January is prime time for people to embark on new fitness journeys. If you’re a beginner or haven’t exercised in a long time, you may be wondering where to start, literally.
There’s the gym, which offers fancy equipment, machines, and classes. Working out at home, on the other hand, is free and convenient.
As many of us learned during the pandemic, home workouts can be very effective. But the gym is a ritual for many. So, which setting is best for beginners?
It’s a question that Start TODAY trainer and weight loss coach Stephanie Mansour gets often, especially at the start of a new year.
Whether you’re trying to stick to a 2026 resolution or want to make a lasting lifestyle change, Mansour offers a simple tip to find out where to start your fitness journey.
Trainer Tip of The Day: Exercise Wherever It’s Most Convenient, Motivating and Enjoyable
The short answer is, it depends on the individual, Mansour tells TODAY.com during an episode of the Start TODAY podcast. Your needs, lifestyle, budget and preferences will determine whether a gym membership or working out at home is better.
The most important thing is that you actually show up and exercise consistently.
“For me, mentally, it’s the gym membership,” says Mansour. You don’t need to join a gym in order to start working out, but for beginners, the gym offers several advantages.
“You see other people doing stuff. You get into the environment, you get in the zone, and you make it a habit,” says Mansour. The social atmosphere of a gym can be more motivating and fun.
There’s an abundance of equipment to meet your exercise needs, plus most gyms offer personal training for beginners. Gym memberships do cost money, but paying a monthly fee can also be a major incentive to show up.
If convenience is your priority, home workouts may be for you. “If you’ve got a gym but it’s too far away, for example, you know yourself … you’re never gonna go,” says Mansour.
Many workouts can be done from home, such as bodyweight exercises, yoga and cardio. In addition to the convenience, you get more privacy and comfort — and home workouts are often more cost-effective.
Why It Matters
During the New Year, it’s easy to overcommit to new fitness goals and get overwhelmed. As a result, many people are unable to sustain these lifestyle changes, Mansour says.
That’s why it’s crucial to find out what type of exercise and setting works best for you. Regular exercise has so many benefits for mental and physical health — you just have to keep doing it.
The most important step is committing to something and following through, even if it’s just moving for five minutes a day, says Mansour.
The good news? You don’t have to choose just one setting. You can get the most out of a gym membership and also squeeze in home workouts when it’s more convenient.
How to Get Started
Starting a new fitness routine often requires some trial and error.
Before signing up for a gym membership, tour the facility or sign up for a free trial to determine whether it’s the right environment for you.
If you hate the gym, set aside time to exercise at home. This can start with daily walks, gentle stretching or bodyweight moves.
“Get your shoes on, get your workout clothes on, hit play and go do it in front of a mirror so you can check your form,” says Mansour.
When doing home workouts, Mansour recommends building in some structure by using an app or following a daily challenge.
Start out with these workouts from the Start TODAY app:
Here are some of Mansour’s other favorite beginner-friendly workouts you can do at the gym or at home:
TODAY’s Expert Tip of the Day series is all about simple strategies to make life a little easier. Every Monday through Friday, different qualified experts share their best advice on diet, fitness, heart health, mental wellness and more.
