I've noticed that "lifting weight" seems to be the most popular physical activity on HN. I wonder if this is an American bias.
I can see the appeal and the convenience but I personally dislike gyms. Loud music, A/C, TVs everywhere, little social interaction etc... and lifting weight is very artificial.
I much prefer practicing sport outside and/or with other people. There are a lot of fun sports, such as boxing, climbing, hiking, swimming, running, martial arts, dancing, skiing... I see a lot of people who want to start exercising going straight to a gym because they are unaware of other options.
I agree and, while not everyone can, I got around it by setting up a small home gym. I have a box I set my laptop on and get some work done between sets, helps to not have to carve out the dedicated time for going to/working out in the gym and allows me to focus on my work and my exercise. There's some start up costs depending on the equipment but they're only as high as you want them to be past ~$100, I spent ~$650 4 years ago on some nice weights, bench, and rack, dropped the gym membership, and can't recommend it enough. Bonus, my wife and kids occasionally use it.
A lot of the activity that you mentioned can be done in a gym but at the same time I would like to say there is no match to being outdoor. Short on time then hit a gym otherwise outdoors are worth it.
Weight lifting also makes you stronger and less prone to injuries.
One thing to make clear here (which I think you intend but don’t make explicit) is the difference between free weights and machines. Lifting free weights engages large groups of muscles and their coordination in balance and stabilization through the movements, which contributes greatly to injury prevention. Machines tend to isolate muscles and provide stabilization and restriction, so you don’t get these benefits.
> "For newbies, machines are great to improve their form"
Well, there we do disagree ;) The activation patterns which are crucial to balance and stabilization don't get developed when using machines, and you can build up muscles much more quickly than connective tissue (tendons and ligaments). It's all too easy to into a situation where you're strong enough to lift weight that you can't stabilize under stress, and that's when injury is likely to occur. Weak tendons and ligaments coupled with poor stabilization activation patterns is a recipe for injuries. Better to start off with lighter free weight and good form for long term health and strength.
I don't have it at hand, but I recall a trainer encouraging a progression that went along the lines of "Form, then Speed, then Weight". If this jogs anyone's memory and has a reference (perhaps with a correction or expansion), I'd appreciate it.
I can see the appeal and the convenience but I personally dislike gyms. Loud music, A/C, TVs everywhere, little social interaction etc... and lifting weight is very artificial.
I much prefer practicing sport outside and/or with other people. There are a lot of fun sports, such as boxing, climbing, hiking, swimming, running, martial arts, dancing, skiing... I see a lot of people who want to start exercising going straight to a gym because they are unaware of other options.