Should I invest in a home gym or a gym membership?

You’ve decided that you want to invest in your health and fitness goals. The number one question people ask as they begin this journey is: Between a home gym vs gym membership, which is better? Either way, you will be making a monetary investment. So how do you decide if a home gym is worth it? It’s all up to you. The benefits and features you are looking for are individual and your decision will be too. Here we will discuss the benefits of a home gym vs gym membership as well as the cost of each so you can make the right decision.

Benefits of a Home Gym

The first step in deciding if a home gym is worth it is identifying its most important benefits.

Freedom and Convenience

The biggest benefit for people who invest in a home gym is the freedom and convenience that comes along with it. In fact, that is typically the number one reason people choose to create a home gym. You can choose to work out whenever best fits your schedule. Weather, traffic, and class times don’t matter because it is right there for you to use at any time. In the long-term, this is why home gym users end up being more consistent. More convenience means fewer excuses.

Privacy

Some people find working out at a gym intimidating because they feel as though all eyes will be on them. In the privacy of your own home, you don’t have to feel self-conscious in your workout gear or while learning a new exercise. Nobody else will be watching you, so you are free to make mistakes and try new things without judgment.

No Distractions

Along with increased privacy comes fewer distractions. There will be no bothersome loud conversations between other gym members and no blaring music from others. Some people might also get distracted by comparing the weight on their bar to someone else. With a home gym, you can stay focused on your workout without getting distracted by what everyone else is doing.

Cleanliness

Since the pandemic started, people have become more aware of the cleanliness of places they visit. And the gym is absolutely no exception. With numerous people coming in and out, using the equipment while they’re sweaty, it’s no surprise gym equipment isn’t the cleanest. Working out at home means your equipment is used by just you—or a select few people. And you’re in charge of the cleaning, so you can feel confident that everything is up to your standards.

Personalize your Gym Equipment

Many people don’t consider that there are many different types of gym equipment available and simply use the ones at the gym. However, there are tons of different types of machines out there and you can find the ones that work best for you.

For example, the Stairmaster 7000PT Stepper is one of the most popular machines that we offer for a full body workout. People also love our Bodycraft VR500 Rowing Machine. It provides a complete workout and is easy to use.

Benefits of a Gym Membership

That’s not to say that there are no benefits to a gym membership. To decide if a home gym is worth it, you need to know what things you might be missing out on from a gym membership.

In-Person Instruction

This is a major reason many people choose to invest in a gym membership. In-person classes are beneficial for a number of reasons. The instructor will be able to give you one-on-one instruction to improve your form. For some people, having in-person classes is also an incentive in itself to actually show up. The camaraderie with other members of your class can also be motivation to give the class your all. While there are live streams and recorded videos you can watch at home, it just might not be enough for some people.

More Equipment

Of course, you don’t need us to tell you that building a home gym can quickly become expensive. A good gym membership comes with a wide variety of equipment, as long as no one else is using it when you need it. Everything you might need including free weights, cardio machines, pull-up bars, medicine balls, plyo boxes, and squat racks are at your disposal. This gives you a ton of options for challenging your body with different exercises. Keeping things interesting can go a long way to keeping up with your routine in the long run.

Change of Scenery

Some people might find a home gym unappealing because it’s just that—a home gym. A gym membership can be a great reason to get out of the house. Maybe you get too distracted when trying to work out at home. Whatever the reason is, getting a change of scenery can be exactly what you need.

Home Gym vs Gym Membership Cost

If you’re asking yourself if a home gym is worth it, the number one thing it comes down to is cost. So what can you expect to spend on a home gym vs gym membership? We’ll break it down for you.

Home Gym Cost

Many people can set up a good-quality home gym for between $1,000 and $3,000. This number can vary greatly, depending on the quality of items you purchase and how many different items you would like. Your training goals will be a big factor in the cost as they will determine what kind of equipment you will need.

Is a Home Gym Worth It?

The convenience alone is a reason many people invest in a home gym. For those with busy schedules, the time they can save by working out at home is priceless. In addition, you get a level of privacy and cleanliness that you can’t get in a public place. Finally, many people worry about the upfront costs of building a home gym. However, you do not have to buy everything at once or splurge on the highest-end items to build a quality home gym.

If you’ve decided a home gym is worth it and want to start your own, Fitness Warehouse has all of the equipment you need. At a variety of price points, you can find products that fit your budget and your fitness goals.