis, and you are less likely to do that if you dread doing that activity.

thanks everyone! I actually ended up going to the gym because I was curious, and remembered how great it feels to get a little sweaty haha I think I'm going to slowly switch over to less gym dependent exercise though, since I agree with everyone who said find some fun activities that aren't so...obviously fitness oriented. so thank you again for your motivation!

No weights, no problem.

The basics of a home gym.