So, you've made up your mind to start your fitness journey and stay in shape. Great decision! But here's the thing: it comes with a price tag.
Whether you're considering signing up for a gym membership or setting up your own home gym, both are essential to kickstart your journey to your dream physique.
Now, if you're scratching your head, torn between taking the plunge and building a home gym or sticking to a gym membership, don't worry. We’ve got you covered with this handy article that might just help you make up your mind and will add to the debate of home gyms vs gym memberships!
Is A Gym Membership Worth It?
Going to a commercial gym has been a staple option for fitness enthusiasts for years and is unlikely this choice will be beaten anytime soon. We’ll first take a look into whether a gym membership is worth it, explore the pros and cons and see where it fits in with your fitness journey.
The Pros
Motivation
Maintaining a consistent level of motivation on your fitness journey can sometimes be a real struggle. However, being in a gym environment can truly work wonders in providing that much-needed burst of energy and motivation to power through your workouts.
On the other hand, when working out at a home or garage gym, it's all too easy to get sidetracked and lose focus, which can result in longer workout sessions.
By surrounding yourself with like-minded fitness enthusiasts at a gym, you'll find yourself propelled in the right direction, with their contagious energy and dedication rubbing off on you.
Additionally, the subtle pressure of not wanting to hog a machine or equipment for too long in a shared gym acts as a fantastic motivator to complete your workout without any unnecessary procrastination.
The Facilities
When it comes to gym memberships, one of the standout benefits lies in the incredible array of amenities and facilities they offer. From cutting-edge equipment and a wide range of fitness classes to the guidance of personal trainers and access to valuable resources, gyms create an ideal setting for achieving your fitness aspirations.
But wait, there's more!
Some gym memberships, particularly the more upscale ones, come bundled with exciting extras like saunas, swimming pools, spas, and other luxurious perks. These additional features enhance the enjoyment and convenience of your workout sessions, taking them to a whole new level.
With such an impressive selection of amenities at your disposal, it's no surprise that gym memberships remain the top choice for many fitness enthusiasts.
Range Of Equipment
One major advantage of investing in a gym membership is the opportunity to access a wide range of cutting-edge gym equipment.
Gyms have the financial means to invest significant amounts of money in state-of-the-art gear, including everything from advanced half-power racks to intricate multi-movement machines. Let's face it, unless you're quite affluent, having such equipment in your home would be nearly impossible.
By obtaining a gym membership, you gain the privilege of utilising these incredible fitness resources without having to bear the upfront costs.
The Cons
It Takes Time
While there are numerous advantages to having a gym membership, it's important to acknowledge one potential drawback: the time commitment involved.
The process of commuting to the gym, finding parking, changing into workout attire, and dealing with lockers can consume valuable moments that could otherwise be spent enjoying your leisure time outside of work.
Big Crowds
One notable drawback of gyms is the occasional overcrowding, especially during peak periods like the pre-summer rush or the start of the year when enthusiastic individuals flock to shape their ideal physique.
It can be frustrating to encounter equipment wait times or feel confined to a limited workout space, which might diminish your motivation to achieve your fitness goals through a gym membership.
Nevertheless, it's crucial to emphasise that not all gyms suffer from such issues, and the level of overcrowding varies depending on the specific gym you choose. It's worth exploring different options to find a gym that offers a more spacious and enjoyable workout environment, tailored to your needs.
Is A Home Gym Worth It?
Now onto the other side of the coin, is a home gym worth it? We’ll take a deeper look into the pros and cons of building your own home gym and will determine how it fits into your fitness journey.
The Pros
No Monthly Membership Costs
By setting up your own home or garage gym, you can completely bypass the burden of monthly membership fees.
Instead of continually paying to essentially "rent" gym equipment, you have the opportunity to invest in your own gear that will be yours to keep for years to come.
This approach not only results in long-term financial savings but also grants you the freedom to personalise your home gym according to your specific needs and preferences.
Whether you envision creating a serene yoga area or setting up a dedicated squat rack station, you have the flexibility to customise your space to align perfectly with your fitness goals.
No Wasted Time
One of the most wonderful aspects of owning a home gym is the elimination of time wasted on commuting to a gym.
Now, whether it's early morning or right after you return from work, you have the freedom to fit in a workout whenever it suits you best. No more waiting in queues for weight benches when you have one right at home, ready for your exclusive use.
It's all about maximising convenience and efficiency while ensuring a seamless workout experience.
A Personalised Workout Experience
Having a home gym offers another significant benefit: the ability to design a personalised workout environment. Every aspect is under your control, from selecting the ideal gym flooring to curating the perfect music playlist and setting the temperature to create the desired atmosphere.
You have the power to shape the ambience precisely as you envision it.
Furthermore, with a home gym, you can tailor the equipment and layout to perfectly suit your unique fitness requirements. This customisation empowers you to achieve optimal results in the comfort and convenience of your own home.
The Cons
No Healthy Competition
While having a home gym offers numerous advantages, it's important to acknowledge that the absence of workout partners can be seen as a downside for some.
Unlike in a bustling commercial gym where you can observe and compete with others, a home gym may lack that external motivation that comes from friendly competition.
Requires Space
Creating a full-fledged home gym requires a significant amount of space, particularly when considering items like power racks, bench racks, and Olympic barbells.
The need for adequate space to accommodate all the equipment, whether it's a spare room or a garage, is a luxury that not everyone possesses.
This limitation can sometimes impact the decision to start on a home gym journey.
The Cost
While there are numerous benefits to starting your own home gym, it's important to acknowledge one significant drawback: the initial investment costs.
Building the perfect home gym can indeed be a substantial expense.
However, it's worth noting that depending on your current fitness journey, it might be more practical to gradually invest in essential equipment like dumbbells, weight plates, and other gym necessities, rather than purchasing everything at once.
How Much Does A Home Gym Cost?
Now that we've explored the pros and cons of having a home gym versus a gym membership, let's delve into the cost aspect of setting up a home gym.
On average, a budget-friendly home gym can range from £2500 to £5000 (source), encompassing all the essential equipment needed to embark on your fitness journey.
This includes items such as a treadmill, an exercise bike, a rowing machine, weights and dumbbells, rubber gym flooring tiles, a basic squat rack, and a weight bench – essentially, all the bells and whistles.
While this initial investment may appear substantial when compared to the average monthly gym membership fee of £40 (source), it's important to recognise the value that investing in a home gym can bring. Let's consider the numbers:
- After one year, £40 x 12 = £480.
- After five years, £40 x 60 = £2400.
While it may seem that paying for a gym membership is still less expensive than the initial cost of a home gym after five years, it's crucial to note that someone who has opted for a home gym will still possess all the equipment, whereas a regular gym-goer will have nothing to show for their accumulated membership fees (except an amazing body).
Investing in a home gym provides a tangible asset that retains its value beyond the initial costs, making it a wise long-term choice for fitness enthusiasts.
What’s The Verdict; Home Gym Vs Gym Membership
As you might have anticipated, the debate between home gyms and gym memberships offers numerous options to consider.
While we may have a slight bias towards home gym equipment, we acknowledge that gyms are an excellent choice for individuals embarking on their fitness journey.
They provide a diverse range of amenities, a wide array of equipment options, and eliminate the need to rearrange your home's layout.
However, despite the common perception that building a home gym is a hassle and a significant investment, here at Exersci, we assure you that our gym packages and affordable equipment options make the process of creating your dream home gym both feasible and enjoyable.
Additionally, why rush the process of building your ideal garage gym?
At Exersci, our equipment can be acquired gradually, allowing you to savour every step of your fitness journey. From dumbbells to clips, each purchase adds to the excitement and satisfaction of creating a personalised space that suits your unique fitness goals.
And if you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact us at contact@exersci.co.uk or call us on 0330 175 6260. We're always here to help you reach your fitness goals!