If you're one of those people who join a gym every January – dare you tot up how much you've spent to date? One set of statistics recently revealed that by the time a woman reaches her 40s she has spent on average a whopping £150,000 (yes!) on lapsed gym memberships, equipment, diets and weight loss products. Wow.

It's smelly and stuffy

Need I say more? You've been in there.

It involves extra travel

Lots of studies have shown that if you dare to venture home after work before a scheduled gym workout, then you're much less likely to drum up the motivation to turn up. If you chose an exercise such as jogging, cycling, power walking or Nordic Walking so you can launch out right from your front doorstep it's likely that you could have finished your workout before you've even stepped on to the treadmill. Lack of time is cited as one of the top reasons people fail to exercise – so don't add travel time to each end of your sessions.

It's a circus

Ever feel that some people like to well...show off in the gym? They do! It's their stage for the day to put on a Mr Universe act. Again. For the more self conscious amongst us – and for newcomers to exercise that's just about everybody – the gym environment can prove to be a regular ordeal.

You miss out on a great mood boost

There's nothing to beat the sheer exhiliration of getting out into the fresh air. Faced with a freezing, snowy day in Bournemouth today the temptation to stay behind closed doors was high. I opted for some computer work instead but felt sluggish and weary until I gave up and decided to put the icy temperatures to the test on an hours (slippery) walk. The effects on my general mood and sense of wellbeing were absolutely amazing. In my opinion this is the major area where the gym fails to deliver.

It's less of a workout!

Yes really. I know you can notch up the effort level on the cardio machines or add extra weights but nothing compares to the random nature of the workout offered in the outdoors. You have to deal with obstacles, changing weather, sudden inclines and descents. Far more challenging.

It's boring

You have the option of music or TV to entertain but you can't combine the gym with other interests. Go on a hike and watch out for the wildlife or budding photographers take your camera along. Play badminton or tennis and make exercise a part of your social life rather than leaving your socialising until after your lone workout.

It's antisocial

The sight of all those people locked in their own world not uttering a word to each other is rather sad.

So in 2010, instead of doing what everyone else in the gym is doing, do something different.