The Poshest Gyms Aren’t Always the Best – Here’s Why

If you want to get stronger and feel better after exercise – which is essential because it motivates you to keep working out – you don’t need a fancy gym, last examination can be seen.

Previous studies have shown that pleasant hospital environmentwith huge windows overlooking nature can speed up a patient’s recovery, so we wanted to find out if the same could be said about treatment rooms.

For our study, we randomly assigned two groups of people aged 35 years and older with hip or knee pain to one of two treatment rooms for exercise therapy.

One group (42 people) worked out in a current room with a view of nature, plenty of sunlight and state-of-the-art exercise equipment. The other group (40 people) was sent to work out in an empty, undecorated room in the basement of a 1970s building.

One physiotherapist supervised both groups, and both the physiotherapist and the participants were unaware of the purpose of the study. In jargon, the study was “double-blind.”

For comparison, there was a third group of participants who were placed on a waiting list and did not exercise at all during the eight weeks of the study.

We asked participants to report overall improvement, pain relief, and functional improvement. We tested their aerobic capacity, muscle strength, and walking speed before and after eight weeks. We also interviewed some of the participants to better understand their experience of exercising in the two different rooms.

The analysis of the results was shrouded in secrecy to avoid the researchers influencing the results with their beliefs. For example, groups were designated A and B in the data analyses, and the interpretation of the results was agreed in writing before revealing which group practiced in which room.

Both groups saw improvement, but one group reported feeling better overall, with greater pain relief and greater improvement in function. However, there was no difference in aerobic capacity, muscle strength, or walking speed between the groups.

The third group of 21 people who simply waited saw no improvement in any of the activities they took.

Not what we expected

When the groups were revealed, it was clear that the group exercising in the senior basement room reported greater improvement when asked, “Compared to when the study began, how are your knee/hip pain problems now?” This was contrary to our expectations.

We interviewed several participants and showed them photos of the two rooms to spark a discussion about their experiences. Those who worked out in the senior room did not perceive the senior look negatively. They felt at home in the environment and expressed nostalgia because it reminded them of their senior school gym. They also felt a stronger sense of community—they were in this together and working as a team to achieve their goals.

In the novel room, the huge windows were distracting, and participants said they did not feel like part of the team. The huge wall mirrors in the novel room were also unwelcome. Participants said they did not like the look of their untrained legs and their often obese bodies.

So if you’re thinking about starting to exercise, take some time to find an exercise environment that works for you, or join a group where you have similar goals. If you can join a group and exercise in an environment that you really enjoy, you’ll augment your chances of getting fit and feeling better. And as our research shows, when it comes to exercise, it really doesn’t have to be fancy.